THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 8, 1995 TAG: 9512080696
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ANGELITA PLEMMER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration is hoping to replenish its ranks with 1,000 new agents nationwide, ending a two-year hiring freeze.
The agency is looking for applicants to fill its special agent positions to conduct criminal investigations and prepare cases for prosecution.
Hiring has been made possible through additional funds allocated by Congress to replace agents lost through attrition and retirement during the 1993-1995 freeze.
``I don't think people know we're hiring now because of that freeze,'' said Livia Cole, resident agent in charge of the Norfolk office.
Candidates must have a four-year degree, and applicants with military or law enforcement experience, foreign language abilities, and even piloting skills are favored.
Currently the agency employs more than 7,000 people worldwide, including 3,500 special agents.
Women and minorities make up 22 percent of the agency's work force. Cole, one of two women in the country who supervises a resident office, said that discrimination suits filed by black and Hispanic agents, and allegations of sexual harassment by female agents, have forced the agency to take a harder look at its hiring and employment practices.
In 1992, the DEA settled a class action suit filed in 1985 by 300 Hispanic agents alleging discriminatory employment practices. Similar suits alleging discrimination have risen in the ranks of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
``We've had our share just like the other agencies,'' Cole said. But the agency is working to change its all-white, all-male image.
Under the stewardship of Thomas Constantine, former superintendent of the New York State Police, standards for the agency have increased.
In addition to a written exam, applicants must now undergo a polygraph test and a more rigorous background investigation.
``It's made a difference,'' Cole said.
Also, a proposal is in the works to expand the Norfolk resident office to a distric office, which would double the workforce to 18 people and create additional intelligence and surveillance units.
The office, which works with local police departments through joint initiatives and training programs, currently covers southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
``It's imperative that we hire agents to work in areas of drug trafficking,'' Cole said. ``The violence and homicides have not decreased.''
``This office alone needs additional manpower,'' she said. ``We are reaching out for assistance. '' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR SPECIAL AGENT
Be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 36
Have a four-year college degree
Be in good physical condition
Be willing to sign a mobility agreement
A history of no drug use or limited drug use
For information, call 441-3152.
by CNB