Being an FBI agent comes with its own responsibilities and functions. Before applying to become a federal agent, candidates must understand the sacrifice and hard work that comes with being an FBI agent. All agents working for the FBI are instrumental in protecting the national security and safeguarding the lives of U.S citizens. Becoming an FBI agent in Pennsylvania involves working closely with the state police and other law enforcement agencies to achieve a common goal. Testate has two field offices and a few other satellite offices dispersed around it.
FBI Agent Requirements in Pennsylvania
Basic Requirements
Federal bureau of investigation jobs requires certain criteria. Prospective candidates must meet these FBI requirements before being enrolled into the FBI College for training.
- He or she must be a citizen of the United States.
- Must have a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree.
- Must have at least three years working experience.
- Candidates must be within the age range of 23 and 36.5 years.
- He or she must be willing to be posted anywhere the agency needs agents.
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Additional Requirements
All prospective agents are assessed based on personality and disposition. A personality test is administered to candidates to determine their ability on two grounds, logical reasoning and situational judgment ability. Only those who pass the test may proceed for the FBI training.
Aside from all other requirements and tests, the agency requires agents with clean records and no past criminal history. To enforce this, they conduct background screening on all prospects and ensure that new intakes are suitable for the bureau.
Different Positions Within the FBI
The field offices in Pennsylvania each have units into which their agents are assigned.
Specialized Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) – This unit consists of agents trained to handle high-risk field operations, they include, breachers, assaulters, snipers, and operators.
Evidence Response Team -They function in the capacity of crime scene investigators. A crime scene investigator’s job is to gather evidence and interview witnesses for vital information that may help with the investigation.
Translation – Agents in this unit are trained linguists well versed in over 30 languages who help to translate foreign languages for the bureau.
Computer Forensic Laboratory – This unit is responsible for the collection and examining of digital evidence. They perform intelligence analysts’ jobs and can operate a wide range of computers and other digital devices.
Bomb Technician – Agents in this unit are trained to detect and disarm bombs and other explosive devices. They also collaborate with the tactical unit to carry out counterterrorism jobs.
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Hazmat Material Team – The agents in this unit use highly technical equipment to handle chemical, biological, and any other hazardous materials.
Pennsylvania FBI Agent Education
Bachelors of Science in Criminology – All agents are mandated to have a bachelor’s degree as a minimum educational qualification. A degree in criminology is offered by most universities and usually takes four years to complete. An educational background in criminology gives prospective agents insight into the bureau’s activities and duties.
Masters of Science in Criminology – qualifications higher than a bachelor’s degree are well desired; a Master’s degree in criminology may be completed in two years and reduces the years of experience required for enrollment into the bureau.
Degree for FBI Support Specialists – there are other degrees required by the FBI for employees working in other departments of the agency. The behavioral analyst unit for example (bau FBI) may consist of agents who studied psychology. The necessary degrees for positions like computer analyst, paralegal, and other support positions are; information technology/computer science, Law, Language, accounting, and criminal justice.
Major Cities In Pennsylvania
They are 57 cities in Pennsylvania and while the FBI may have satellite offices located all over the state. They are two field offices located in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and they are responsible for 41 and 25 counties respectively.
pecific Duties of FBI Agents
Agents in Pennsylvania perform quite a wide range of functions and handle cases of all types. They investigate bank robberies, child pornography, interstate extortion, and tax evasion. Agents also work together to fight violent crimes relating to drugs and gang activities. All agents working at the respective field offices handle cases according to their counties and jurisdictions.
Interesting Facts
Based on the history of the agency in the state, the most wanted list of the FBI reveals that agents are currently looking for missing persons, violent criminals, bank robbers, murderers, domestic terrorists, and white-collar criminals.
Pennsylvania FBI Agent Salary
According to the figures by the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics, employees with the FBI typically earn between $63,000 and $69,000 annually at entry-level. However, special agents earn $89,930. This salary scale is in line with the general schedule payscale (gs pay scale). The bureau provides pay adjustments for its employees based on their geographical locations and agents working in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas are entitled to an adjustment of 21.79% and 16.37% respectively.
FBI Training Programs and Schools in Pennsylvania
Criminal Justice Programs and Schools in Pennsylvania
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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!