Law Enforcement Pilot Careers?

Question

I'm currently a CFI earning my fixed wing hours, trying to figure out where I'm going to try and go in my career. I've always been interested in law enforcement, and am wondering if anyone knows of any good career paths that combine law enforcement with fixed wing aircraft operations. I've seen information on the Border Patrol Air Interdiction Agents, but am wondering if anyone knows of any other good career choices in this field. I'm also interested in any aviation careers in federal agencies, such as the FBI, CIA, etc.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

DEA, the basic security agencies (FBI, NSA, CIA), TSA, many state highway patrol organizations.  Also the DOJ or Attorney Generals' offices in many states.  These are often charged with drug enforcement at the state level.

Check out the "careers" tabs on their web sites, and talk to a senior officer in the state/regional law enforcement agencies.  Also, look into joining the US Coast Guard.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The California Highway Patrol has C-206s and they pay well.  Have to be on patrol for 2 years first though.  I've seen the FBI landing a C-210 at my airport so they have those.  DEA is and option, but again, you have to spend a few years kicking in doors of drug dealers.  A fantastic job(which i'm going to try for) would be California Game Warden pilots.  They're POST certified and fly singles and twins.  You do have to have your A&P ticket though because they do all the maintenance on them themselves.  So they're sworn officers, pilots and the mechanics.  The pay isn't as good as CHP but they need warden/pilots now.

www.californiafishandgamewardens.com/a...

But check your state's and other states' Game Warden program, they might not require having an A&P rating.

Answer 3

I know of a pilot who works with the DEA.  Great work!  You have to be one of the best though.

Good luck in your decision.  It really is great to get paid to do something I'd do for free...

Answer 4

Two agencies that use fixed wing aircraft as well as rotorcraft. (No  dual rating required, you would not be flying both. I have actually never seen any dual rating required law ennforcement pilot jobs) .. California Highway Patrol, Minnesota State Patrol. Both require you to be an officer on the ground first. Good luck. Check out jsfirm.com for job postings.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, most law enforcement work requires a rotor wing rating. Many of the best jobs that I've seen advertised require dual ratings. That said, there are fixed-wing jobs, such flying for the border patrol like you mentioned, and other government agencies such as the DEA, FBI and CIA that make extensive use of fixed-wing aircraft.  You might also consider the USFS, since some of their work also involves law enforcement. What you are going to find however is that in most of the flying jobs that are related to law enforcement, you are a law enforcement officer first (its usually a prerequisite for the job) and a pilot second, so you should look into getting a law enforcement degree or some other type of law enforcement training (check your local community college). In addition, due to the EOA, state and federal government agencies, which most law enforcement employment falls under, give hiring preference to people with a military background.

Good luck.