Section Strategic Response Team/Criminal Law Division
Class: Narcotics Agent Trainee/I/II
Location: Headquartered in Philadelphia, assignments throughout the state
Telework: Telework is not offered for this position.
Position Type: Full-time, Non-civil service, Union
Salary Range: Narcotics Agent Trainee: Starting salary of $56,813
Narcotics Agent I: Starting salary of $64,950
Narcotics Agent II: Starting salary of $74,255
Basic Function
This is criminal investigative work of a highly confidential nature involving the detection and investigation of violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act; and other applicable Commonwealth laws and statutes.
An employee in this position conducts or provides assistance with the conduct of criminal investigations which vary in the degree of difficulty and significance by employing all aspects of investigative processes and procedures. A Narcotics Agent I conducts investigations of cases of limited scope and complexity under the direction and guidance of an experienced agent and/or supervisor. A Narcotics Agent II may conduct an investigation independently or as a case agent coordinating the efforts of a team or as a team member and may provide direction and guidance to a less experienced agent. Assignments increase in the degree of difficulty as the employee gains greater knowledge and skill through training and exposure to the entire spectrum of the investigative processes and procedures. Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion for technical accuracy, thoroughness, and the application of sound judgment.
The agents of Strategic Response team are deployed to work in an undercover capacity in various situations and in high crime areas throughout the Commonwealth. Assignments may require that the employee work irregular hours and/or an irregular work week, and may include extended stays away from the headquartered location.
Qualification for Narcotics Agent Trainee:
Applicants that do not have Act 120 certification, or a certification from an equivalent training program as determined by the Office of Attorney General, but that meet the minimum experience and training for a Narcotics Agent I or Narcotics Agent II as outlined below, will be hired as Narcotics Agent Trainees.
Agent Trainees must participate in and successfully complete the Commonwealth Investigators Training Program (CITP) and must participate in the Office of Attorney General Agent Field Training Program.
Upon successful completion of the CITP, Narcotics Agent Trainees will be reclassified to Narcotics Agent I or Narcotics Agent II based on their education and investigative experience.
Qualifications for Narcotics Agent I and Narcotics Agent II:
In addition to the below qualifications, applicants must have Act 120 certification, certification from an Act 120 equivalent training program as determined by the Office of Attorney General, or have successfully completed the Commonwealth Investigators Training Program.
Narcotics Agent I:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Police Administration, or a related major specific to the criminal investigative field, or a technical or specialized major related to a specific position, and two years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Police Administration, or a related major specific to the criminal investigative field, or a technical or specialized major related to a specific position OR
- Four years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR
- Four years of active duty military experience with honorable discharge OR
- Any equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training
Narcotics Agent II:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Police Administration, or a related major specific to the criminal investigative field, or a technical or specialized major related to a specific position, and four years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Police Administration, or a related major specific to the criminal investigative field, or a technical or specialized major related to a specific position, and two years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Police Administration, or a related major specific to the criminal investigative field, or a technical or specialized major related to a specific position, and one year of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR
- Six years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR
- Four years of active duty military experience with honorable discharge, and two years of relevant law enforcement or investigative experience, or experience in a technical or specialized field related to a specific position OR
- Six years of active duty military experience with honorable discharge including two years as a Military Police Officer with the Criminal Investigations Division or a relevant Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) OR
- Any equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training