Crimefighters

Within the Federal government, there are several areas of law enforcement:

• FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation special agents conduct surveillance, monitor court-authorized wiretaps, examine business records to investigate white collar crime, track the interstate movement of stolen property, gather evidence of espionage, or take part in sensitive undercover assignments.

• DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) special agents enforce drug laws and regulations.

• U.S. marshals provide security for Federal courts, including judges, witnesses, and prisoners, and apprehend fugitives.

• U.S. Border Patrol special agents are responsible for protecting over 8,000 miles of international land and water boundaries to detect and prevent undocumented aliens from unlawfully entering the U.S.

• Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) agents facilitate the entry of legal visitors and immigrants to the U.S.

• Special agents are also employed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; the Customs Service, the Internal Revenue Service, and the U.S. Secret Service.

Guards also serve to protect the public, and this large occupation is one of those with the greatest number of job openings in the country:

• Guards, also called security officers, patrol and inspect property to protect against vandalism, fire, theft, and illegal entry. They may work in office buildings, banks, hospitals, department stores, transportation facilities, museums or art galleries, factories, laboratories, government buildings, military bases, conventions sports events, and other public gatherings.

• Armored car guards protect money and valuables during transit.

• Bodyguards protect individuals from bodily injury, kidnapping, or invasion of privacy.

Correctional Officers work in large regional jails or prisons located in rural areas, and although the work is stressful, job opportunities are expected to be plentiful:

• Correctional officers monitor inmates' activities, including working, exercising, eating and showering. They may check cells or search inmates for weapons or drugs, to settle disputes, and to enforce discipline. Depending upon the offender's security classification, correctional officers may escort inmates to and from cells and other areas and accompany them to see authorized visitors.

• Probation and parole officers monitor and counsel offenders and evaluate their progress in becoming productive members of society.

The next article, to be published March 9th, will show you how to prepare for these careers, their wages, and much more.

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