secret service, ud

[wolve]

Indeed we all know they are hiring, They are possibly going to hire 450 officers by the end of next year. Being that this is a high position in federal lawenforcement, I am wondering what kind of background are they looking from an applicant. What i mean is are they looking for someone with military or sworn lawenforcement experience. I am graduating from college in a couple of months with an associates degree, and from i understand most uniformed division officers tend to have a 4 year degree. What i would like to ask the board is if anyone knows anyone who has been hired without pd experience, military experience, or a 4 year degree. I know a local police department would take someone with a 2 year, i feel ud position may ask for way more standards. Well hopefully someone may drop me any info on this.

[Stump]

Amazing what Google will do. Click here for the website for the secret service. Browse around, you should be able to have your questions answered. If not, they have a toll-free number you can call.

[Swat1]

My careers in LE text book says that all Federal LE (FBI, CIA, etc...) requires a four year degree.

- Neinta

Well, I am living proof that your' text is dead wrong.

I am a GS-12 1811 with a major fed agency and I do not have a degree (from a college or university).

Swat1*

[Swat1]

I am a recent Fed LE hire, however, my previous military and LE experience, including federal task force time is what got me the position. I was hired on as a GS-12, so my previous experience was key in not only getting an 1811, but getting a senior grade as well.

Swat1*

[GMan26]

I had applied to the USSS four years ago - its a tough process (like any federal job) and they suggested that I get an MBA. They did however explain that the Uniformed Division would be recruiting and that a college degree is not mandatory but could help.

After going through the process I decided that it was not for me. I just couldn't get past "not having a home". My old neighbor was a retired SS agent and he was one of the reasons why I wanted to apply. But I just can't see how you can have a family and work as a Special Agent. I don't think it would be fair to your spouse and kids...

[wolve]

did you first apply for Special agent and then decided to apply for Uniformed officer.

[GMan26]

Yes I first applied for the Special Agent position and went through the process up until the end. The recruiter always made it clear that you would be away from your spouse, family, home for long periods of time. Basically drilling that into you... and when I sat down one night to really consider this I just couldn't do it. I'm not the type to be moving all over the US and to be on a protection detail (long boring hours) traveling the world... I just couldn't see myself doing it. My old neighbor really pushed me into studying for the Treasury exam and getting into shape. I wouldn't say it was a waste of time - it was a learning experience.

I considered applying for the UD but at that time the pay was $33k or something and at my then job I was already making well above that. So I didn't see moving to VA a reasonable move (I was working for an IT company which went belly up later that year).

I know four years ago they were planning on hiring a lot of people for the UD. Also agents since 2001 was a big retirement year (what I heard then).

If you want it then go for it. Be determined and you just might get hired. That's how I started out...