APPLYING FOR A FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT JOB

It would be misleading to say that a standard resume that is use to apply for a local police or state police jobs would suffice to apply for a Federal Law Enforcement Job.

Most Federal Law Enforcement Agencies require submission of a 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment). or the SF 171 (Application for Federal Employment).  The SF 171 is not used as much, as it's use was discontinued on December 31st, 1994.  Although the form may still used in some instances, the electronic format is no longer available. Some agencies will accept resumes, as long as they obtain all of the necessary information.

Some Federal Law Enforcement Agencies have an open application period, which means that will accept applications on an ongoing basis.  When the particular Federal Law Enforcement Agency is ready to offer the written test they will contact you.  Some Federal Law Enforcement Agencies will only accept the applications when a job is available.  If you are seeking an employment with these agencies, it is imperative that you continue to check their website to ensure that you do not miss the application period.

Many Federal Law Enforcement Agencies have their employment process and background checks done through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).  OPM is a federal established agency who's primary function is to support federal agencies in a human resources role. OPM acts as an impartial party to ensure that the hiring practices stay within the the highest standards.  OPM operates USAJOBS, which lists over 20,000 federal Jobs.  Searches on their website for Federal Law Enforcement  Jobs can be conducted on their website.

Some Federal Agencies do conduct the application process themselves.  Some of those agencies are Department of the Treasury: Secret Service, Customs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which takes their applicants from successful scores on the Treasury Enforcement Exam (TEA).  The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) do not have a written exam.  Instead, you can send them your application and if you meet the requirements and they are hiring, they will contact you for an interview.