Drug Enforcement Officer Job Description

Drug enforcement officer job description and profile

A drug enforcement officer is appointed by the federal agency and works against trafficking of illegal narcotics and drugs. They are the only officers who have the authority to levy laws and regulations on drugs. It involves investigation into smuggling of drugs and can be a risky job.

Drug enforcement officer duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a drug enforcement officer are:

• Investigate different kinds of drugs and ensure that the ingredients are under the maximum permitted levels
• Investigate drug trafficking businesses and work towards putting an end to it
• May have to go undercover to meet the demands of the job
• Take under custody people involved in the illegal drug business
• Assisting attorneys to prepare cases against those accused in the drug racket
• Investigate the finances of the suspected criminals
• Prepare reports to be presented to the federal body

Drug enforcement officer skills and specifications

The skills and specifications of a drug enforcement officer are:

• Courage and bravery are the basic skills required in order to be able to take on dangerous assignments
• A thorough knowledge about the different kinds of drugs and the ability to recognize them
• The job may require the use of weapons and firearms
• A keen sense for detail and the ability to spot miscreant activity
• A thorough knowledge about the surveillance and undercover activities
• High levels of physical fitness
• Hardworking and dedicated natures
• Excellent analytical, logical, organizing and communication skills
• Must be able to work in high stress conditions

Drug enforcement officer education and qualifications

The education and qualifications of a drug enforcement officer are:

• Must be between 21 and 36 years of age and must be a citizen of the United States
• Must undergo and get through rigorous physical examinations, endurance levels, oral and written exams and lie detector test
• Must come clean of illegal drug usage examination
• A bachelor’s degree in drug enforcement

The chosen candidates are put through rigorous training sessions before allotting practical assignments.

Drug enforcement officer salary

The salary of a drug enforcement officer depends on his hierarchy level in the department. He can get between $49,746 and $92,592.