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conducting, and reporting background investigations with emphasis on developing interviewing and
interpersonal skills. Phase II provides instruction on criminal and complaint investigation methods
and techniques; methods of collecting, recording, and documenting facts; automated data processing and
computer operations; management/program analysis; financial investigative techniques; and techniques
of photography. At the Criminal Investigator School, new inspectors take part in a seven-week course in
which they receive instruction in such subjects as fundamentals of criminal law, rules of evidence and
court procedures, rights of individuals, use of search warrants, IRS practices and procedures, use of
firearms, investigative techniques and surveillance, and undercover and arrest techniques. After the
successful completion of training, new inspectors begin working on a regular basis with experienced
inspection service staff. They are on probation for a period of one year and are permanently appointed
after demonstrating satisfactory work performance. To add to their skills and to keep them current on new
developments in their field, Internal Security Inspectors receive continuous training throughout their
careers. As they move upward in their careers, they take part in journey-level and advanced training
classes including various types of computer training with continuing opportunities to participate in
various inservice, outservice, and self-developmental training programs.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE SPECIAL AGENT
Candidates for the position of Special Agent must be U.S. citizens up to age 37 at the time of appointment
and must meet the following requirements: a bachelor's degree that includes at least 15 semester hours
in accounting plus at least nine semester hours in related business subjects, or three years of professional
work experience in accounting. Applicants with accounting credentials plus a law degree may enter this
position at a higher grade level. In addition to meeting these basic requirements, it is necessary to receive
a qualifying grade on the Treasury Enforcement Agent Examination.
A comprehensive medical examination is also required to determine physical and mental fitness and
freedom from conditions that would interfere with normal work and training. Further evaluations through
personal interviews and a comprehensive background investigation determine such factors as honesty,
general character, stability, and suitability for this work.
Newly appointed Special Agents participate in an intensive training program that lasts approximately
20 weeks. The program is conducted at the consolidated Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in
Glynco, Georgia, where Agents attend three separate schools. First, they attend Special Agent Basic
School for instruction in such subjects as fundamentals of criminal law; rights of individuals; rules of
evidence and court procedures; use of search warrants; IRS practices and procedures; interviewing
techniques; use of firearms; criminal investigation techniques; surveillance, undercover, and arrest
techniques; and techniques of photography. Next comes Criminal Investigation School, where training
is received in basic income-tax law and simpler types of criminal tax investigations. Finally, they return
to home offices for an extended period of on-the-job training and closely supervised conduct of simple
investigations. If they progress satisfactorily, they are sent to Special Agent Intermediate School. After
successfully concluding this program, new Agents report to their work stations where they work with
experienced IRS staff. They remain on probation for a period of one year and are permanently appointed
after demonstrating satisfactory work performance. Special Agents receive continuous training through-
out their careers to sharpen skills and to keep them abreast of new developments in the field.
CUSTOMS AID
To qualify as a Customs Aid, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen and a high school graduate. The applicant
must be in good physical condition and must possess emotional and mental stability. There is no age
