Professional Discovery: FBI Agent

Introduction

The United States is considered as the greatest country in the world, a factor that puts it at risk of both internal and external terrorist attacks. As an individual passionate about the peace and prosperity of my nation and people, I believe that a career in law enforcement will help me to achieve my dreams, which include protecting American and non-Americans from internal and external attacks. I am inspired by the commitment and passion of numerous policer officers who besides securing our neighborhoods also offer services such as that done by Aaron Bulmer, who saved a drowning 4-year old from a freezing pond. However, since I understand the essence of law and order in our society, I believe I can make a difference as a law enforcement officer in the society. In addition, I am hardworking, trustworthy, honorable, intelligent, and patriotic, all qualities needed to pursue career as an FBI agent or a Philadelphia police officer.

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Requirements of Entry

The responsibilities of FBI are demanding, exacting, and challenging, but also very rewarding. Considering the specialized nature of FBI agents, the bureau has extremely strict entry requirements. To qualify for training as an FBI agent, a candidate must possess the right level of education, physical, and mental traits, as well the correct background. Prospective agents must have a bachelor's degree and an overall GPA of 3.0 (The Federal Bureau of Investigations, 2007). They must also have at least three years working experience in a law enforcement field. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, must have knowledge of American federal laws, police work and firearms, and other essential skills. Also, the candidate must be American citizens between the ages of 23 and 37. They must pass a compulsory polygraph examination and drug test, have a clean criminal record, and possess a valid driver's license.

For a career as a Philadelphia police officer, candidates must fulfill several eligibility standards and administrative steps. Some of these requirements are similar to other states such as a minimum age of twenty-one, proof of US citizenship, and must possess a valid driver's license. Also, all candidates must be registers residents of Philadelphia by the time they are hired by the state. There is, however, the state offers a grace period of six month for registration.

Several academic requirements must be completed by candidates aspiring to become police officers in the state of Philadelphia. Depending on the individuals' prior experience in the military, four options determine eligibility. Academically, candidates must prove they have the required academic qualifications. Potential police officers are required to have completed at least sixty college credits from a credited institution. Individuals with a GED and two years working experience in the military can also train to become police officers in Philadelphia. The state also considers individuals who have been certified law enforcement officers for one-year, in three years preceding the closing date of applications. All potential officers must have a GED and complete a mandatory Police Explorers Cadet Programs.

Description of the Job

There is normally no typical day for an FBI agent. Since agents are tasked with enforcing different federal laws, their days' activities differ depending on the threats facing the country. In normal circumstances, a typical day begins at 1900hrs. Agents are required to show up at the field office to meet with the rest of their team members for an update on ongoing cases. Depending on the results of the meetings, agent can be required to stay in their respective offices and go through files pertaining to their cases, or go the field to pursue more leads. Office hours also are normally determined on the security threats facing the country. FBI agents have the chance to pursue different careers including profilers, special agents, surveillance professionals, forensic accountants, and linguistics. The salary figures differ depending on the agents' job description. For instance, a special agent receives $127,772 per year, with field agents receiving $94,097 and $87,966 for intelligence analysts. FBI agents receive all the benefits of federal government workers. They have a maximum of twenty-six paid vacation days a year, thirteen sick leave days, ten holidays, and fifteen days military leave. The FBI agency also offers various health plans for the agents and their immediate families. The government also offers a flexible spending account program, which allows agents to set aside up-to $5000 tax free for medical expenses. The most impressive aspect about being a FBI agent is the chance to protect Americans from internal and external harm.

Like the FBI agents, Philadelphia police officers do not have a typical day as their roles revolve around the security issues facing the state. Depending on the shifts, police officers are required to show up at the department officers for briefing. After the meeting, the officers use their assigned cars to drive around their assigned territories to ensure law and order. They are also tasked with ensuring that all automobiles operate under the minimum speed limit and the drivers observe all required state traffic laws. In case on emergency, a dispatcher communicates with the officers and gives information about the street name, nature of emergency, and potential threats. Philadelphia police officers receive and annual salary of $52, 424. They also have access to different pension plans, performance bonuses, retiree health and medical insurance policies, life insurance covers, health , dental, accidental death and dismemberment insurance covers as well as holiday, military, family, sick, maternity/paternity, and childcare paid leaves. The state allows for officers to purse different career paths including fish and game wardens, state police and highway patrol officers, and transit and railroad officers. For police officers, one of the most exciting aspects of their jobs is the chance to protect and maintain law and order in the community.

