How to Become a Narcotics Officer
A narcotics officer is a law enforcement official that specializes in investigating narcotics-related crimes. Employment is typically through local, state or federal government agencies after specialized training from the appropriate agency. While becoming a narcotics officer may seem a difficult process, it is actually quite simple if you follow a specific set of guidelines and instructions.
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Instructions
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Meet the minimum requirements. Applicants must be a valid U.S. citizen, at least 20 years of age, have at least a high school education and must meet the rigorous physical and academic standards required by the specific agency.
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Enroll in a training program through your local police department. Applicants must spend 12-14 weeks learning the different aspects of working as a narcotics officer, including drug identification, police record-keeping, firearms management and investigation techniques. In order to pass the academy, an applicant must pass a series of written and physical examinations.
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Pass a psychological examination. Because narcotics officers must possess honesty, good judgment, personal integrity and courage, most law enforcement agencies subject potential officers to an examination that investigates their personality traits and background. Some agencies require the presence of a psychiatrist while others use senior officers. Applicants are also subject to drug testing to make sure they are not users themselves.
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Pass your probationary period. Most agencies require officers that graduate from the academy pass through a probationary period lasting anywhere from six months to three years. If you pass the probationary period without any mishaps, you will become eligible to work as a narcotics officer. Decisions are made based on both performance at the academy and on the job.
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