Hi, I'm Steven and I'm a DEA Intelligence Analyst. The only consistent part of my job is that everyday is different from the last. My main daily function is to support DEA's mission by conducting analytical research designed to advance the knowledge of DEA , U.S. Policymakers, and the wider U.S. and international counterdrug community. This research focuses on the drug situation in South America and the Caribbean, two regions that represent key drug threats to the United States. To stay ahead of the game, I start my day by reading the newspaper or watching the morning news. I can guarantee that if a senior level official read something in the newspaper, such as an article related to narco-terrorism or a large drug seizure off the coast of South America, there will be questions awaiting me at my office when I arrive, as I constantly respond to requests from DEA management and other U.S. Government policy makers for "instant" information and analysis on unanticipated policy issues.

My job as a DEA Intelligence Analyst is not your typical " 9 to 5 " office job because I tackle tough questions with tough answers. To get these answers, I work with DEA's Special Agents, Diversion Investigators, Forensic Chemists and other Intelligence Analysts, operating both domestically and in our many foreign offices throughout the world. Sometimes I am required to leave the comfort of my office near Washington D.C and deploy to remote and potentially dangerous locations in South America. Over the past year, I have spent many weeks in jungle towns in Peru , Bolivia and Colombia working to bring important information back to Washington D.C. In order to gather this information I debrief sources, work with host nation governments, participate in interagency studies or simply spend time in-country to gain first-hand knowledge about my specific areas of responsibility.

A long history of family members working within the US military, federal law enforcement and the intelligence community motivated me to enter this profession. But at the end of each day, it's the satisfaction and pride that motivates me, knowing that I serve the American people to the best of my ability.