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How to Become a Narcotics Officer

Narcotics officers, also known as Narcotics Agents, work for local and state law enforcement agencies. The federal government has various agencies, like the DEA, FBI, ATF and Marshals Service that often work collectively with state and local agencies during investigations. Narcotics officers enforce local, state and federal narcotics laws.

The first step is to apply and be selected as a new recruit in a law enforcement agency. Narcotics officers most often begin their career as a police officer or related law enforcement officer. Requirements to become a law enforcement officer vary by department or agency, but will typically require applicants to hold a high school diploma or equivalent, possess a current driver's license, be a U.S. citizen, and graduate from the a P.O.S.T. certified basic academy. Age requirements vary by department and it is a wise idea to inquire with your local department or the department you would like to join as to what their specific requirements are.

Law enforcement officers are paid very good salaries and have exceptional benefits packages, in most cases. The ailing economy and resulting job cuts have significantly increased the number of qualified candidates for entry-level law enforcement positions. Completing P.O.S.T. certification and an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration or a related field can provide a competitive advantage when applying for a limited number of positions. Not to mention, most law enforcement agencies look favorably on those who have taken the initiative to earn these credentials prior to applying and pay higher salaries to those who do. Most all federal law enforcement agencies require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree.

Back to the narcotics officer pathway. With a few years of law enforcement experience an officer becomes eligible to write or test for promotions and special assignments, such as to a Narcotics Task Force. These exams can be extremely competitive due to the corresponding pay raises that accompany the promotion. Any and all additional experience, education and skills become critical in setting oneself apart from other candidates. Officers must also possess characteristics such as honesty, integrity, accountability, dedication, professionalism, respect and teamwork oriented.

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What Does a Narcotics Officer Do?

Narcotics officers enforce local, state and federal narcotics laws. They investigate narcotics related crimes including drug trafficking and drug possession using a variety of resources and techniques. Examples of the techniques and resources include k-9 units, surveillance, wire taps, undercover work, developing and using informants, communicate with other law enforcement agencies to coordinate task forces during investigations, buy/bust operations to thwart the blatant sale of narcotics on the streets and many other effective drug enforcement tactics. In addition to investigating and enforcing drug related laws, narcotics officers are also involved in serving warrants, apprehending suspects and prosecution. They may even testify in court as to the methodology used during the investigation to apprehend the criminal.

Expect an exciting, variable, dangerous and rewarding career. Narcotics officers do not work a standard schedule. During an investigation, narcotics officers may be working day and night away from home. Law enforcement agents frequently deal with violent suspects and death. That being said, for the right person this can be the perfect career.

Research the criminal justice and related programs below. Get your education started now, so that by the time you apply to a law enforcement agency you will be well on your way to setting yourself apart from other candidates.

Criminal Justice & Related Degrees

= Staff Recommended School

Liberty University Online: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Online Education Database has ranked Liberty University among the top 10 online colleges in the nation for two years in a row.

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix: University of Phoenix will help prepare you for a career in the field of criminal justice. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students. The University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association one of the six regional accrediting bodies.

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
BS in Organizational Security & Management
MS in Administration of Justice and Security

Walden University Online: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is one of six accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

B.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
B.S. in Criminal Justice - CJ Management and Administration
B.S. in Criminal Justice - Crime and Criminals
B.S. in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ

Capella University:

BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
MS in Criminal Justice

Request free information from Capella University to learn more.

Virginia College:

AA in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Criminal Justice

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Virginia College.

Lincoln College Online:

B.S. in Criminal Justice and the Criminal Mind
B.S. in Information Management and Security

American InterContinental University:

Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations

Request free information from AIU to learn more about these programs.

Kaplan University:

AAS in Criminal Justice
AASCJ - Corrections, Law Enforcement, Private Security
BS in Criminal Justice
BSCJ - Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections, Homeland Security...

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Kaplan University.

Ashford University:

BA in Social Science - Criminal Justice

Boston University: (Online Program)

Master's - Criminal Justice

Bowling Green State University:

Master's in Criminal Justice

Keiser University:

AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Homeland Security
Master's in Criminal Justice

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Keiser University.

Portland State University:

Bachelor's in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Rasmussen College Online: Locations throughout the Country - Offering Online Programs

Certificate - Police Officer Education
Associate's in Accounting - Financial Investigation
Associate's Criminal Justice
Bachelor's Criminal Justice

St Leo University: Undergraduate Studies - Distance Learning

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

South University: Online Learning

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Legal Studies
Master's Criminal Justice

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