Employment applications for all positions within the Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) are only accepted during an open recruitment period .
A list of current employment opportunities with the State of Delaware is available here .
The following sections contain information about employment as an ATE Agent:
ATE Agent job duties:
Investigative duties:
ATE Agents are sworn law enforcement officers for the State of Delaware, with statewide jurisdiction and arrest powers. Agents have full police authority to enforce all laws of the State of Delaware, including liquor, drug, criminal and traffic statutes. Agents primarily conduct investigations that involve selling alcohol without a license, selling alcohol and/or tobacco products to minors, over-service of alcohol to intoxicated patrons, prostitution, illegal gambling on a licensed premises, illegal narcotics activity on a licensed premises, hidden ownership, tobacco smuggling, tax evasion, organized criminal activity, disorderly premises and violations of other criminal statutes and administrative rules. Agents work with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies on multi-jurisdictional investigations and perform internal and perimeter security at the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during declared state of emergency events.
Due to the nature of their work, Agents primarily work in an undercover capacity. A significant aspect of their job involves working in hazardous and potentialy volatile environments, including contact with individuals who may be under the influence of alcoholic beverages and/or narcotics, in possession of lethal weapons, or hostile towards law enforcement officers. Agents make arrests of persons for violations of state laws, issue citations for violations of administrative rules, execute search and arrest warrants and complete a variety of investigative and administrative reports. These reports are used when the Agent testifies as a witness during criminal court trials and/or administrative proceedings. This work also requires frequent night duty, including weekends, holidays and rotating shift work. Agents are required to carry a Division issued firearm and to be proficient in the use of firearms and other related law enforcement equipment. Agents also attend advanced training throughout their careers, in order to maintain proficiency in the many different areas that are related to their job duties and responsibilities.
Education and community outreach duties:
Agents assist liquor licensees, their employees and the public, by instructing the Delaware Trained Alcoholic Beverage Server (TABS) training program. State law mandates that any person who sells, serves, or dispenses alcoholic beverages in the State of Delaware, must complete this training program.
Agents conduct educational presentations to citizens, civic associations, community groups, elementary school, middle school, high school and college students, related to state alcohol and tobacco laws and the dangers of alcohol and tobacco abuse. Agents also provide training to other police agencies in the areas of alcohol and tobacco law enforcement.
Agents work in partnership with citizens, the community and other law enforcement agencies, to address locations that may be negatively affecting quality of life and/or public safety, in order to encourage voluntary compliance and create safer communities.
ATE Agent selection process:
The Division seeks to recruit and select applicants for the position of Agent from as broad a field of applicants as is reasonably possible, to ensure that the Division appoints only the most qualified and competent applicants available. The Division shall provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and base the selection of applicants on valid, applicable and job-related qualification criteria.
The selection process to become an ATE Agent is highly competitive. The successful candidate must possess good social skills and general intelligence, good powers of observation, memory and judgment, the ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions, the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, good physical fitness and excellent moral character. In order to ensure that only the most qualified and competent women and men are hired as ATE Agents, a rigorous selection process is in place.
The applicant shall be required to successfully complete all of the following steps in the pre-employment selection process or the applicant will be removed from the selection process.
- Completion of a written examination
- Completion of an oral interview
- Completion of a polygraph examination
- Completion of a background investigation
- Completion of a psychological examination
- Completion of a medical/physical examination
- Completion of a drug screening examination
- Completion of a six (6) month Delaware police academy training program
- Completion of a three (3) month field training program
- Completion of a one (1) year probationary period
Police academy training program:
All ATE Agents receive their police academy training at either the Delaware State Police (DSP) academy, located in Dover Delaware, or the New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD) academy, located in Newark Delaware. The Delaware State Police academy is a six (6) month residential academy that requires recruits to reside at the academy from Monday thru Friday, with weekend leave on Saturday and Sunday. The New Castle County Police Department academy is a six (6) month commuter academy that allows recruits to commute to the academy each day for training and return to their residence at the conclusion of the training day. The Division reserves the right to determine which police academy the applicant will attend. This will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to: date of hire, which police academy is in session and the operational needs of the Division.
The curriculum that is taught at the academy is both intensive and extensive. While attending the academy, recruits receive instruction in a variety of subjects, including but not limited to: criminal and traffic law, laws of arrest, report writing, courtroom procedure, search and seizure, computer science, patrol procedures, firearms and the use of force, defensive tactics and officer survival, emergency vehicle operation, first aid, cultural diversity, community relations and crisis intervention.
A rigorous program of physical conditioning including calisthenics and weight training is conducted during the training academy. A progressive aerobic program designed to strengthen the cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory systems, as well as increase the aerobic capacity of recruits is conducted during training. Prior to arrival at the academy for training, recruits should engage in a well-rounded physical fitness program.
The police academy environment is para-military in nature. The academy is mentally, physically and academically demanding and is purposely designed to eliminate any recruit that does not possess the necessary intelligence, emotional stability and physical stamina that is required to successfully complete the training academy program.
