HELP.. Need Advice From FLEO in the 1811 or 1801 Groups

[Audirs4]

I want to say thanks for all your input on this site... Lots of good information for us newbies, and those that have lots of questions... Thanks


Now, onto the Subject Matter.....

I am 19 and in the 1802 group.... No College or Armed Forces Experience... However, I in time would like to get into the 1811 group..among others. What would be the best and quickest way to go about doing this?

Would it be adviseable to take any job under the sun and place myself in the area in which I would like to go into... An work, like a bat out of hell in order to make a name for myself around that agency post...

Or go to college... Join the Military...

I want a 3yr plan.. That for the most part can spell out it out... 2+2= 4...

Thanks,

Doc

[Audirs4]

Sorry, also

IF there are any postions that would be most adviseable...

[eff-bee-eye]

Go to college, then get an advanced degree...or become a police officer, or a CBP officer, or try and land an internship with the FLEO of your choice..you will hear these and many other options. Learn a foreign language that is critical to the agency you are tying to get into. Lots of options here, but your questions are pretty vague. Bottom line is you have to pursue what interests you, and what an agency is looking for right now may or may not be the same as what they're looking for in 3-5 years.

[tomahawk134]

eff-bee-eye is correct... Federal Law Enforcement (LE) Agencies have different requirements and MINIMUM standards. College Degree at a MINIMUM for most agencies.... I do not believe there is a Fast Track to the 1811 Special Agent positions. The 1811 positions are very competitive.... depending onthe agency prior LE enforcement may help ... Prior Military service gives you a huge leg up in hiring .....

You mention a three year plan..... I began my LE career as Uniform Officer in 1988. I was promoted to Criminal Investigator (1811) in 1994. There are other 1811's who will tell you they applied and were hired with little or no LE experience.

If I may suggest, look at a couple of agencies that interest you. Talk with the agency recruitment officers. You will get a wealth of information about the positions... Good luck in your endeavors....

[Dalice]

I agree with the other guys. It depends on who you want to apply with. Also, bear in mind that the entire hiring process can take 2 years or more, so be prepared for a long wait.

[BP348]

Can't add too much. Go to college!!! I'm not sure but I think that Border Patrol, CBP Officers, and USMS are the only agencies that do not require a college degree. Of the three only the USMS is an 1811 spot. I don't know if the FAM requires a degree or not. Take the test for USBP many agencies will take 3 years experience over a degree. Of course experience and a degree is best. Also be advised that the BP academy is known as one of if not the hardest federal academy for a reason. If you want to take the test let me know and I'll give you more info.

By the way when I joined the patrol I didn't have a degree now I have a bachelors and am well on my way to a masters. It's all about how you use your time.

[Switchback]

...I think that Border Patrol, CBP Officers, and USMS are the only agencies that do not require a college degree. Of the three only the USMS is an 1811 spot...

Close, but no cigar. The ATF also has no degree requirement. Good luck without one, though.

The USMS does not hire directly into the 1811 slot. When they did, though not required, you needed a degree to be competitive. Requirements matter ver, VERY little. It's more important to be COMPETITIVE. If everyone else putting in for the job has degrees, you will likely need one... unless you have some other very special skill that you are bringing to the table.

All USMS hiring is into the 082 slot. It is a non-investigative Deputy U.S. Marshal. Currently, the flavor-of-the-day for personnel is to hire military guys within 6 months of their separation date. From the 082 pool, all 1811s are hired. You must be an 082 for at least 2 years before asking for consideration.

..to answer your question, get a degree then start putting in. While yuo are putting in for the 1811, try to get a job as a local or other non-1811 fed job. It's all about making yoruself more marketable. Also, FWIW, a master's degree is no more advantagous than spending that same amount of time getting experience. If you can do both, then great! Also, hardly anyone cares about what you major in. The feebs are the only ones that really emphasize that.

[Nole795]

Agree with the other posts...I have a college degree and 7 years experience with local and state LEO before I became 1811. I have plenty of friends who also have degrees and work experience, who are waiting for the phone call. These are your competition, so you need to boost your resume with sparkling words like degree, fluency in a language, and work experience to make you above par with the others.

[tunlrat]

Go to college & get at LEAST a bachelor's. It doesn't matter what school. Major in something that would get someone's attention (you can always minor in what interests you, I did). I would major in a language or regional arts, e.g. Chinese history, Ottoman history (not the furniture). Or if that's not your flavor, perhaps something in the technical or science field--computer programming, chemistry, etc. While still in college, look at LE internships or co-ops. After graduation, get any LE experience: local, state, or Fed. From there you can plan on getting on somewhere as an 1811. It takes time, but believe me time flies! Good luck, be patient, & keep your eye on the prize...

[Redman]

Currently, the flavor-of-the-day for personnel is to hire military guys within 6 months of their separation date.

Any chance the next flavor will be hiring college grads 6 months from separation?? *crosses fingers*

[Switchback]

Any chance the next flavor will be hiring college grads 6 months from separation?? *crosses fingers*

LOL
I know what you are saying. However, It's my opinion that either pool (exclusively) has its limitations. If I had my way, the jobs would be announed openly and let the most competitive get hired. Anything short of that and you are shooting yourself in the foot.

[ICEGrrl]

What they all said....:rolleyes: I can't say it any better! I can say though that patience is also a big plus since you're going to need it while waiting for an 1811 spot unfortunately!