Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I'm currently a 3yr Dallas Police Officer considering a move to a federal agency such as ATF.

I understand that LEAP pay comes with an additional 10 hours to a 40 hour work week.

A DPD rookie off probation would, without any educational, incentive, or shift differential pay, make an additional $15,000+ a year working an extra 10hrs per week at his OT rate.

In order to compare apples to apples GS + Leap is: [pay] / (52 * 50); While PD is: [pay] / (52*40)

Another way to look at PD is (10 *52 * [avg $rate for OT and extra jobs]) + [pay]) or simply [PD pay] * 1.25

For my department, who's pay sucks, the Feds don't really surpass the PD until GS-13. Even that's assuming I hadn't promoted to Cpl or even Sgt by the same time frame.

To my question... How many hours does a special agent typically work per week, especially in agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF?

There is no mandate to work that additional 10 hours. Most decent investigators will find themself working it, though. Now, outside of that fact, there is no average work week. Every agency is different and there is even a great variation within each agency, depending on where you are assigned and what you are doing.

Hell, my weeks even vary from pretty close to banker's hours all the way to just making it home to sleep (most nights).

If you like your job and you are making more than a$120K/year before you make Corporal (in a department that "whose pay sucks"), then why look elsewhere?

Thanks Switchback, for your response.

I say our pay sucks as other agencies in the area pay a third more, but then again they are more restricted and controlled departments. For patrol, I couldn't be torn from Dallas, despite better pay (and equipment) from almost every major suburb PD in the area.

Entering my 3rd year, I'm beginning to thing about the next stage of my career. In the next few years, I'll want to start criminal investigations. That's where the Feds start looking more attractive.

I really don't see a capped out detective with a Bachelors working 10hrs per week on a extra job + OT making much more than $90K. I'm guessing a GS-13 of as many years would be well past 100k with step.

As DPD Officers progress in rank past Sr. Cpl, the ability to work OT lessens, especially departmental OT which is what I prefer.

The Feds look real good at GS-13. Add to that the better resources, bigger cases, and the knowledge that convictions result in more time served than in the State system.

A officer at 9yrs (6 away for me) would make about $77K working 10 additional hours per week. In that same time, I would do well to make GS-12 making about the same assuming step 3+.

You mentioned $120K, the D/FW locality (19.95%) and has GS-13 at 110K at step 10. Am I underestimating the federal pay scale or real world take home pay?

Also, I know it's rare, but if there is a non-entry level position posted, say GS-11 to 13, what are the chances of a local Police Detective who works major felonies being seriously considered for the position?

Thanks Switchback, for your response.

I say our pay sucks as other agencies in the area pay a third more, but then again they are more restricted and controlled departments. For patrol, I couldn't be torn from Dallas, despite better pay (and equipment) from almost every major suburb PD in the area.

Entering my 3rd year, I'm beginning to thing about the next stage of my career. In the next few years, I'll want to start criminal investigations. That's where the Feds start looking more attractive.

I really don't see a capped out detective with a Bachelors working 10hrs per week on a extra job + OT making much more than $90K. I'm guessing a GS-13 of as many years would be well past 100k with step.

As DPD Officers progress in rank past Sr. Cpl, the ability to work OT lessens, especially departmental OT which is what I prefer.

The Feds look real good at GS-13. Add to that the better resources, bigger cases, and the knowledge that convictions result in more time served than in the State system.

A officer at 9yrs (6 away for me) would make about $77K working 10 additional hours per week. In that same time, I would do well to make GS-12 making about the same assuming step 3+.

You mentioned $120K, the D/FW locality (19.95%) and has GS-13 at 110K at step 10. Am I underestimating the federal pay scale or real world take home pay?

Also, I know it's rare, but if there is a non-entry level position posted, say GS-11 to 13, what are the chances of a local Police Detective who works major felonies being seriously considered for the position?

I'm a GS-13/4 in Texas. I make about $118,000. I barely work 40 hours a week. I'm in an Intel assignment. The downside is frequent travel, because our AOR is huge. But, I really don't put in any extra hours. I don't know of any locals in my area that earn comparable pay without being in management. But, you indicated that you will not want to leave Dallas. My advice then is to stay away from federal agencies. Any of the big agencies will make you sign a mobility agreement and you will be subject to transfers at the whims of the agency. Granted, forced transfers don't happen often, but forced TDY happens all the time. I'm in Tucson for the month of October and there is nothing that I can do about it.

