Special agent facts for kids
A special agent is like a detective or investigator for the government in the United States. These agents look into possible breaking of rules from the national, state, or local governments. Special agents often carry guns and can arrest people. They work for many different groups that enforce laws.
In some groups, only special agents are allowed to carry guns. For example, special agents who work for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) carry guns. To become a special agent, most people who want the job must pass written tests and physical fitness tests. For groups like the FBI, people also need to have their past checked very carefully.
History of Special Agents
The idea of special agents started a long time ago. In 1801, the U.S. Congress first used this title. They changed the name of "surveyors" in the U.S. Post Office to "special agents." Later, in 1880, Congress created the job of "Chief Postal Inspector." At that time, the special agents working for the post office were renamed to postal inspectors.
Groups That Use Special Agents
Many different U.S. government groups use special agents to help enforce laws and investigate crimes. Here are some of them:
- United States Department of Agriculture
- United States Department of Commerce
- United States Department of Health and Human Services
- United States Department of the Interior
- United States Department of Homeland Security
- Coast Guard Investigative Service
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- United States Secret Service
- United States Department of Defense
- United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
- United States Army Criminal Investigation Command
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service
- United States Department of Justice
- United States Department of State
- United States Department of Transportation
- United States Department of the Treasury
- United States Postal Service
- United States Environmental Protection Agency
