Peterson's Law Enforcement Page 217
Comparison Charts
AGE AT ENTRY · RETIREMENT · EDUCATION
Position
Age at Entry
Retirement
Education
Police Officer
20 to 35*
varies
HS plus (varies)
Deputy Sheriff
21 to 29*
varies
HS and some college (varies)
State Police Officer
21 to 29*
varies
HS plus (varies)
BATF Inspector
over 18
unspecified
college or experience
BATF Special Agent
21 to 37
eligible at 50
college or experience
after 20 yrs.
DEA Special Agent
21 to 37
eligible at 50
bachelor's degree and
after 20 yrs.
experience
FBI Special Agent
23 to 37
mandatory at 55
advanced degree and
experience
Federal Protective Officer
over 21
unspecified
2 yrs. college or experience
Border Patrol Agent
21 to 37
mandatory at 55
college or experience
Immigration Inspector
over 18
unspecified
college or experience
INS Criminal Investigator
21 to 37
mandatory at 55
college or experience
(Special Agents)
Deportation Officer
21 to 37
mandatory at 55
college or experience
IRS Internal Security Inspector
21 to 37
eligible at 50
college or experience
after 20 yrs.
IRS Special Agent
23 to 37
eligible at 50
bachelor's degree and
after 20 yrs.
advanced courses
Customs Aid
over 18
unspecified
2 yrs. college or experience
Customs Inspector
over 21
unspecified
college or experience
H
OW
TO
C
HOOSE
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* Many localities have recently discarded the upper age limit. Check before eliminating yourself.