To answer your last question, ICE commonly hires current LEO's at the GS-12 level. But, the hiring process is very shady. You'll have to get to know an agent who will submit your resume. I don't know much about ATF hiring, but they don't hire too often.

Also, I do not know many ATF guys who are happy with their job.

I am not a Fed but a local assigned to a Federal Task force. Most of the guys I work with do real good on their time off. Most are leaving the office at 5, but when a hot deal comes in, it not over till it's over.

I remember working many night overnights and just being able to get home to change and go to my regular job. We have also spent many a Saturday and Sunday working hot collateral leads on a fugitive. Especially one that is wanted for a violent crime or crime against children. It just depends on what is going on. Even the court monkeys come out on evenings and weekends if needed.

But some times the Feds are the fastest employees I have ever seen. They are so fast that they can home by 4 when they get off at 5. :db:

I'm a GS-13/4 in Texas. I make about $118,000.


That's about $25K more than the '09 LEO GS pay scale at opm.gov, is that from paid overtime, incentive pay, or something I'm completely missing?



But some times the Feds are the fastest employees I have ever seen. They are so fast that they can home by 4 when they get off at 5.

Sounds like an average day at the in-service academy.


Thanks for the great answers guys. I'm gathering as much information so I can make the best decision.

Your math is off... you are fogetting the 25%.

That's about $25K more than the '09 LEO GS pay scale at opm.gov, is that from paid overtime, incentive pay, or something I'm completely missing?




Sounds like an average day at the in-service academy.


Thanks for the great answers guys. I'm gathering as much information so I can make the best decision.

Most federal criminal investigators are paid LEAP. That is 25% of base pay added to every check. LEAP is meant to cover whatever extra hours are worked. We are on a salary, and don't get OT.

Plus, a few grand for language pay.

ICE commonly hires current LEO's at the GS-12 level.

Not to disagree, but from what BIG has seen, we normally hire 1811 laterals at the GS-12. Non 1811 feds may get a pay match, but very few that BIG has seen have gotten 12's, unless of course they were 1811 laterals.

As for the original poster coming off the streets from a local gig & getting a 12, the OI has become a lot more generous in the years BIG must have been sleeping, a la Rip Van Winkle.

To the original poster, as LEAP has been explained it's an extra 25% added to your base pay. But be forewarned, when you're called out Saturday night and don't get home until Monday night. It isn't OT & you get nothing extra, it's all LEAP, which is paid to you upfront.

Not to disagree, but from what BIG has seen, we normally hire 1811 laterals at the GS-12. Non 1811 feds may get a pay match, but very few that BIG has seen have gotten 12's, unless of course they were 1811 laterals.

As for the original poster coming off the streets from a local gig & getting a 12, the OI has become a lot more generous in the years BIG must have been sleeping, a la Rip Van Winkle.

To the original poster, as LEAP has been explained it's an extra 25% added to your base pay. But be forewarned, when you're called out Saturday night and don't get home until Monday night. It isn't OT & you get nothing extra, it's all LEAP, which is paid to you upfront.

I don't really know dude. When I was leaving SAC/NY, the DSAC at my office put the word out that we should forward the resumes of active LEO's to our recruiter for consideration for GS-12 slots. I didn't know anybody that was interested at the time, so I looked into it no further. Maybe 1811 status is a requirement. It shouldn't be, though. (IMHO)

The LEAP thing can be good or bad. It's always good to know that you have 25% over time coming to your check whether you work OT or not. It isn't so good when you work 50% extra hours and only get the 25% extra pay. But, I'm in an Intel gig now and the LEAP is pure awesomeness.

By the way, Big, now that I'm in an Intel slot, do you want me to forward all of my HSIR's to you so that you can decide whether or not you want to disseminate them?

I thought the "SALARY TABLE 2009-DFW (LEO)" I was using already included LEAP because it said "LEO", but apparently not. That changes everything.

Link: qqq.opm.gov/oca/09tables/html/dfw_leo.asp <---- replace qqq. with www (my account can't post direct links yet).

I thought the "SALARY TABLE 2009-DFW (LEO)" I was using already included LEAP because it said "LEO", but apparently not. That changes everything.

