How to Become an Office of the Inspector General Agent

How to become an Office of the Inspector General AgentA career as an Office of the Inspector General Agent is one of many opportunities for those interested in working Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an independent branch of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This agency is in charge of monitoring the activities of the CIA.

Agents with the OIG perform audits and investigations of CIA activities to ensure the efficiency and accountability of the agency. Agents also work to reduce waste, fraud and mismanagement. The OIG works with the U.S. Department of Justice and cooperates with other federal agencies. The Inspector General is nominated by the president and subject to senate confirmation.

The Special Agent/Investigator employees of the OIG are highly trained professional investigators, inspectors and auditors. Individuals conduct sensitive investigations into the activities of many different CIA departments. As highly sensitive as the work is, applicants are requested to exercise discretion in discussing their application with anyone. The agency provides applicants with further guidelines during the hiring process.

Basic Requirements for an Office of the Inspector General Agent

U.S. Citizenship is required. A Bachelor’s degree is one of the minimum requirements to be considered for an OIG Agent position. The agency will consider some experience when it comes to the degree requirements. Applicants must also have three years of experience in criminal investigation. Successful candidates will have a strong background in both administrative and criminal investigation procedures and techniques. Applicants are also expected to be free from the use of any illegal drugs for a twelve-month period.

Interested candidates must be able to work well with individuals from all cultures and backgrounds, possess solid negotiation skills and maintain the confidentiality of information. Applicants should complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). This course or an equivalent may be completed after employment begins. The course is required to continue employment with the OIG.

Bachelor’s Degree Choices

As a Bachelor’s Degree is a requirement, choosing a degree path in Criminal Justice is the best place to begin. Courses should include investigative procedures and criminology. Psychology, Applied Research Methods, public speaking and Constitutional Law are also normal parts of the program.

Depending on the college chosen, students may be required to take courses in Sociology and Anthropology. For those interested in an Audit Staff position with the OIG; financial auditing courses should be included with an emphasis on government standards.

As the OIG Agent position is included under the Business, IT and Security section of the CIA, students will benefit from taking additional courses in Information Technology with an emphasis on security. The study of a foreign language should be included in a degree program. Other electives can be chosen based on the exact employment the student is interested in obtaining. Forensics and higher-level Chemistry courses are not normally a part of this type of law enforcement curriculum.

Those who complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice can find many other employment opportunities with the CIA, as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The CIA by itself offers 50 different career paths to choose from. The Defense Logistic Agency offers similar employment in military based operations. The educational and experience requirements can also be used in corporate security positions.

Getting more information on degree choices is free and there is no obligation. Information is also available regarding financial assistance for those that qualify. Fill out the form and find out what educational opportunities are available to help you on your chosen career path.

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