The Profession Today

My career choice is heavily influenced by the desire to ensure peace, law, and order in the society. The FBI is, however, currently faced by various issues that threaten the safety and security of the entire nation. Since the Patriotic bill was signed into law, the American society has become increasingly concerned with the power, legal and physical tools, and the unprecedented secrecy of the FBI. The society has continually maintained that this entity defiles the several federal laws, including the right to privacy. Another issue concerns the issues associated with the used of new technology. Innovations such as DNA analysis, fingerprint technology, and facial recognition have continually been challenged by defense attorneys and members of the public (United States, 2006). Another issue is concerned with the increase and complexity of crimes. Crimes, especially those concerning different nations or citizens are extremely complex and in some cases, impossible to investigate conclusively. The FBI agents are access to current career trends such as criminal psychology, linguistics, and profilers.

The Philadelphia police officers are also faced with the issue of the increase and complexity crimes. With innovations brought by technology, the number of crime has hiked and has become quite complex for the police force. Also, some police officers have been accused of accepting bribes, a factor that has continually deteriorated the safety and security of the state (White, 1999). Another issue faced by these officers is the existence of racial prejudice in the society. Members of the minority groups sometimes accuse officers of police profiling and racial prejudice, a factor that limits the efforts of the police force (Perez, 1994). Several police trends have emerged in the last couple of years. Officers can today train as criminal profiler and psychologists equipping them with more skills needs to effectively investigate crimes.

From Here to There

To become an FBI agent, I will need to acquire a bachelor's degree and then gain some considerable work experience probably working in the juvenile corrections. After working for three years, I will complete the FBI application process required by the government. I also intent to keep fit through regular fitness exercises. After my application has been approved, I will join the West Point for Law Enforcement Academy in Quantico, in Virginia. Since I am not a resident of Virginia, I will have to relocate. I will, however, find a way to overcome my financial issues, which may limit my chances of acquiring a bachelor's degree. I intend to apply for school grants and ask for help from my family to help me pay my university fees. As a student, I can work as an office assistant or a freelance writer to help pay for my university fees.

To become a police officer in Philadelphia, I will need to have a high-school diploma and reside in the Philadelphia for at least six months prior to becoming an officer. I will also possess a valid driver's license. I will enroll for training at the Philadelphia police academy and hopefully, after thirty weeks, I will graduate as an officer of the State of Philadelphia. For this training, I will not need to relocate or need of money to cater for my training. As a student, I can work as a freelance writer or an assistant in various businesses around the state. To get employment in the state, I will use my family's influence to ask various potential employers for work.

Job Advertisement

Special Agents

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta

Job Summary

As an agent, you will be required to use your talents and skills, and bring your integrity to a team working to get ahead of threats, protect the people, and uphold the American constitution. Your responsibilities will include, but not limited to testifying in court, speaking at community events, interviewing subjects, and planning security operations. FBI agents are tasked with seeking out cyber thieves, overseeing terrorism investigations, and infiltrating crime rings. The applicants must pass mandatory physical requirements and complete a training program at Quantico.

Duties

FBI special agents are problem solvers equipped with leadership and analytical skills. Their ability to adapt to situations, communicate with peers, management, and important stakeholders contribute to national safety. As an agent, you will be required to use innovative and established strategies to handle challenging situations. This position requires commitment and dedication. Even though individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, the agency is looking for individuals that are familiar with:

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (Stem)
• Foreign languages, preferably Russian, Spanish, Yoruba, Punjabi, and Tagalog, Urdu
• Law- applicant must be experienced lawyers
• Military experience - applicants must have experience with SWAT and bomb technology
• Education- applicants must be holders of a bachelor degree

Key Requirements

• Applicants must be older that twenty three and thirty seven
• They must obtain Top Secret Clearance
• Must have a valid American driver's license
• Must meet all FBI's fitness requirements
• Must be ready to serve as Special agents for three years

Work Experience

All applicants must have three years working experience, unless they are protected by a waiver. Individuals with experience in Information technology, computer science, and accounting are preferred. It should, however, be noted that meeting the requirements of a waiver will not guarantee one will be deemed competitive.

Automatic Disqualifiers

Individuals convicted of crime, those on drugs, and those in default of students loans are unqualified to apply. Also, applicants w...