Link: qqq.opm.gov/oca/09tables/html/dfw_leo.asp <---- replace qqq. with www (my account can't post direct links yet).

LMAO
Did you see why I was a bit confused by your statement? There are places that make more than us as LEOs (without OT), but they are few and far between, such as some Long Island departments.

Also, I do not know many ATF guys who are happy with their job.

But... but, they keep winning that workplace happiness survey every year! Every year!

Look! This is them- :party:

LMAO
Did you see why I was a bit confused by your statement? There are places that make more than us as LEOs (without OT), but they are few and far between, such as some Long Island departments.

Even some of the LI depts dont top out as high as a 13 with LEAP (Im speaking strictly salary-wise of course not counting OT the PD may get etc.).

For instance Suffolk PD tops out at around 98k in 5 years. A GS-13 Step 1 with NY COLA gets 90,359. Add on LEAP and its around 112,948. Anyway you slice it FED pay is very comprable to many of the highest paid depts. out there.

To my question... How many hours does a special agent typically work per week, especially in agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF?

I work mostly white collar crime as a federal 1811 (I think...inside joke), anyway, I work a 50 hour week, and nearly most of it is what I consider banker hours. I typically dont get called out after hours, or on weekends. As a former police officer, this job kicks the crap out of working patrol shifts, or being called out 3 nights a week while on rotation as a detective.

Now if I am transferred to another assignment such as narcotics those hours may change, but it will still be better then the local police gig.

Monetarily, I am making twice the pay then if I stayed at my last department.

If you can handle the federal adjustment, and it is a harsh adjustment to make, then definately apply.

Good luck to you.

I thought the "SALARY TABLE 2009-DFW (LEO)" I was using already included LEAP because it said "LEO", but apparently not. That changes everything.

To clarify, what you were looking at were the GL pay tables (GS pay tables that have additional pay for LEO positions). GL tables go up to, I believe GS-10, and cover numerous federal LEO positions (including some uniformed LE positions that do not receive LEAP). It has nothing to do with LEAP, though.

By the way, Big, now that I'm in an Intel slot, do you want me to forward all of my HSIR's to you so that you can decide whether or not you want to disseminate them?

Most definitely put BIG on your list, but hold off until the 29th to start, since BIG is going to be out of the office till then. FLETC bound.

Nole,

In your opinion, what was the "harshest adjustment" in making the switch from local to fed?

Nole,

In your opinion, what was the "harshest adjustment" in making the switch from local to fed?

While I don't have the talent or charisma of Nole, I can share what my toughest adjustments were.

1. The move: paid out of pocket to move across 5 states. The cost of selling our house (in this economy, we lost money), movers, reduced income while my wife found employment (which took months), etc. drained us of our savings.

2. Stress of lack of employment availability for my wife for the first few months. My wife is a teacher, so you'd think there would be jobs anywhere (at the very least for subs), but in some areas, like here, you have to jump through extra hoops and waiting lists to get substitute positions, and many school systems are laying people off in this economy vice hiring. After a few months we got very, very lucky.

3. Training-related stress: not that FLETC was overly difficult, but added to all the life changes and knowing that if you get hurt during CITP or add-on, you will get recycled (which can hold up your annual promotion if you're not performing actual investigations prior to your anniversary date), it can be tough to deal with for some. I was fortunate in that I did pretty well and didn't get hurt, a classmate of mine wasn't, and had to be recycled into another class (and was delayed his GS-11 promotion by almost 6 months due to not working cases during his year at GS-9).

Was it worth it? Yes, things worked out well for us, and I really enjoy my job (but I did my research on this agency and knew the mission was one I would enjoy contributing to), but the change from local to fed can be easily underestimated. If you get hired with an agency that doesn't move you, that can be much more stable, but bigger agencies tend to move people (and often to big cities like LA, NYC, Miami, etc.). Just something to think about and discuss with your family before making a decision. Don't just look at the journeyman pay (which may take 5+ years to obtain) and think, "Yeah, I can make it work," plan accordingly if you seriously want to make this career change.

But... but, they keep winning that workplace happiness survey every year! Every year!

Look! This is them- :party:

That is because right before they give them the survey, they give them a big chunk of C4 and let them blow something up and then shoot the .50 cal on full auto. I would rank it as a great place too on that one day.

