Federal Jobs in Law Enforcement - Essay Example

A valid driver’s license is also required in order to apply for a job. The age limit for applying for the job is 40, and any previous work experience, especially with the government enhances job prospects. The selection of a candidate to the job is made after a thorough background test and an interview. The selected candidate has to undergo a 14 to the 18-week basic training course, in order to familiarize oneself with immigration laws and procedures. An ICE officer’s job requires him to handle matters of national security, with a special emphasis on preventing the entry of illegal people and goods in the country.

A Custom Special Agent is also entrusted with the task of tracking narcotics, money laundering, cybercrimes, and frauds (ice.gov.March9 2006). The job can take an agent to any part of the country or the world, in order to neutralize any threats arising to the country. The job of an ICE agent is fraught with difficulties and agents have to know and understand more than 500 laws ranging from immigration to auto safety. (Warner, 2002 pg 163-164) The work is demanding and the timings may be irregular with an ever-present threat to personal security and even life.

The training is also difficult and equips them to deal with all kinds of challenges that they are bound to face in real-life situations. (Stephens, 2002, 84) Another concern is the pay scale which although not modest is not very encouraging either. Officers start at the GS5 level, with certain additional benefits and salary adjustment concurrent with the cost of living in the area of posting. (Warner 2002, 9)