How and Why I became a DEA Special Agent
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Prior to becoming a Catholic deacon, I worked in law enforcement, specifically as a DEA Special Agent for 27 years. This is the first of a two part series on how and why I joined DEA. The second will address my years as a DEA Agent in Miami (1986-1993).
I was actually debating and thinking about going DEA once I get out of the military and I’m super glad I stumbled across this UA-cam channel , thank for all the important info!
Thanks.
does one have to have military backgound to be a dea agent? is it a must
@@miguelortega3027 no
I like how even if he’s talking about an agency that I’m not specifically interested in, he still provides a lot of very useful information that can really help you
Thanks
Great job passing your knowledge to the next generation of Special Agent Applicants! This advice is based on *actual* experience and is invaluable to potential applicants. Thank you.
thanks.
Thanks
Hey sir. Great video. I’m from Illinois as well. Currently active duty enlisted in the Air Force. I’d very much like to join a 3 letter agency either in FBI or DEA but leaning towards DEA. Seems less stringent to get into than FBI. Any advice.
You definitely will need a 4 yr degree, so your GI Bill will be useful. If you have a good gpa, you will be able to enter without prior police experience. The DEA is currently taking applications thru December 31. You can major in just abt any field. if you speak a foreign language that is in your favor. Apply to FBI, DEA, and all the others. I did. The DEA is the only one that worked out, I didnt qualify for an interview with the others. Good luck and feel free to write me at jbenisek@swoycc.org anytime.
Any advice for a young lady who's interested in working for the FBI/DEA one day? I'm going to be starting a new job in security soon and I was wondering if that's good experience to have to get my foot in the door? I also plan to go back to school to get my bachelors in criminal justice since I know a lot of these positions require higher education. I would appreciate any feedback!
Stay drug free, stay out of trouble, finish your degree (or a JD AKA Law degree ). Try to pick up a language or two if you've the aptitude for it. Keep up your level of physical fitness as best you can. Female special agent applicants are extremely valuable, so you've a leg up on the males. After applying and filling out the initial information form, you head to your closest regional office after getting the go ahead. You'll go there for your written tests and panel interview. Sometimes, you might take the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) first so be prepared for it. Hope this helps and good luck! 😎👍
PS: This is the DEA process, I'm unsure of the FBI's process but supposedly it is very similar. DEA is special, they were founded by president Nixon himself. ^_^
Hello Sir - I appreciate the video, it was filled with great insight. I am actually in Phase II and III for a few different agencies currently: FBI, DEA, and Secret Service. What is your brief thought on the 3 if you had to choose one to start a career with? Maybe this discussion could be better had through email, let me know. Thank you!
Sorry for the delay. My picks would be FBI (1), DEA (2) and Secret Service (3)
I read somewhere, many years ago, that after SA Enrique "Kiki" Camarena Salazar was murdered in 1985, that American Federal law enforcement, realizing the Cartels had finally crossed a line once unthinkable of being crossed, had the CIA pay a "little visit" to the heads of the cartels at the time, and gave them a very chilling and nefarious warning: that if ever another American law enforcement officer or agent was kidnapped and/or murdered, that the US intelligence community and US special operations would retaliate in kind, with the murder of family members of the heads of the Cartels. This secret threat, if real and true, of course, guaranteed that no further actions would be taken against our law enforcement officers or agents since, and this kept things from escalating into a full covert war. As a supporter of law enforcement, a patriot, and a movie fan, I imagine a scenario where a cartel boss comes home to his villa, after a night out, he kisses his children asleep, tells his wife good night, tells his security detail "I'll see you in the morning," and then retires to his office, only to find a lone CIA officer waiting for him in the dark, sitting in a chair, waiting to have that talk about retaliation. So, is there any truth or validity to this story from back in the 90s? Or have I seen too many Jack Ryan movies? lol
I actually have some info about that, but I am a bit worried abt putting it out there. But the bottom line is if anyone kills DEA or any federal agent, they will probably end up dead, either killed by LE, the crime family or execution. A few did make it to prison.
2 years late but kiki camerena’s government threw him under the bus when he was investigating the cartel. Specifically the CIA when he found out a CIA operative was working with the cartels, he was told to shut down his investigation into the operative known as “felix ” I believe? Then the rest is history. They say it’s just the cartels that killed the federal agent, but it was his own government that helped put him in the ground. if you need a source there’s a documentary where another DEA agent talks about his experience, he says he puts his own life in danger just by mentioning it but he’s okay with that as he lived a good life. The former director of the DEA “Jack lawn” also had to get involved and address the issue, although we know from experience politicians lie through their teeth.
hello sir i am a senior in highschool going into college and i am very interested in having a career in either the FBI, DEA, or the Secret Service and am very on the fence on which i should put more research and time into, in your opinion which agency is worth more than the others for what i want to do in a career as a special agent. i would also love to talk more about the hiring process of the DEA and how long it took and also the training.
