Investigative Specialist: PM anyone?

[Panther_Grad]

I have just received the final offer for SSG. Throughout the process I have played constant phone tag with my AC and I feel like I still have many unanswered questions, specifically about training, relocation, and day-to-day details. I realize the nature of the position makes it difficult to get a lot of information, but is there anyone who is/was an SSG that would be willing to receive and respond to a PM?

[Kimble]

I have just received the final offer for SSG. Throughout the process I have played constant phone tag with my AC and I feel like I still have many unanswered questions, specifically about training, relocation, and day-to-day details. I realize the nature of the position makes it difficult to get a lot of information, but is there anyone who is/was an SSG that would be willing to receive and respond to a PM?

I've worked with Investigative Assistants with USSS on a daily basis, which I believe is a position similar to FBI's Investigative Specialists. Feel free to PM me if I can offer any help.

[nwndrlnd]

When did you get your call? I am still waiting... I have completed everything and now just have to wait for them to call me to tell me where and when... congrats on getting your call... do you know when you are going to training? or where you will be stationed?

[Panther_Grad]

I heard the news this week. I finished my ME in late October--if that gives you any idea of timeframe. I will find out all the details soon. Hope you get some news soon!

[nwndrlnd]

I finished my ME in September...then did a few followup tests first part of november... but they were not big things or problematic... If you would, as soon as you find out your training date would you let me know? Just interested to see where I stand. I am hoping that I will hear something next week... I should be ready process wise to go somewhere... maybe we will train together. I will keep everyone posted. Congrats though and good luck.

[cmras24]

I did my ME in August and follow up in Sept. Still waiting, my application date was June 03. Its been a long haul.

[nwndrlnd]

I originally interviewed in February 04..so I guess I am moving quickly huh? I am not sure when I sent in my original application...I kind of forgot about it until they called in February.. It sounds like some other IS people are getting called....maybe that means they are getting ready to do more IS training...maybe it will include us.. not sure I can wait more months... so hopefully we will all get the "call"...

[txinvestigator1]

What does an investigative specialist do?

[nwndrlnd]

I wish I could tell you...but they haven't even told us! We just signed up and agreed to go... I guess we get more details when we get the final call that we are in...

[txinvestigator1]

I wish I could tell you...but they haven't even told us! We just signed up and agreed to go... I guess we get more details when we get the final call that we are in...

You applied for, tested for and took a job and you dont know what it is?

[nwndrlnd]

We know the basics...but no real details... basically we work under and in support of the Special Agents... so alot of surveillance and stuff... that is about all we know... I guess it is kind of secretive... but yep... we all applied, jumped through hoops and agreed to do the job... funny huh?

[txinvestigator1]

I don't see anything secretive about it. It is a support position?

OK, from other sources I have found

Basically, investigative specialists have a unique position within the Bureau working street level surveillance. This could entail following individuals on foot, in vehicles, or parking outside their home. They do not have any arrest authority. The main focus of investigative specialists is to conduct surveillance operations to thwart terrorism and "keep an eye" on suspected terrorist or those enabling terrorist activity. I do not believe this position is for everyone, if you are the type of person that always has to be doing something then this position is probably not for you. In some instances you could spend anywhere from 8, 10, or even 12 hours sitting in a car!!!

and

These positions do not require a four year degree. Many applicants take these positions to set themselves up for applications to state and local departments as they try to continue night school (mostly criminal justice or law enforcement curriculums). The three letter word looks good on a resume.

Applicants for these positions do not fare any better than general applicants for special agent positions after getting their degrees.

They work tough constantly rotating shifts but get exposure which is valued by other departments.

Pretty tough for married individuals because of the difficulty in predicting schedules.

[nwndrlnd]

I heard all that... although the no degree part is kind of hard to believe... Everything I have seen requires at least a bachelor's degree unless you just have so much experience to get in... I actually have a master's... but did not qualify for special agent so a support position is for me with hopes that I will ascend in the ranks. If not... that is fine too... it is a great opportunity and beats being a paralegal with a high degree..

[cmras24]

I agree that it is only a support position, but the job description and the duties are somewhat classified according to people on this board and others that may be holding the SSG position.

[txinvestigator1]

No more classified than a SA.