But seriously, ATF wise, I know three guys, all who have had their mobility agreement activated without notice, and told there is no choice. They all have sought other 1811 slots. And accroding to them, it was not a move based on need, but just a way to keep peopel from getting too comfortable.

For my department, who's pay sucks, the Feds don't really surpass the PD until GS-13. Even that's assuming I hadn't promoted to Cpl or even Sgt by the same time frame.

Even if you get promoted, the feds are still your best route if $ is a factor. Dallas PD only pays more your first three years. After 3 years as a FED, you are making more...a lot more! So you are right, for the first 3 years. But most of us work for 20+. So should I worry about year 1,2,3, or 4-20+? when you run the numbers, the total fed pay difference is close to 1/4 of a million dollars.

Pay to an outsider is always confusing. You get hired as GS-5 or a GS-7 or GS-9. Most agencies promote to GS-13. You go from GS-5 to a GS-7, to a GS-9, to a GS-11, to GS-12 and finally a GS-13. No matter what you get hired at (5,7,9), you get "promoted" to the next one each year. So for example, if you get hired 12/1/09, as a GS-5 in Dallas, this is what you are looking at for pay, whcih does not include the annual cost of living and locality pay increase:

12/1/2009: GS-5, step 1: $32,418 (base) + $8,104.50 (LEAP) = $40,522.50
12/1/2010: GS-7, step 1: $40,156 + $10,039 = $50,195
12/1/2011: GS-9, step 1: $49,118 + $12,279 = $61,379
12/1/2012: GS-11, step 1: $59,428 + $14,857 = $74,285
12/1/2013: GS-12, step 1: $71,230 + $17,807 = $89,037
12/1/2014: GS-13, step 1: $84,703 + $21,175 = $105,878
12/1/2015: GS-13, step 2: $87,526 + $21,881 = $109,407
12/1/2016: GS-13, step 3: $90,350 + $22,587 = $112,937
12/1/2017: GS-13, step 4: $93,174 + $23,293 = $116,467
12/1/2019: GS-13, step 5: $95,997 + $23,999 = $119,996
12/1/2021: GS-13, step 6: $98,821 + $24,705 = $123,526
12/1/2023: GS-13, step 7: $101,644 + $25,411 = $127,055
12/1/2026: GS-13, step 8: $104,468 + $26,117 = $130,585
12/1/2029: GS-13, step 9: $107,292 + $26,823 = $134,115
12/1/2030: GS-13, step 10: $110,115 + $27,528 = $137,643

So we need to look at a what a Dallas cop makes. Since all feds need military of a 4 year degree, we can use the bachelor degree pay from the Dallas PD website.

Year 1: $42,890 + $1800 (patrol duty pay) + $2,904 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $21,424 = $69,018
Year 2: $44,950 + $1800 (patrol duty pay) + $3,038 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $22,464 = $50,220
Year 3: $47,133 + $1800 (patrol duty pay) + $ 3,180 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $23,556 = $75,669
Year 4: $49,449 + $1200 (detective pay) + $3,292 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $25,896 = $78,641
Year 5: $51,857 + $1200 (detective pay) + $3,348 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $25,896 = $82,301
Year 6: $54,379 + $1200 (detective pay) + $3,612 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $27,144 = $86,335
Year 7: $57,062 + $1200 (detective pay) + $3,787 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $28,496 = $90,545
Year 8: $59,837 + $1200 (detective pay) + $3,969 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $29,900 = $94,906
Year 9: $61,772 + $1200 (detective pay) + $4,093 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $30,888 = $97,953
Year 10: $65,851 + $1200 (detective pay) + $4,358(6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $32,916 = $104,325
Senior Corporal Start: $44,060 + $1200 (detective pay) + $2941 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $22,256 = $67,516
Senior Corporal Max: $72,473 + $1200 (detective pay) + $4788 (6.5% night shift) + 10 hours OT (double pay for 10 hours) $18096 = $96,557

You getting promoted to a Sgt or higher is the same in the fed as getting promoted to a ASAC (Assistant Special Agent in Charge) or SAC, and thus you go to a GS-14 and GS-15 pay scale. So we have to leave those out. But now we can compare apples and oranges right next to each other, assuming:
1) Both have a bacehlors degree
2) Based on 50 hour work week
3) The Dallas PD officer/detective is doing a 4x12 or midnight shift every shift every day they work.
4) The Dallas PD officer works 10 hours overtime every week, all 52 weeks.
5) The Dallas PD OT rate is DOUBLE PAY.
6) There is no COLA increase for either.

