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Special Agents, working alone or in teams, review and analyze all the available data the agency has on
file and make preliminary plans about the ways in which the investigation will be conducted. Additional
facts and evidence are obtained by interviewing, observing, and interrogating witnesses, suspects, and
informants with knowledge of the case. In many instances, Agents must carefully examine and evaluate
financial and inventory records or other sources of information to verify facts previously obtained or to
uncover new evidence indicating criminal activities. Very often, hard facts and evidence about activities
of illegal drug dealers cannot be obtained by traditional investigative methods. In such cases, Special
Agents undertake the very risky job of assuming other identities and working undercover. This is a
stressful, demanding activity requiring long hours and close association with some of society's most
undesirable elements.
An important part of the Special Agent's job involves surveillance activities. This is done in a number
of ways, such as on stakeouts, in vehicles, or on foot, and may involve the use of electronic methods
authorized by appropriate court orders. Information concerning illegal drug trafficking by individuals and
organized groups is collected, analyzed, and distributed as intelligence data so that investigations may be
conducted in a systematic fashion and duplication of effort may be avoided. These data are also used in
the planning and development of DEA strategies and in the continuous exchange of information among
federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and appropriate foreign governments. When investi-
gations have been concluded, Special Agents evaluate all the available facts and evidence and consult
with supervisory personnel to determine what legal actions should follow. Special Agents have full police
power to enforce all federal laws anywhere in the United States. When sufficient evidence exists, they
arrest, take suspects into custody, and seize evidence and contraband as authorized by appropriate legal
warrants. These actions are carried out by teams of Special Agents or by groups of Agents who are part
of a strike force unit. DEA Special Agents are well trained in the use of firearms and self-defense methods
and employ these skills as needed during arrests. Agents prepare detailed, written reports of each case in
which they take part. These reports include all data, evidence, statements of witnesses and defendants,
and other relevant information useful during court proceedings. They assist government attorneys in trial
preparations and testify for the prosecution during trials and grand jury proceedings.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is also responsible for regulating the legal trade in narcotic and
dangerous drugs, and Special Agents must have the versatility to conduct accountability investigations
of drug wholesalers, suppliers, and manufacturers. Activities include establishing import-export and
manufacturing quotas for various controlled drugs, registering all authorized handlers of drugs, inspect-
ing the records and facilities of major drug manufacturers and distributors, and investigating instances
in which drugs have been illegally diverted from legitimate sources. In addition to their enforcement
responsibilities, DEA Special Agents use methods of training and education in their fight against
narcotics and drug abuse. In overseas operations, for example, DEA activities are aimed at developing
international awareness of the criticality of the illegal drug problem and obtaining support for drug
trafficking suppression measures. Agents also work to secure cooperation between nations in sharing
information and intelligence about drug-related activities. On the domestic scene, Special Agents train
federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement officers in drug identification techniques and narcotic
and dangerous drug control methods. Special training is also available through DEA in forensic drug
chemistry for chemists employed by law enforcement agencies and for key personnel in the legal drug
industry. Agents give lectures, make speeches, and serve as panel members for civic, social, community,
and other types of organizations expressing concern and interest in the drug abuse problem.
Working Conditions
Special Agent positions are located in most major cities throughout the United States and in certain large
cities overseas. The work involves frequent travel as well as irregular hours and overtime. Special Agents
work a considerable amount of administratively uncontrollable overtime for which they are well
