In Ohio, the importance of DEA jobs is evident when considering the current drug problem here. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that, in 2009-2010, Ohio ranked among the top 10 states in the nation for the non-medical use of pain relievers among individuals aged 12 to 17.
Methamphetamine continues to be a growing problem in Ohio, as well. The El Paso Intelligence Center’s National Seizure System reported that the number of meth lab seizures throughout the state increase 36 percent from 2008 to 2011, from 258 incidents to 352 incidents.
The CDC reported that 1,340 individuals died in Ohio in 2009 as a direct consequence of drug use.
How to Become a DEA Agent in Ohio by Meeting Requirements
DEA job candidates must be prepared to meet certain requirements to become an Ohio DEA agent, which includes qualifying through a combination of experience and post-secondary education, holding an advanced degree, or having years of investigative law enforcement experience.
Either a bachelor’s degree with a high GPA (2.95) or advanced degree (without a GPA requirement) are the standard degrees held by DEA agents. An exception to the high GPA requirement is allowed to bachelor’s holders with experience in such areas as IT, auditing and accounting, engineering, and linguistics among others. Only applicants with years of highly relevant investigative experience can qualify without a degree.
Upon meeting the agencies qualifications, candidates undergo a thorough background investigation, drug testing, psychological assessments and other testing.
After meeding educational requirements, individuals seeking DEA careers in Ohio may contact the regional recruiter, Special Agent Christopher Taylor, at 313-234-4275.
The Drug Enforcement Agency in Ohio is overseen by the Detroit Division (313-234-4000), which also oversees Kentucky and Michigan. The presence of the DEA in Ohio is strong, with a district office in Columbus (614-255-4200) and resident offices in:
- Cincinnati (513-684-3671)
- Cleveland (216-274-3600)
- Dayton (937-291-1988)
- Toledo (419-259-6490)
- Youngstown (330-740-7000)
Ohio DEA Jobs and Careers: Examining the Value of the DEA in Ohio
Individuals who want to learn how to become a DEA agent in Ohio through Academy training can educate themselves on the value of the Ohio DEA by reading recent headlines to come out of the Buckeye state:
January 17, 2013: An Ohio lawyer was indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges as a result of a pill mill investigation. The lawyer allegedly conspired with three owners of Ohio pain clinics to illegally divert prescription drugs outside the scope of the medical practice.
January 14, 2013: Thirteen heroin traffickers were indicted in Northern Ohio. The individuals were part of a large-scale heroin trafficking ring that resulted in the death of one individual. The DEA, the United States Attorney General for the Northern District of Ohio, the FBI, and the Ashtabula County Sheriff were all involved in the investigation.
January 24, 2013: Cleveland residents were indicted in a poly-drug trafficking ring that moved heroin, cocaine, and marijuana from Chicago to Cleveland. The DEA and the United States Attorney General for the Northern District of Ohio were part of this investigation.
February 6, 2013: A U.S. District Court convicted an Ohio heroin trafficker found guilty of operating a drug house at his residence. The DEA, ATF, Columbus Police Department, and the Franklin County Sheriff worked together on this investigation, which revealed an heroin worth more than $100,000.
August 7, 2012: Twelve people were indicted on an Ohio cocaine conspiracy that involved transporting shipments of cocaine via private chartered airplanes from Texas to Cleveland. The investigation uncovered 25 kilograms of cocaine and more than $157,000 in cash.