---------------1811.......vs.......Dallas PD Officer------------
Year 1:........ $50,195............... $69,018
Year 2:........ $61,379............... $72,252
Year 3:........ $74,285............... $75,669
Year 4:........ $89,037............... $78,641
Year 5:........ $105,878............. $82,301
Year 6:........ $109,407............. $86,335
Year 7:........ $112,937............. $90,545
Year 8:........ $116,467............. $94,906
Year 9:........ $119,996............. $97,953
Year 10:.......$123,526............. $104,325
Corporal....... n/a...................... $67,516
Sen Corp...... $137,643............ $96,557

So what didn't we include?
1) 1811's have a flexible work schedule (start and end)
2) 1811's have take home rides (most)
3) 1811's have 1 more paid holiday than Dallas PD
4) 1811's rarley have to work the holiday (most)
5) 1811's get paid 3 hours a week to work out (PT)
6) You get more vacation time with the feds (3-6 days more):

a) Years 1-3 with the Dalls PD you get 2 more vacation days a year than a fed, however, years 4-14 a fed gets 3 days more, and years 15 on, a fed gets 26 days (vs Dalls PD 20 and 23 days.

Ultimately an 1811 in Dallas, putting 50 hours in, typically M-F, mostly during business hours with some exceptions for operation needs, makes a hell of alot more than Dallas PD cop working their 40 hours, during a 4x12 or 12x8, with 10 hours of OT a week.

Also LEAP is not the same thing to all agencies. Some agencies view as "we pay for it, you will work it" while others say "we pay for it, so be available." There is no magic list of who believes what becuase it all depends on the SAC (Special Agent in Charge) at the specific office. But I will say, I have not met a federal agent yet (except a few ICE folks who are on surveillance or witness details) who punch a 40 hour work week clock. Most end up with 50-60 hours per week. Plus, out of that 10 exta hours each week, you get three hours of PT, so now you are down to 7 hours since we all work out daily. And that 7 hours can be in my living room reading over a case file, researching on the internet, speaking to another agent on the phone while I drive to/home work, or at my desk, etc...

My 10-12 hours days as a fed do not compare to my days on patrol. My quality of life has greatly improved. Typically most feds have flexible scheduling, something as a uniform I did not have. Plus, with few exceptions, I have a normal work schedule (7 am to 5 pm) with an hour lunch and am home evenings, weekends and holidays. Additionally, if I have a doctors appointment or need a home repair and need to changemy schedule today from 7am to say 10am, no problem at all. Plus, my agency requires an average of 10 hours, so in the summer I do my 8 and go home, but in the winter, you will find me there doing more hours.

Also, if you go fed, don't get hung up on the 3 letter well known agencies. There are a bunch more out there including 60+ OIG's or Office of Inspector Generals, who are all 1811's. A lot of folks only know what the OIG does based off their state OIG office or what is on the website. That is a poor picture to paint. I am with an OIG and in the past only three years and I have arrested folks on federal charges deal with: drugs, theft, embezzlement, fraud, bribery, conspiracy, false statements, child pornogrpahy, posession of stolen property, unauthorized use of an acess device, etc.... My office has been involved in other cases including weapons investigations and murder charges. Find a FBI/ATF agent who has been on 3 years and worked that variety of cases as the primary case agent with 14 cases accepted by the DOJ-USAO's and over 3 dozen arrest warrants issued.

They key to becoming a fed 1811 is finding what you like or what interests you and going to an agency where you can do that type of work. There are enough out there you can find one that investigates things you like, looks into matters which interest you and then work at the level you are looking for (slow long cases, short fast cases, or a mix). Good luck with the decision and search.

Nole,

In your opinion, what was the "harshest adjustment" in making the switch from local to fed?

Ros and Joey covered some points. In addition, (speaking only from my own experience), say goodbye to PC arrest. US Attorney Office prefers to indict via Grand Jury, which is pretty much the following steps:

A. You get a lead in some manner.
B. You work the lead till you get a viable investigation going.
C. You contact the U.S. Attorney Office and speak with a prosecutor who will either accept the case, deny the case, or tell you to call back when you get more information.
D. Let's say you get a confession from the suspect or catch the suspect in the act. There is no PC arrest. It is called a criminal complaint in the federal system, and AUSA (Asst. US Attorney) avoid it like the plague. They always prefer to take it to the Grand Jury. So you get what you need, and let the perp go. That is rough for someone like me and it has happened on some of the fraud cases I worked.
E. So you finish the case, send the packet to the federal prosecutor, and in a few weeks to few months, you present the case to a grand jury who decide to indict.
F. Then the prosecutor files and you can finally arrest the perp.