As per Delaware Council on Police Training requirements, recruits shall be required to maintain all academic and physical fitness standards and to comply with all academy standards/rules during the entire police academy training program. At the conclusion of the academy training program, the recruit will be required to pass the Delaware Council on Police Training exam, in order to receive Delaware police officer certification.
Any recruit that fails to comply with any Delaware Council on Police Training requirements, academy standards/rules, or Division policy at any time during the academy training program, shall be dismissed from the academy and shall be ineligible for employment as an ATE Agent.
Other selection process requirements:
Upon completion of the police academy training program, all new Agents are required to successfully complete a mandatory three (3) month field training program. The field training program is designed to give new Agents the tools and investigative experience they will need to successfully perform their job duties and responsibilities. While assigned to the field training program, new Agents will be trained by experienced Agents. New Agents are evaluated on a daily basis during the field training program, to ensure that they are meeting the required performance measures. The field training program for new Agents is conducted statewide, so travel to different Division offices is required. After successful completion of the field training program, new Agents are assigned to either the Northern District office or the Southern District office as their primary work location, depending on the operational needs of the Division. Since all Agents are hired on a statewide basis, travel and/or transfer to other district offices may be required, depending on the operational needs of the Division.
All new Agents are required to complete a one (1) year probationary period. The probationary period is one (1) year from the date of hire.
Minimum standards of eligibility to become an ATE Agent:
Since ATE Agents are sworn police officers, there are strict minimum standards of eligibility that all applicants are required to meet. Each of the below listed minimum standards of eligibility must be met in order to be determined "Qualified". If you do not possess ALL of the below listed minimum standards of eligibility, or you are unwilling to undergo the entire pre-employment selection process, do not submit an application since your application will be rated "Not Qualified" and you will not be eligible for further consideration.
Citizenship:
Applicant shall be a United States citizen.
Age:
Applicant shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
Education:
Applicant shall have a high school diploma or a G.E.D., issued by an accredited institution.
Driver's License:
Applicant shall have a current and valid driver's license at the time of hire and shall maintain a current and valid driver's license during the entire period of employment.
Written exam and oral interview:
Applicant shall be required to obtain a passing score on any pre-employment written examination and on any pre-employment oral interview.
Fingerprinting:
Applicant shall submit to a pre-employment fingerprinting for a search of federal, state and local databases for disclosure of any criminal records.
Military Service:
If applicable, applicant shall have received an honorable discharge from military service. Any discharge other than under honorable conditions shall be reviewed by the Division and may be grounds for disqualification.
Motor Vehicle Record:
Applicant shall not have been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, criminal negligence resulting in a death, vehicular assault from the operation of a motor vehicle, making a false statement in applying for a driver's license, or failure to stop at the command of a police officer. A conviction for any of these offenses shall be an automatic disqualifier.
Applicant shall not have had their driver's license suspended or revoked for any offense within three (3) years prior to the date of application. Any offense meeting this criteria shall be an automatic disqualifier.
Applicant's with a previous driver's license suspension or revocation dating beyond three (3) years prior to the date of application shall be reviewed by the Division and may be grounds for disqualification.
Applicant's with a driving history of accidents, traffic violations, dangerous or otherwise undesirable driving habits, or a physical and/or mental condition, that their operation of a motor vehicle may endanger the public, shall be reviewed by the Division and may be grounds for disqualification.
Applicant's who have been found to be addicted to, or use alcoholic beverages to excess, thereby impairing their ability to operate a motor vehicle, shall be reviewed by the Division physician on an individual basis and may be grounds for disqualification.
Criminal Record:
The applicant shall not have been convicted of a felony. Any felony conviction shall be an automatic disqualifier.
Any criminal activity that would be considered a felony under federal or state law in the state where the activity occurred shall be an automatic disqualifier.
Applicant shall not have been charged with, or convicted of, a crime of domestic violence. Any arrest and/or conviction for a crime of domestic violence shall be an automatic disqualifier.
Applicant shall not have been committed to a mental institution, or convicted of any offense, that would prohibit the applicant from carrying or possessing a firearm. A conviction for any offense that would prohibit the applicant from carrying or possessing a firearm shall be an automatic disqualifier.
Applicant shall have no arrest or conviction that indicates a pattern of disregard for the law, or behavior of an undesirable and/or illegal nature, unless their criminal record has been officially expunged, or they have received an official pardon.
Arrest and/or conviction for all other crimes and offenses are subject to review by the Division and may be grounds for disqualification.
Association:
Applicant shall be automatically disqualified if it is found that they have been or are currently a member, associate, or affiliate, of any subversive group, organization, person or persons engaged in subversive and/or criminal activity against the government of the United States of America, the State of Delaware, or any other recognized body of government.
Medical/Physical/Psychological Exam:
Applicant shall successfully complete a medical/physical and psychological examination administered by a Division authorized physician and psychologist, to determine the applicant's physical and mental fitness to perform the duties of an Agent.
