Federal Protective Service

The Federal Protective Service (FPS) is a branch of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. Both organizations are under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security. The FPS, with more than 1,000 employees, is responsible for providing security services in more than 8,000 buildings housing government offices and property. The FPS is responsible for all security operations such as HAZMAT, emergency response services, and protection from chemical and biological weapon attacks. FPS was formally under the supervision of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), but after the formation of the Department of Homeland Security, the GSA usually only communicates with the FPS if a child is reported missing in a building housing government offices.

The FPS has similar employment qualifications as other agencies. To qualify, a person must be an American citizen, at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, pass a fitness and physical exam, and be eligible to carry a firearm. Agents learn the necessary skills to fulfill their job duties at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).

Federal Protect Services provides the following services:

Primary Protective Services

Conduct Facility Security Assessments
Maintain uniformed law enforcement presence
Design countermeasures for tenant agencies
Maintain armed contract security guards
Monitor security alarms via centralized communication centers
Perform background suitability checks for contract employees

Additional Protective Services

Conduct criminal investigations
Protect special events
Share intelligence among local/state/federal
Work with FEMA to respond to natural disasters
Train federal tenants in crime prevention and Occupant Emergency Planning
Offer special operations including K-9 explosive detection

If you can pass these requirements, you are qualified to work for the FPS, but there is a lot of competition for these jobs. If you want to improve your chances, earn a bachelor’s or graduate degree.

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