From a local law enforcement side, your going to reminisce about the days you got the PC, and arrested the perp right then and there. There was no meetings with the prosecutors, no getting permission on aspects of the case, and no drag time. Also your investigation ends when the arrest is made, not in the federal agencies, case is open until the subject is convicted.

IMO, at the federal level you lose authority. Some states do not recognize Federal Agents as Peace Officers. The original poster is from TX. Federal agents can only make felony arrests on state charges. They have no powers for misdemeanor crimes, even ones committed in their presence. For a local cop turned Fed, it can be a hard pill to swallow.

Regardless, my lifestyle is more suited for my family. I love my job despite the cons but my best stories come from my patrol days.

Joeyd6, I have to 'spread some rep around' before I can circle back to you, but thank you for another awesome post.

Joeyd6, I have to 'spread some rep around' before I can circle back to you, but thank you for another awesome post.

Got'em for ya. :thumbsup:

BTW, remind me never, I mean never, get into a debate with Joey. :biggrin5:

The only disagreement with most of the other agents that I have is the PC arrest. I've made lots of PC arrests with ICE. Yes, I have to call the AUSA upon returning to the office and getting all the facts sorted out to see if they want to prosecute. But, I've made many arrests that way. The biggest problem that I can see for a cop making the transition is how many cases get declined. There are times when you feel like you've made an awesome case, but the USAO doesn't want it. There are times when you will arrest bad guys, call the USAO, and wind up letting the bad guys walk out the door. That's hard to get used to. But, AUSA's are picky, and they only take what they want.

I'm a GS-13/4 in Texas. I make about $118,000. I barely work 40 hours a week. I'm in an Intel assignment. The downside is frequent travel, because our AOR is huge. But, I really don't put in any extra hours. I don't know of any locals in my area that earn comparable pay without being in management. But, you indicated that you will not want to leave Dallas. My advice then is to stay away from federal agencies. Any of the big agencies will make you sign a mobility agreement and you will be subject to transfers at the whims of the agency. Granted, forced transfers don't happen often, but forced TDY happens all the time. I'm in Tucson for the month of October and there is nothing that I can do about it.

To answer your last question, ICE commonly hires current LEO's at the GS-12 level. But, the hiring process is very shady. You'll have to get to know an agent who will submit your resume. I don't know much about ATF hiring, but they don't hire too often.


SWEET MOTHER OF GOD!!!! I'm in the wrong freaking area of law enforcement!!!! I make right around 40k a year.

Son of a b.....

SWEET MOTHER OF GOD!!!! I'm in the wrong freaking area of law enforcement!!!! I make right around 40k a year.

Son of a b.....

That's why so many of us left local LE to go federal... it ain't cause the work in-and-of itself is "better." :wink:

The only disagreement with most of the other agents that I have is the PC arrest.

Probably depends on the agency, and even the assignment. I've made some PC arrests as a fed, but all were when I was assigned to General Crimes aboard a base (where we took most cases through military or local courts, vice federal). I have made a few PC federal arrests, but again, they were all when working Gen Crim, not in my current assignment, which deals exclusively with white-collar cases.

Probably depends on the agency, and even the assignment. I've made some PC arrests as a fed, but all were when I was assigned to General Crimes aboard a base (where we took most cases through military or local courts, vice federal). I have made a few PC federal arrests, but again, they were all when working Gen Crim, not in my current assignment, which deals exclusively with white-collar cases.

Yep, I guess it all depends. In ICE, it's typical (depending on assignment) to do a lot of knock and talks at suspected drop houses and such. Sometimes, you just have to make the arrests, get all the facts organized, and then present the case. If they don't want the case, you let the guy walk out the door. It's a kick in the balls, but it's what you have to do. Plus, there's plenty of responding to CBP calls at the airport or POE and deciding whether or not to make an arrest. That usually happens in the middle of the night. So, you make the arrest and wait util the morning to call the duty AUSA.