If you’re seeking a career in law enforcement in Arkansas, you may consider becoming a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent. Law enforcement on both local and federal levels is much needed in today’s digital age. As an FBI agent, you would be responsible for protecting the United States from threats, both domestic and abroad, and enforcing federal laws.
Obviously, this job bears a lot of responsibility. For interested candidates in Arkansas, there is a main field office located in Little Rock, along with six residential agencies in El Dorado, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Marion and Texarkana. Before applying, be sure to check out the expected requirements for FBI agents as outlined below.
FBI Agent Requirements in Arkansas
Basic Requirements
- Needs to be at least 23 years-old and under 37 years-old, unless granted a waiver.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must obtain bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Needs at least three years of related work experience.
- Must have a valid state driver’s license.
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Additional Requirements
Beyond these basic requirements, there are a number of other physical and mental qualifications necessary to be considered.
There will be an extensive background investigation, which must be passed to move forward with employment. This will cover information about your medical history and personal life. Neighbors, coworkers, friends, former teachers, and others may be interviewed as part of the process.
You will also need to pass a drug test and Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to move forward in the employment phases. The PFT can be taken up to three times before the application is discontinued. Be sure you are prepared for the physical demands that the test requires before application.
Different Positions with the FBI in Arkansas
The FBI has several different departments in which a special agent might work, including cybersecurity, criminal intelligence, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism. Depending on your background and interests, you may work in the area of cybercrime, drug trafficking, extortion and kidnapping, terrorism, or another field that works against internal and external threats.
Arkansas FBI Agent Education
FBI agents aren’t required to have a criminal justice degree. Degrees in engineering, computer science, nursing, psychology, and other fields are also acceptable. Criminal justice degrees also include broad areas of study such as corrections, counterterrorism, forensic science, and law enforcement.
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Major Cities in Arkansas
- Little Rock is the largest city in Arkansas with 197,357 people.
- At 87,650 residents, Fort Smith is the second most populated city in the state.
- With an estimated 78,960 residents, Fayetteville is the third-largest city in Arkansas.
Specific Duties of FBI Agents in Arkansas
In Arkansas, FBI agents can expect a variety of job functions. Every day is different, which means you will have new experiences and challenges regularly. For example, in one day you may be expected to testify in federal court, participate in a community event, perform research for an open investigation, and plan an operation. You can almost always expect your days to be busy.
Interesting Facts
- In 2016, the FBI launched an operation to address commercial sex trafficking in the U.S. Eleven suspects were arrested in Little Rock during a three-day operation.
- There are more than 5,000 samples of human and animal hair on file at the Bureau.
Arkansas FBI Agent Salary
Salaries for FBI agents are based off of the government’s General Schedule (GS) pay scale. The range is between the GS-10 step one rate, $47,158, and the GS-13 step ten rate, $96,004. FBI agents in Arkansas will also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
FBI Training Programs and Schools in Arkansas
Criminal Justice Programs and Schools in Arkansas
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. FBI agents are dedicated to America’s defense and security. There are a number of careers you can pursue within the FBI with current activities focusing heavily on anit-terrorism. No matter which career you pursue becoming an FBI agent requires deep commitment and dedication. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!