Because there “highly-trained people are the greatest assets, empowering each individual to realize their full potential and more” (U.S.). All special agent “trainees undergo months of intensive training through established programs at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)” (U.S.). Also all special agents, “upon successful completion of Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at FLETC, this is followed by a 18-week Special Agent Training Course at the Secret Service's training academy” (U.S.). The courses are primarily focused on specific Secret Service policies and procedures associated with the dual responsibilities of investigations and protection. “Trainees are provided with basic knowledge and advanced application training in combating counterfeiting, access device fraud and other financial criminal activity, protective intelligence investigations, physical protection techniques, protective advances and emergency medicine” (United). Extensive training in marksmanship, control tactics, water survival skills and physical fitness. Secret Service agents receive continuous advanced training throughout their careers. Agents assigned to offices in the field have the opportunity to acquire advanced training in the area of criminal investigations and attend training sessions with other law enforcement …show more content…
An additional year of graduate work in law enforcement, criminal justice, or other related field qualifies an applicant at the GS-7 level. Forensic psychology is an ideal educational path for individuals interested in criminal investigation through careers such as Secret Service agents. These degrees allow students to understand human thought, behavioral concepts, theoretical perspectives, and trends and ethical issues. Stemming from study in sociology, criminology focuses on the study of historical and contemporary patterns of crime and victimization, as well as the social responses to crime and the process of crime