The DEA plays a crucial role in combating Oklahoma’s rampant drug problem. Preventing the illegal distribution and transport of pain relievers has become the key focus of the DEA in Oklahoma as this state was ranked first in the nation for its rate of non-medical use of pain relievers among residents age 12 and older, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2007-2008).
In Oklahoma, DEA careers are also often spent eradicating the scourge of methamphetamine labs in the state. According to the El Paso Intelligence Center’s National Seizure System, the number of meth labs seized in Oklahoma increased 283 percent from 2007 to 2009, from 93 incidents to 356 incidents. For those seeking jobs with the DEA out of the field offices located in Oklahoma, these statistics reveal the need for a strong DEA presence in the state.
Oklahoma DEA in the News
In Oklahoma, DEA jobs are crucial to fighting this state’s war on drugs, as is evident by the most recent DEA headline in Oklahoma:
On August 29, 2012, a joint investigation involving the DEA, U.S. Immigration and Customs and Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the ATF, the United States Marshals Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation, and the DEA Task Force (which includes local police departments) resulted in the takedown of two, major methamphetamine rings that were operating out of Oklahoma City. As a result, 21 individuals were convicted.
Individuals who want to learn how to become a DEA agent in Oklahoma by meeting requirements can contact the regional recruiter, Terri K. Wyatt, at 214-366-6966.
How to Become a DEA Agent in Oklahoma by Meeting Requirements
Although the DEA in Oklahoma operates under the guidance of the Dallas Division, the DEA nonetheless has a strong presence in Oklahoma, with a district office in Oklahoma City (405-475-7500) and resident offices in McAlester (918-426-5020) and Tulsa (918-459-9600).
Individuals who want to learn how to become a DEA agent in Oklahoma can qualify for Academy training held in Quantico, Virginia by meeting basic requirements:
DEA Special Agents candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher along with at least one of the following:
- 12 months drug-related investigations experience
- Master’s degree (usually a J.D.) or two years post-graduate study
- A bachelor’s degree AND at least three years experience in
- Foreign language
- Military leadership
- Solo flying
- First mate or navigational officer
- Accountant or auditor
- Electronics technician
Qualified candidates can search for open vacancies and upcoming career fairs on the DEA website or attend one of the monthly orientations.
Career fairs and monthly orientations are designed to provide individuals who want to learn more about DEA careers in Oklahoma with information on specific jobs available in Oklahoma field offices, such as special agents, diversion investigators, forensic scientists, and intelligence research specialists.