Police jobs at the federal level require a high level of commitment and training. Federal agents may travel extensively, often on short notice. Relocation requirements are normal, and paid overtime is common. Federal police investigate a wide variety of criminal activity, which is why we have so many different departments: the FBI, CIA, Department of Homeland Security, ATF, and DEA.

Law Enforcement Training for a Federal Police Job

Criminal justice degrees are popular career training options for federal agents who must possess detailed knowledge of federal laws and regulations. In addition to criminal justice training, federal agents with a working knowledge of foreign languages, self-defense tactics, communication skills, and legal expertise may move up faster than some of their peers. Keen competition is expected for jobs in federal agencies, due to high salaries and prestige.

Federal Career Outlook

Federal employees who serve in law enforcement receive special salary rates, including added availability pay designed to reflect the large amount of overtime that federal agents are expected to work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides an example of typical salary: In 2007, FBI agents entered federal service at a base salary of $48,159--yet they earned about $60,199 a year with the addition of availability pay.