Who We Are

Last Updated: Monday January 27, 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the only federal agency with a single mission dedicated to drug law enforcement. With unique operational and intelligence capabilities, DEA staff identify, investigate, disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations, remove drugs and violent criminals from communities, and fight the diversion of illegal drugs. For more information, visit www.dea.gov.

Meet some of the DEA staff and read what they say about teens and drugs.

Special Agents are a select group of men and women from diverse backgrounds who enforce the controlled substance laws by conducting complex criminal investigations, working undercover, carrying out financial investigations, arresting violators, confiscating illegal drugs and more. Some combine this work with providing drug prevention education to youth in their community.

Public Information Officers provide information about DEA to the media and general public as required by law according to the standards of their profession.

Dawn Mathis, Public Affairs Specialist, Houston Field Division

I began my career 24 years ago as a Diversion Investigator in Houston, Texas. As a Public Affairs Specialist (Demand Reduction Coordinator), I am required to educate the public as to the current drug trends and the dangers of drug abuse within our communities. I also host the Annual Community Awareness Conference, Prescription Drug Abuse Conference on College Campuses, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Red Ribbon Rally, Candlelight Vigil and Community Stars Program.

After speaking to thousands of parents across the State of Texas for the past 15 years, I’ve observed that all parents are troubled by the possibility of drugs threatening their families. From my experience I’ve also learned that parents are eager to be educated and informed of the current drugs of abuse that are relative to their demographics. During my presentations I’m often approached for advice on how to prevent children from using drugs.

Here are a few tips I’ve gathered along the way.

Know their friends.
Know where they are at all times, and don’t be afraid to check your child’s room, cell phone or belongings.
Have dinner with your kids.
Be vigilant in keeping their kids away from drugs.
Set their standards high and refuse to reflect and share with their kids their past drug use.
Do not waiver in your expectations of your kids. If you accept drug use, they will have no problem living up to those expectations.