Consideration for an 1811 spot.....

[tre8]

Just a question for those 1811s out there.

A little background on me. I'm a 27 year old police officer in a small city with a BA and a little street experience as a patrolman. In the future, I'm interested in an 1811 spot with DEA, USMS, ATF, or maybe a state gig with the Attorney Generals Office.

In order to be considered for an 1811 spot, in alot of cases one has to have qualifying work experience in addition to a college degree. I understand that I probably would qualify to apply for an 1811 spot.

My question is, in order to be competative for one of these agencies, does one have to have a resume filled with awards, commendations, and huge arrests? Would the average patrolman who does his/her job, works hard and follows the rules be passed over for lack of credentials?

I work at a smaller department with only about 180 officers. Of those 180, I'd say about 30 of them are detectives. All of those who are promoted to detective were "dynamite" as patrol officers. I plan on trying to work as hard as I can to get the gold detective shield, but I know it wouldn't happen overnight, if ever. We have a long list of very qualified officers who have been waiting to become detectives for years, but haven't because of budget and other reasons that are way above my paygrade.

I hope to apply for the 1811 spot within the next year, however, I'd like to get an idea how the BI works. If I don't have a wall full of awards and many pictures of me standing in front of huge amounts of drugs I've seized, will this affect my eligibility? Forgive me if this is too "crystal ball".

I'm just curious to see if others on this board who obatined the 1811 slot with prior LE were all "superstars" at their respective agencies prior to becoming feds. I understand that everyone cannot be a stud. Every organization needs "grunts" to work hard and do what they are told, and at my particular agency, I've taken that role. Any input on this matter would be appreciated.

[Piggy]

I'm an 0083 so I can't answer some of your questions, but I can tell you the 1811 spots are hard to get. Sometimes it almost seems like luck of the draw.

If it helps at all, try this site: http://www.ignet.gov/

Right now, the DEA, Secret Service and FBI have nationwide postings. Like every federal jobs, it takes forever to get hired, so you may want to start throwing out apps now. It won't hurt.

[tomahawk134]

tre8:
I would get with Breacat or DC LAW and get verified for the RP forum ... I served as an 1811 (Criminal Investigator) for number of years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs ... Switchback and other 1811's can speak with AUTHORITY about the application and BI process. Good luck in your quest.

[Bearcat06]

tre8:
I would get with Breacat or DC LAW and get verified for the RP forum

He's been verified. Just waiting for Jason to hit the switch on his account....

[Dalice]

:D I'm an 1811 with ICE. No you don't have to big arrests or anything like that. My background, I came from a small local department in Ga. It had 40 officers and we didn't have any big arrests. I was there for three years. Once into my second year, I applied with ICE and got picked up. It all depends on how you do throughout the hiring process.

ICE definitely likes a four year degree with some law enforcement experience. Though the hiring process changed in June or July. Now you have to talk to a special agent to even get a PIN to apply.

I do think it depends on how you do thoughout the process. Case in point, a detective I know applied for an 1811 position with U.S. Customs (before the merger) and was not hired. He had 8 years patrol experience and two years as a detective. That's why you have to impress them during the hiring process.

Just my .02 cents:D

[Nole795]

By no means was I a "shining star" in my agencies. I started out as a local street cop, and got hired by a state law enforcement agency and got to work various cases with the feds. The experience of working these types of investigation helped me with getting picked up in my current 1811 position.

If you ever find a rhyme and reason why some cops get picked up for FLEO, and others don't...well let me know. I have plenty of LEO friends waiting for the phone call who would make great candidates.

Just stay out of trouble, be a good cop, and have a good reputation at the department. Just like any other position, there are only so many positions with many applicants...not everyone can win. So don't get down if you don't get the call. Apply to several different agencies.

Good luck.