I'm not the guy in the video but I can, if you want, give you some more information about those government agencies.
FBI is all federal case type stuff, so you'll be doing lots of different things. The hiring process is very competitive, and it is pretty hard to get into the FBI. You'll need to be okay with relocating if the Bureau needs you to. Generally for the first couple of years in the FBI you'll be doing more mundane tasks and handling some pretty boring cases, but after you become more experienced you could be dealing with a lot more exciting cases.
DEA is also pretty hard to get into, the academy is considered (from what I have heard) one of the hardest, if not the hardest, out of all the American government agencies. You'll be doing drug cases (obviously), like arresting drug traffickers, taking down drug and money launderers, seize assets, and much more. The FBI does do this stuff as well, but the DEA is more focused on the 'drug' parts.
Now Secret Service I do not know much about, but from a video I watched and some research, it is definitely a very stressful and hard job to do. You have to live with the fact that if you fail your mission (like failing to protect the president from an assassination), you'll be one of the only people that has ever failed a mission in the Secret Service. This job is also very demanding, and you need to have great skill to be able to get into the Secret Service.
FBI training is generally 20-22 weeks long, DEA training is roughly 18 weeks (from what I have heard), and Secret Service training is first a 10 week training, then another 18 week training, which totals to 28 weeks, but it may be more or less.
If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask them, though I'm only 15 and also trying to get into the FBI or DEA.
@@zentipede7024 Good answer. I have some videos on FBI, DEA and Secret Service, so pls take a look. Time flies and it is good that you have a goal at such a young age.
@@federallawenforcementcaree9900 Thanks! I'll definitely be sure to take a look at your videos.
Hello I’m here to ask how hard was the working on the DEA ? Because I’m really interested on working in the DEA and thank you for your survice.
It was a tough career, just like any law enforcement. Narcotics law enforcement and DEA in specific are very difficult because of the long hours and frequent moves. The good news is that it is the adventure of a lifetime and provides a good retirement after 20 years of service. As federal agencies go, I would still go to DEA if I could do it all over again.
@@federallawenforcementcaree9900 thank you
Great video sir, and I thank you for your service to the nation. I recently graduated and earned my Bachelor's degree in Art, prior to that I had completed and earned my Associate of Arts degree. I am fluent and proficient in Spanish as well. So I called my local DEA division office last month to get start a Special Agent application, and I submitted that. What are the chances of getting hired on as an agent with no experience in Law Enforcement and no Criminal Justice degree? Many thanks sir.
I didnt have any substantive law enforcement experience unless working in a jail as part of the sheriff's dept qualifies, so you have a good chance if you are qualified and do well in all of your testing.
@@federallawenforcementcaree9900 Thank you sir!
I’m close to finishing my masters and definitely going to apply to a DEA agency and hopefully from there Secret service or DEA SRT and I am in top tier shape any advice? Thanks in advance, very informative video. Keep it up!
How is it going
what are you getting your masters in
@@bini2851 good almost done decided to apply police academy after and do that for couple years and do FBI pipeline. To HRT
Hello sir! Thank you for your service! I’m not sure if you mention in the video but did you go through a polygraph exam as well?
When I joined in 1985 all they did was the background investigation. I had been through two polygraphs for LE agencies.
Very informative.
Great info for the newbies that are thinking about coming in. I retired from the US Marshals and I wish I would had went to DEA.
Wait, why? I’m currently looking into both agencies and would greatly appreciate your perspective.
I am a Junior in HS. I want to pursue a career in law enforcement( Not interested in Law enforcement cus of Tv shows) Do you prefer or suggest any college degrees that help me out in future ?
How likely is it for me to join the DEA with a bachelors degree in criminal justice only?
If you have a strong gpa, you will be eligible to apply. If you have any special skills such as accounting, computer science, foreign language, your chance is even better. I would recommend applying if you have a degree and meet the requirements.
Have you applied anywhere
I met and got to know three (3) DEA Agents in New Mexico ; all three confessed to being in it for the Bribes and Kickbacks. No disrespect etc...just sayin.
Do you have a email or social media profile you could be reached?
