DEA Special Agents are employed by the Drug Enforcement Administration, a branch of the United States Department of Justice.
The outlook for DEA special agents is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for law enforcement officers will grow by 7% from 2016 to 2026. This growth is attributed to an increase in crime rates and the need to replace retiring officers.
DEA special agents are paid according to the General Schedule (GS) payscale. The starting salary for a GS-7 agent is $41,365 per year. With experience, agents can earn up to $126,148 per year.
What to Include in a DEA Special Agent Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
DEA Special Agent Responsibilities:
- Serve as a representative of the DEA in foreign countries and work with foreign counterparts to investigate and prosecute international drug trafficking organizations.
- Investigate and prosecute organizations and individuals who smuggle drugs into the United States.
- Investigate and prosecute organizations and individuals who manufacture and distribute drugs.
- Collect and analyze intelligence on drug trafficking organizations.
- Conduct undercover operations.
- Coordinate the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in drug investigations.
- Train law enforcement officers on drug investigations.
- Serve as a resource for the public on drug matters.
Education & Skills
DEA Special Agent Skills:
- DEA special agents are highly skilled in conducting criminal investigations. They are also proficient in firearms, defensive tactics, and first aid.
DEA Special Agent Education Requirements:
- DEA Special Agents have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 36 years old, and they must be able to pass a background check, vision exam, drug test, physical fitness test, and polygraph.
DEA Special Agent Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear [employer name],
I am writing to apply for the position of DEA Special Agent with the United States Department of Justice. I have a bachelor’s degree in political science and I have more than six years of experience working as an analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense. In my current position, I conduct intelligence analysis and help to formulate objectives, policies, and procedures related to counter-terrorism.
With over 5 years of experience as a DEA Special Agent, I am adept in undercover operations, crime scene investigations, and criminal investigations. Moreover, while my on-the-job experience has afforded me a well-rounded skill set, including first-rate leadership and decision making abilities, I excel at:
- Undercover Operations.
- Crime Scene Investigations.
- Criminal Investigations.
In addition to my experience and personal qualities, I have a solid educational foundation and a passion for law enforcement. Please review my attached resume for additional details regarding my expertise and career achievements. I will follow up to request an appointment to discuss how my experience and background meet your needs.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
When writing your DEA special agent cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills and experience that would make you a valuable asset to the agency.
Additionally, be sure to tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for, and highlight how your skills and experience would make you the perfect candidate for the job.
Refer to our DEA Special Agent Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
