Few quick questions...

[bballfreak22]

I've been pondering several different routes of getting into law enforcement. I'm planning on hitting the books and getting my bachelors degree before pursuing a job. I talked to a federal agent I know a while back, and he suggested looking into becoming a federal agent as a possibility for several reasons......higher pay, etc. Anyway, he mentioned something about going through an internship and being guarenteed a job after completion of that internship. I would appreciate any info anyone has about this process and any tips or advice on federal law enforcement in general. Thanks!

[Swat1]

My advice to you is not to go into Federal LE right out of the box. Get some type of prior LE experience where the rubber meets the road. By that I mean patrol. At the very least get some military experience. It will make you a more well rounded agent. By and far the better agents that I have worked with have had state/local experience and/or military experience. Do you have to go that route, no not necessarily, although it certainly helps the application. Just IMHO, in my 13 years of LE experience there is definately a difference between those agents who do have that kind of experience and those who don't.

When dealing with state and local LE I almost always tell them that I am a former local officer and detective. That usually puts all the typical "FED" fears behind and we get down to work. One local detective Sgt., I was just talking to on the phone the other day to get a detective assigned to a case to work jointly, said to me after I told him that, "So, you're a real cop then?"

This is not to say that agents who do not have this experience can't get by and can't be good agents, because there are, it's just that, the local LE experience is a great start.

Swat 1*

[Kimble]

Anyway, he mentioned something about going through an internship and being guarenteed a job after completion of that internship. I would appreciate any info anyone has about this process and any tips or advice on federal law enforcement in general. Thanks!

Either this individual has no idea of what an internship entails, or he's blowing smoke up your you-know-what. Some internships are designed to lead you into a career position (I believe the FBI's Honors Internship is one), but these are the exception to the rule. I've never seen an internship that was designed to bring one on board as an 1811 (i.e. Special Agent). I was an intern with USSS in grad school, and I can assure you that my internship did not end in me beginning a career was an 1811 with them. My internship was a rewarding experience, and I'm grateful that I was able to do it, but don't get the wrong idea that it will materialize into a job afterwards, because more often than not it does not.

What your federal agent friend may have been referring to is something different than an internship, called the Cooperative Education Employment Opportunity (or Co-op). Co-op programs are designed to train a student in the necessary skills and abilities to begin an 1811 position upon graduation. However, you should know that the selection for these is just as competative as for the 1811 positions, as you are hired on upon graduation (at least that's my understanding). I know USSS, U.S. Marshals, IRS-CI and ICE have Co-op programs, though I suspect other may as well.

[tunlrat]

Ditto on what both Swat & ROS stated.

An internship AND/OR a co-op doesn't guarantee you a job ANYWHERE, private sector or LE agencies. They're great to have because they're so competitive to get & looks good on a resume but again no guarantees. Don't let us stop you from applying to any of course (in fact, you should apply to as many as you can), we're just giving you the skinny.

If I had the choice, I'm sorry but I'd rather have a former cop as a Federal co-worker anyday of the week. This comes from just personal experience. When I went through FLETC, I just generally had a better time & rapport with the former LE (local & Fed) & military guys. We (generally) were squared away, didn't stress over the minor things, & we all knew our LE issues, e.g. officer safety, contact/cover, & the like. Moreover, we were just plain more disciplined than some of our other classmates. When I got to my port, same things as above.

That's not to say I have anything against those without former LE/ military experience. We all got to start somewhere right??? :rolleyes:

[tunlrat]

Oh, one more thing...

Many city, county, & state LE agencies have internships as well. You may want to experience multiple interships at both the local & Federal level and then come to a final informed decision.

Good luck! :cool:

[bballfreak22]

Thanks for all the responses.

[Sleuth]

You do understand that both programs are only available to those enrolled in college?