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Become a Homeland Security Officer and You Can Help Protect the Nation

The Department of Homeland Security actually includes several different law enforcement agencies, each with their own specific security concerns. The many departments include:
  • Border patrol: guard the 8,000 miles of land and water boundaries
  • Domestic nuclear detection: detect attempts to import any nuclear or radiological material into the country
  • Federal air marshals: guard U.s. aircraft, including its crew and passengers
  • Immigration inspectors: interview and inspect all those who wish to enter the U.S.
  • U.S. Secret Service: protect all public officials and their families, and investigate such crimes as counterfeiting, the fraudulent use of credit cards, and forgery of government checks and bonds.
Required Education for a Homeland Security Officer
Each department has its own job requirements, but for most of them you need at least a bachelor's degree and often some related work experience as well.

Other skills can enhance your employment opportunities, depending again on the department. For instance, border patrol agents typically need to know Spanish, while those working in cyber security need a solid background in computer science, technology, and even biometric services. To join the secret service, you need to graduate from university at the top of your class or have an advanced degree.

Potential Salary for a Homeland Security Officer
Salaries vary widely among the different departments, but generally investigators for the federal government earn an average annual wage of $72,850. Naturally, those just starting out could earn less, while experienced officers in elite departments have the potential to earn far more.
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