It all started with a girl and guy. One day the guy bought the girl flowers and she decided to kick the guy in jewels by dropping him for a narco. Guy joins the DEA and locks her and narco up. And they all lived….ahem well the DEA agent got his revenge 😅
I don’t know if you will ever see this but can I contact you for advice. I’m an army vet, just got out of active currently in the guard. My m.o.s was 11b (infantry) I actually want to go DEA and plan to go into law enforcement to get a secure position
Sure jbenisek@swoycc.org
@@federallawenforcementcaree9900 much obliged
How and why I became a dead man walking with a target on his back at all times
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Would you recommend someone joining the national guard or reserves over active duty if they want to pursue a degree
So basically I either have to have a degree or have prior police experience... well that really bummed me out. I have neither of those qualifications... I really wanted to Work for the DEA.
And does national guard get veteran’s preference on federal jobs as well
Hello. Thank you for your service. Can you provide a good email address? I have a few questions I would like to ask offline if possible.
Which 1811's can I do in my hometown of miami, FL? BOP? I'm a US Marine
I'm trying to do a federal agency job. Is there any way to do it without the college degree?
Oh snap!!!! I went to WIU too for LEJA, graduated Spring 2013. About to transition from the Military AC to RC, and hopefully work federal 🤞🏾
Hi, Thank you for your video. I applied for the FBI and I made it to the 3-panel interview in Phase II. I, unfortunately, did not make it to the conditional offer. I am looking into the DEA who I contracted with due to my language. Do you have any advice?
Yes. Apply to the DEA and Secret Service, both of which are hiring. Doing well at the interview panel is a learned skill. I have sat on many and just about anyone has the necessary experience to pass, but given that they had no idea what to expect, they suddenly find themselves with big questions to answer verbally in front of a panel with no time to think. Practicing your interview skills is important, even go so far as to acquire a computer camera and draw random questions and answer them and record your response to see how you can do better. Sorry you didnt get the CO, but you did make it far and I have no doubt that you will be successful if you keep trying.
what was hard about the panel interview is the application process for fbi difficult
Same here
Hii I have a question if I’m a RN can I become in a DEA agent ?
It would be great if you could do one for the DEA Intelligence Research Specialist!
Having trouble debating on applying and leaving my current job as a LEO.. swing shift gets old.. and relocation is risky.. but would you say feds over local pd?
Thanks for the video. What is the process for getting into the DEA aviation division? Is there a certain amount of time that is needed to be spent as a special agent before becoming a pilot?
About 3 years. Once you are in the air wing, you probably will be there for your career.
Thank you!
Can you be 39 years old and get a job working for them
I’ll die behind those three letters. Stay strong 💪
Really interested in joining the dea thank you for the information and I want to join a elite police unit was wondering what is a good option
Rakazone fans give us a sign
What was your degree?
Semper Fi Brother
Semper Fi.
If you had the goal to become a dea agent right after high school, would you choose to go to college first or would you choose to get a military background first?
Or if you chose to get a little bit of a law enforcement background what would you choose first?
You have to be 21 I’d do military for a few years and then try both plans sound great though
I sorry to asked for your email address. I recently had issue with my phone which lost all my data in my email.
flecfuture@gmail.com
Check your email in a few minutes.
What’s going on sir. You think someone wanting to become a DEA agent should go to college after the military and get a degree then apply or try to apply after the military? Thank you
Probably get an associate degree a 2 year degree instructor of the full 4 and apply
Do you think you can make a vid on how a day to day life it is for a DEA special agent? Like how much paperwork is done,what you do in the paperwork, how often did you get to see action, ect.
Depending on your duty station you will be in the office 75 to 80% of the time. If you want action go to a local or state agency. Something a lot of people don't realize is DEA Agents scope is not that big. Basically you are there for drug cases only. If your suspect runs you delegate it to the US Marshals. It's not like tv
Oh and you will write a lot of reports.
Dea militares empericas
My goal
Hello sir, you said different law enforcement agencies turned you down, what is your guess on what those reasons were? I want to know so I can avoid those things. Thank you!
Hi I applied to the San Diego PD and CHP when I got out of the military. The CHP dropped me because my uncorrected vision was less than 20/40. The PD told me flat out that they thought at 22 I needed more time to mature and advised me to get some college and come back. I did go to college but I didnt go back to them. I was also turned down by the Secret Service which turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I dont like bodyguard type duties. Of all federal agencies, the DEA and ICE are the most enforcement oriented.
@@federallawenforcementcaree9900 ok, thanks for responding! My plan is to go to the military in the intel field, go to college, then apply to the FBI
Good plan. FBI over DEA any day.
@@federallawenforcementcaree9900 What about the USMS?
@@MrSbigden ua-cam.com/video/OBSSFhbqPiU/v-deo.html.
I’m 21 and I’m heading towards my last year of college. I plan on applying to the DEA after I do a couple of years in local law enforcement. I just wanted to thank you for telling us your story, it honestly made me nervous but I’ve been waiting for this all my life. So thank you
Thank you.
Good luck