Credit History:
The applicant's credit reference check shall indicate that the applicant demonstrates a regard for financial responsibilities and obligations when conditions reflect a sufficient income. Negative credit references shall be reviewed by the Division and may be grounds for disqualification.
Prior Employment:
Applicant's prior employment records shall indicate that the applicant's work history has been consistently satisfactory and the applicant has not been asked to resign, or has been dismissed under unfavorable conditions where "re-hire" would not be recommended. Prior employment records shall also indicate that the applicant can be relied upon, based on a review of tardiness and/or absenteeism and that the applicant has demonstrated regard for safety and otherwise good work habits.
Character and Reputation:
Applicant shall be of good character and reputation. Any applicant found to have character or reputation that is likely to impair their ability to perform the duties of an Agent shall be disqualified.
Applicant shall have a high regard for the laws of the United States of America and the State of Delaware and not be arrogant, irrational, obscene, or otherwise unfavorably viewed.
Drug Usage:
Applicant shall be drug free for three (3) years prior to the date of application. Drug free is defined as no usage of any controlled substance or illegal substance, within three (3) years prior to the date of application.
Any sale, delivery, possession with intent to deliver, or trafficking of any controlled substance or illegal substance, or conspiracy to commit any of these acts, shall be an automatic disqualifier.
All drug usage shall be subject to review by the Division and may be grounds for disqualification.
Applicant shall be required to successfully complete a drug screening test which detects no presence of illegal or controlled substances.
Polygraph Examination:
Applicant shall successfully complete a pre-employment polygraph examination.
Prior to conducting the polygraph examination, the applicant shall be required to complete the Division polygraph examination packet. The polygraph examination will explore sensitive, personal and confidential aspects of the applicant's life, which includes, but is not limited to: current and prior employment, disciplinary actions, military service, criminal and driving record, financial history, arrest history, illegal activities, substance abuse, emotional stability and mental health history, current and prior associates, absenteeism, and personal conduct.
The pre-employment polygraph examination shall detect no deceit on the part of the applicant. If deceit is detected, the applicant may be automatically disqualified.
The polygraph examination shall be administered by a certified law enforcement polygraphist chosen by the Division.
Background Investigation:
Applicant shall successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation.
Prior to conducting the background investigation, the applicant shall be required to complete the Division background investigation packet. The background investigation will explore sensitive, personal and confidential aspects of the applicant's life, which includes, but is not limited to: current and prior employment, disciplinary actions, military service, criminal and driving record, financial history, arrest history, illegal activities, substance abuse, emotional stability and mental health history, current and prior associates, absenteeism, and personal conduct.
The background investigation will be conducted by an ATE Agent and includes in- person interviews with the applicants family, friends, neighbors, supervisors, co- workers, acquaintances, current and prior associates. The background investigator will also verify all information contained in the applicants background investigation packet.
Truthfulness:
All information submitted by any applicant on any document involved in the selection process shall be true, exact, complete and not misleading.
Any applicant who provides false and/or misleading information, or omits any requested information to any person, or on any document involved in the employment and/or selection process, by word or act, shall be automatically disqualified.
Submission of required documents:
Applicant shall submit all requested or required documents and/or information to the Division within the specified time. Any applicant who fails to submit any documents and/or information within the specified time shall be automatically disqualified.
Other hiring information:
Applicants with no prior police certification, or expired police certification, will be hired as an ATE Agent I.
Applicants who are currently certified police officers in Delaware or another state, may be hired as an ATE Agent II.
Rank Structure of the Division:
- Division Director
- Supervisor Agent
- ATE Agent III
- ATE Agent II
- ATE Agent I
Out of state applicants:
Waiver of equivalent training and reciprocity for out of state applicants:
The Delaware Council on Police Training may waive the requirement of attending a Delaware approved police academy for those out of state applicants seeking Delaware police certification, if they have completed equivalent training out of state and have met all training considered indigenous to Delaware. The waiver must include a copy of the certificate of training from the out of state police academy which provided the basic police training and also a copy of the curriculum from the out of state police academy which must include: description of courses taught, hours assigned to each course and a brief synopsis of the material taught in each course.
As per Delaware Council on Police Training requirements, if an out of state applicant completed an out of state police academy, but was not employed as a police officer for five (5) years immediately following graduation, the applicant must attend a Delaware approved police academy in its entirety.
If the Delaware Council on Police Training determines that the out of state police training was in the main, deficient, it may require the out of state applicant to attend a Delaware approved police academy in its entirety.
If an out of state applicant, upon review of their training, needs to take more than forty percent (40%), or more than two hundred (200) hours of training in order to meet Delaware standards, they must attend a Delaware approved police academy in its entirety.
If additional training hours are required in order for the out of state applicant to meet Delaware standards, the Division reserves the right to either assist the applicant in obtaining the additional training hours, or require the applicant to attend a Delaware approved police academy in its entirety.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer