Law Enforcement Jobs in the Federal Government
In the federal government, many agencies employ individuals who work in law enforcement fields.
Job Profiles
Here are examples of recent job openings in Law Enforcement. Explore more and apply now at USAJOBS.
Background Investigator
- Salary Range: $39,000 – $55,000 per year
- Duty Locations: San Diego, CA
- Summary: In the global war on terrorism, one civilian law enforcement agency safeguards those who defend our nation. NCIS is looking for unique men and women who can successfully engage the ever-changing demands of the 21st century threat environment. NCIS enforces laws wherever members of the Navy and Marine Corps work – even at sea.
- Major Duties: Assist with conducting Federal Personnel Background Investigations, evaluate individuals’ trustworthiness for access to classified information, assist with information collection and preparing reports to comply with OPM guidelines and instructions.
Park Police Officer
- Salary Range: $52,000 - $94,000 per year
- Duty Locations: Washington, DC
- Summary: Officers provide law enforcement services, e.g., the prevention, detection and investigation of violations of criminal laws of the United States or of the state and local area in which the United States Park Police have jurisdiction.
- Major Duties: Provide providing quality law enforcement to safeguard lives, protect our national treasures and symbols of democracy, and preserve the natural and cultural resources entrusted to their care.
Federal law enforcement profile
William Fleming and Ben Herren
Agents of Justice
It was one of the most horrific events in the long struggle for African-American civil rights. Four young girls in the 16th Street Baptist Church were killed when a dynamite bomb planted outside exploded. It wasn't until 1977 that Robert Chambliss was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, where he later died. Two other killers remained beyond the grasp of the law for nearly 40 years.
In 1996, the Birmingham FBI office reopened the case and assigned it to Special Agent William Fleming and Ben Herren, then a Birmingham police sergeant. Despite long odds that had thwarted investigations in 1965 and 1977, Fleming and Herren went to work.
As they meticulously dug through old files, Fleming uncovered crucial tape recordings of Thomas Blanton's conversations originally recorded during the initial investigation. He and Herren spent hundreds of hours reviewing the tapes; their contents proved to be essential evidence against Blanton and Bobby Frank Cherry. Both men were found guilty of murder and are now serving life sentences.
Federal Jobs by the Numbers
Number of Law Enforcement Positions by Agency
Agency |
FTP Law Enforcement Positions |
|---|---|
Department of Homeland Security |
79,905 |
Department of Justice |
49,052 |
Department of Defense |
24,096 |
Department of the Interior |
7,080 |
Department of Treasury |
4,905 |
Department of Veterans Affairs |
4,056 |
Office of Personnel Management |
1,874 |
Source: Fedscope 03/10
Percentage of Law Enforcement Positions by Region
Fedscope, 03/10
Number of Law Enforcement Positions by Field
Field |
# of Positions |
|---|---|
Criminal Investigation |
41,390 |
Customs and Border Protection |
19,532 |
Border Patrol Agents |
18,471 |
Correctional Officers |
16,837 |
Police Officers |
12,906 |
Security Guards |
4,531 |
Park Ranger |
4,096 |
General Investigations |
3,004 |
Correctional Institution Administration |
1,698 |
United States Marshals |
656 |