Can someone become a DEA employee/possible agent without any experience?

6 comments

1. I was offered a DEA gig straight out of law school and turned it down cuz I’m not a fucking narc

2. Technically yes, although you stand a really low chance of getting the job. They’ll occasionally hire college graduates with no experience. I don’t think you would have a realistic chance with no experience AND no relevant training/education, though

   https://www.criminaljusticedegreeschools.com/careers/dea-agent/#:~:text=DEA%20agents%20must%20be%2021,bachelor's%20degree%20or%20professional%20experience.

3. According to their website these are the general requirements:

   * Must be 21 years old, and no older than 36 years old at the time of appointment
   * Hold U.S. citizenship
   * Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license
   * Be willing to relocate anywhere in the U.S.
   * Able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance
   * Be in excellent physical condition
   * Be willing and able to carry and handle firearms

   On top of that they have really intense physical qualifications, and you need to go through a year long process that includes:

   * Qualifications review
   * Written assessment and panel interview
   * Drug test
   * Medical examination
   * Physical task assessment
   * Polygraph examination
   * Psychological assessment
   * Full-field background investigation
   * Final hiring decision

   So sounds like you can join without law enforcement experience or anything, but it’s insanely hard to get the job regardless of whether you have some type of law enforcement experience or not.

4. Usually you need to know somebody who can recommend you.

5. The DEA has all sorts of employees that do non law enforcement stuff in addition to the law enforcement stuff. You’re odds of getting hired without blatant nepotism, an employee reference or having some specialized education/training is probably pretty small though.

6. You don’t necessarily need experience but you’ll go through a rigorous training program and start out at the bottom of the barrel.