Dea/atf

[Warrior_one]

I have been looking into other agencies and I had some questions about the DEA and ATF
I have done a lot of research about the FBI, so in terms of their hiring standards how competative are the DEA and ATF compared to the FBI? I am planning on getting a Law Degree, plus a BA in political science, and either a major or minor in spanish. I wont be able to afford law school so I probably will get a job with a local PD for a couple years while i go to school part time. With all of this, how will I rate if I apply to these federal agencies? I know it may not be top par for the FBI, but is it any different for the DEA or ATF?

I know this sort of sounds like one of my earlier postings... but any info would be greatly appreciated! :D

BTW, I tried to capitolize the agency names in the title but it wont stay capitalized... no disrespect intended

[K-9MALY]

You got some big dreams brudda! Good for you, and as long as you put a disclaimer on your capitalization your off the hook.
From my casual observations and experiences with having friends in all three agencies, I would tell you that all are tough to get. All three have distinctive missions, but at times come back to overlap and work with each other. In my personal opinion, you will get more LE experience for your buck from the ATF and DEA over the FBI. That doesn't mean that you won't have your chances with the FBI, but the other two agencies generally go and kick the social misfits from under thier rocks.

I know some agencies won't want to hear about your plans of leaving them in a "couple of years", so be judicious in mentioning it. Also, you will be still a greenhorn at two years in a PD, so don't expect too much in the way of specialized assignments.

[Warrior_one]

I know some agencies won't want to hear about your plans of leaving them in a "couple of years", so be judicious in mentioning it. Also, you will be still a greenhorn at two years in a PD, so don't expect too much in the way of specialized assignments.

Yeah thats a good point, but I was actually looking more at 5-6 years with the department. First im going to go through the academy, then go to law school part time for about 4 years, then work there while I go through the application processes for where ever I apply.

One other question I forgot to ask for the DEA... does anyone know if you can apply before you finish school, or must you have the degree in hand before you apply like the FBI?

Thanks

[ASUsundevil5]

Usually DEA requires you have a degree in hand first, but on the website they note "applicants who have a finance/accounting degree can appply 3 months prior to graduation". In addition, I forgot who it was on RP, but he/she applied like jr. year of college and was able to secure an 1811 position after graduation. So, I do not if it's a set rule, or that the agency looks over it on an individual basis, if you have desired skills. In addition, the application process can take 1-2.5+ yrs to get on board, so it does take time. (i.e. for me to score this upcoming Federal Internship for the spring semester, took about 10 months)...

[Nole795]

My opinion is that ATF is one of the hardest agencies to get on with. DEA and the Feebs have a constant recruiting drive and open announcement. ATF has short spurts of application acceptance. Normally their window is open for a few days to receive apps then it closes for god knows how long.

[Kimble]

My opinion is that ATF is one of the hardest agencies to get on with. DEA and the Feebs have a constant recruiting drive and open announcement. ATF has short spurts of application acceptance. Normally their window is open for a few days to receive apps then it closes for god knows how long.

Nole,

I've heard that the best means to apply to ATF is to contact the local FO, let them know you're interested, and they can contact you when they accept applications. Can you confirm this from what you've heard?

[Nole795]

Nole,

I've heard that the best means to apply to ATF is to contact the local FO, let them know you're interested, and they can contact you when they accept applications. Can you confirm this from what you've heard?

Ros, I have no idea on their hiring. The ATF agents I worked with have been on for a number of years and came on when they were under Treasury. I dont know what their protocal is.

My guess is that would be the best way to get in, to contact a recruiter. Another thing I would recommend is asking what forms they need for their application process. Have it filled out already so when the window opens up you wont be crunching to get the paperwork done.

Also keep a copy of everything you send out. When I went through the process with my agency, HQ called me and said I forgot to send in some forms. I knew that was bull because I had copies of everything I sent in. So I had to make more copies and mail it back to them.

[Sobie28]

The ATF has had a number of openings recently. They have had testing in Dallas, New York, Kansas city, and now Philidelphia(sorry spelling). The next site is in Phoenix. After that I have heard it will be back in New York. You have to check the recruitment number on their website. The openings are only for 3 days to get everything in. I had my panel with them in Nov. Still waiting on next phase. Good luck.

[ASUsundevil5]

sobie - are these 1811 slots? I better jump on that phx site opening then!:D

[Kimble]

sobie - are these 1811 slots? I better jump on that phx site opening then!:D

Yes, these are for Special Agent (1811) slots.

[Group9]

The two best ways to get started when looking for a job with DEA is:
1. Go to the web site DEA.gov
2. Call you local office and sign up for an orientation session.

Policies and hiring priorities change so often in DEA that I hesitate to give definitive advice when it may affect someone's career plans. The orientation, especially, ensures getting up to date information on the latest policies.

[Sobie28]

This is the only number that can give you info on possible upcoming openings. 202-648-9100. Other than that no way to know, unless your connected like me..jk Im pretty sure its too late for the Phoenix announcement. It came out the same time as Phily and KO. And yes they're all for 1811 slots.

[Warrior_one]

The two best ways to get started when looking for a job with DEA is:
1. Go to the web site DEA.gov
2. Call you local office and sign up for an orientation session.

Policies and hiring priorities change so often in DEA that I hesitate to give definitive advice when it may affect someone's career plans. The orientation, especially, ensures getting up to date information on the latest policies.

I was looking at the website earlier and from what it looks like they don't have any orientations in Hawaii. The closest one they have is in Las Angeles... though I plan to move back to Southern California anyway.

I have heard of a couple people getting hired right out of college for the DEA, is it possible to begin the hiring process before I graduate, or is it a waist of time without enough on my resume?

Thanks

[ASUsundevil5]

Like I mentioned earlier in the thread, ACC/Finance backgrounds can apply up to 3 months prior to graduation. Some students can get away applying early before graduation as the process is timely. I would go ahead and give it a chance. Good luck!

[Group9]

I was looking at the website earlier and from what it looks like they don't have any orientations in Hawaii. The closest one they have is in Las Angeles... though I plan to move back to Southern California anyway.

I have heard of a couple people getting hired right out of college for the DEA, is it possible to begin the hiring process before I graduate, or is it a waist of time without enough on my resume?

Thanks

In the very recent past, it has been possible to apply while still in college. It probably still is. But, there is a Field Division office in Honolulu that you should be able to go to and talk to a recruiter.