The Federal Protective Service was formed in November of 2002. The creation of the service was in a direct response to the state of the national security after the terrorist attacks that happened in the year prior. The purpose of the FPS is to comprehensively assess the needs of national security and provide counter-measures that enable and help law enforcement, intelligence, and military personnel to protect the citizens of the nation. There are several careers at the FPS that all play an important role of keeping the country safe.
Law Enforcement Security Officers (LESO)
The Law Enforcement Security Officers are the boots on the ground that make up a great deal of the FPS. They provide security and protection in airports, national monuments, and other government facilities. Law Enforcement Security Officers also assist local and military police in fighting crime that could prove itself to be a national threat. This is a popular choice amongst prior military members that are looking to utilize their physical security skills outside the military infrastructure.
Criminal Investigators
Criminal Investigators provide the in-depth work that put the pieces together that solve or prevent crimes. These skilled people are often educated and experts in their field. Critical thinking and strong analytical skills are necessary to excel in this field and the opportunities are vast. Criminal investigatiors often use forensics to gain the information needed and there are several aspects of it that can include: biological, psychological, information technology, and criminal justice.
Mission Support Specialists
Every organization needs a dedicated group of people that keep the office running in top notch shape. This is the role of the mission support specialist. They are the glue that holds everything together and allows the investigators and security officers to effectively do their jobs and keep the country safe. Common jobs for support specialists are that of office administrators, technical support, and maintenance.
Budget Analyst
The FPS is a government agency that is funded by tax payers money; therefore, the need to keep a strong and stern eye on the financial state of the organization is critical. Every penny must be accounted for and justified for use. Budget analysts keep the finances on track and report their findings to the appropriate government officials. The nature of the position requires many eyes that overlook every part of the process to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Applying for the FPS
There is only one path in gaining employment at the FPS. Applicants must create an account profile on the federal government employment website called, usajobs.gov. Here the applicant can search jobs by agency to explore any possible opportunities. Once the applicant has successfully applied and established the necessary experience, they are then subject to an array of skills assessments, background checks, and even a credit check prior to final acceptance.
As a government agency, the Federal Protective Service employs over 200,000 people. While many of the core functions are in Washington D.C., there are also many jobs throughout the country. Federal security personnel are employed at every airport and port authority across the nation. Support personnel are attached to field offices in every major metropolis. Investigators are likely to be the most mobile and assigned to various field offices as their investigation sees fit.
Related Resource: How Can I Get Job in Homeland Security?