How to Become an FBI Agent in Connecticut

Working as an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), your main duty is to protect the United States from foreign and domestic terrorism and enforce federal laws. This is no small task. Currently, the FBI employs over 35,500 individuals who investigate criminal activity within over 200 areas of federal law.

In Connecticut, there is a demand for qualified agents to serve in the New Haven field office and the residential agencies in Bridgeport, New London and Meriden. If you are interested in pursuing this noble field, there are certain requirements you must first meet. We’ve outlined them below.

FBI Agent Requirements in Connecticut

Basic Requirements

• You must be a U.S. resident.
• FBI agents must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• A valid driver’s license is necessary.
• You must be at least 23 years old, but under 37 years of age.
• Three years of relevant work experience is required.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the above requirements, you must be physically and mentally fit to be an FBI agent. This means you must pass a physical fitness test to ensure you are in good enough shape to perform the job’s duties. You have up to three opportunities to pass.

Once you’ve passed the physical portion of the application, you will undergo an extensive background investigation. This will cover your professional and personal history and may result in friends and colleagues being interviewed on your behalf.

Also, a polygraph test, medical exam, drug test and willingness to relocate to any of the 50 states is required.

Different Positions with the FBI in Connecticut

There are a wide variety of available positions for those interested in joining the Bureau. In order to protect the country’s citizens, you may find yourself in a specialized, mission-centric unit such as a Hostage Rescue Team, Operational Medic Program or Evidence Response Team.

Connecticut FBI Agent Education

You may choose to pursue a degree in one of many different subjects if you’re considering becoming an FBI agent in Connecticut. A criminal justice degree is not required. The Bureau can find uses for your educational background and skills due to its numerous demands and diverse needs.

Some degree concentrations that could prove to be useful include computer forensics, criminal psychology, criminology, emergency management and forensic science.

Major Cities in Connecticut

• The largest city in Connecticut is Bridgeport, which has 147,216 residents.
• New Haven is the second most populous city in the state with an estimated total of 130,660 residents.
• The third largest Connecticut city is Stamford, which has about 126,456 citizens.

Specific Duties of FBI Agents in Connecticut

FBI agents in Connecticut will find that their days are never exactly the same. Your duties as an FBI agent will be diverse, meaning you may attend office meetings and write investigative reports one day, then testify in federal court or make an arrest the next.

In Connecticut, agents investigate all sorts of crimes, from illegal online sales to mafia-controlled waste-hauling, there is no shortage of work to be done.

Interesting Facts

• New Haven’s field office was first opened in 1940 when the Bureau’s responsibilities were increasing as a result of WWII.
• New Haven initiated Operation of Phony Pharm in 2005 to combat illegal online prescription drug sales. As it turns out, the DEA had already probed similar cases on the international scale. The two agencies shared intelligence which led to multiple arrests and seizures.

Connecticut FBI Agent Salary

FBI agents are paid on the federal government’s General Schedule (GS) payscale. The salary for agents in Connecticut ranges from $59,037 to $120,187.

FBI Training Programs and Schools in Connecticut