Technical Enforcement Officers support law enforcement, criminal investigation and counter terrorism operations by providing telecommunications, surveillance, and data monitoring services. These highly skilled technical experts use a full range of electronic surveillance techniques and devices to monitor and record the activities of suspected criminals and terrorists.
The Danger and Challenges of ICE Technical Enforcement Officer Jobs
These officers work closely with Special Agents and operation commanders to plan and execute high priority missions that enhance national security and public safety. Technical Enforcement Officers choose and operate the latest technology and equipment in encrypted voice radio, satellite voice, mobile communications platforms and satellite data to feed key tactical and strategic details to officers as they perform operational functions.
Technical Enforcement Officer jobs often require entering a zone of operation first and installing surveillance equipment that tactical officers use to develop apprehension and neutralization strategies. In order to accomplish this goal, Technical Enforcement Officers must utilize various covert entry methods. In some cases, this also requires court ordered entry of facilities and surveillance of layouts.
These extremely critical surveillance operations help ensure the safety of front line personnel and bystanders as well as the success of law enforcement and counter terrorism operations. These communications and electronics equipment officers are expected to possess the highest technical and field operations skills.
Technical Enforcement Officer Job Description
Technical Enforcement Officers must possess extremely well-developed competencies in the following areas:
- Conduct covert searches of residences, vehicles, and other facilities
- Interview suspects, associates and witnesses to obtain tactical information
- Install and operate surveillance equipment around areas of operation
- Covertly enter buildings, vehicles, or natural structures in order to establish a monitoring or communications station
- Coordinate operational strategies with front line tactical officers to ensure success and minimal collateral damage
- Operate communications systems including radios, satellite phones, and satellite data devices
- Install wiretapping equipment on phones and computers as well as in living and working areas
- Provide current tactical information to operational teams as they perform their duties
- Monitor the disposition of suspects, equipment and bystanders prior to and during missions
- Threat of countermeasures
Technical Enforcement Officer Salary and Job Benefits
This highly demanding and competitive career provides a salary consistent with the GS-13 pay scale, which is between $89,033 and $115,742 for 2013. Although Technical Enforcement Officers do not have the potential to achieve higher pay scales, they enter US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement at this pay scale. This salary may be adjusted for cost of living associated with the job posting. There is also an additional Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) which is an additional 25 percent of the base salary. LEAP replaces any overtime pay that the Technical Enforcement Officer might receive and is meant to compensate for extreme hours, hazardous duty and around-the-clock availability.
The benefits that come with this career are also exceedingly generous.
- Health insurance plans with the option for vision and dental
- Life and long term care insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts that help defray medical and dependent care expenses
- Thrift Savings Plans that act like 401k plans
- Full retirement becomes available after 20 to 25 years of service
- Paid training
- Personal leave and paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
For more information on how to become an ICE technical enforcement officer, click here.