Feds who have used the BOP as a stepping stone?

[SS rider]

Just trying to get some insight on the FEds out there who came in the door with the BOP and moved on to other federal agencies. I currently work for the BOP and I took the job to get into the federal system. In the near future, I want to get on with FAM, BP, DSS, or ICE.

[Nole795]

Personally, I have never met a former BOP official who became an 1811.

[Switchback]

In almost 11 years as an 1811, I know only 1 guy... and I am not sure that he should really count. He worked there 1 week before he was notified that he was hired by the USMS.

I know that several BOPers have gone to the FAMs.

[Group9]

I know one in our agency. The difference for him was he did a much better job of describing his investigative activities on his application rather than just saying he was a guard.

You can say you shook a prisoner down, or you can say you conducted a search for evidence of federal felony violations, when you are doing the same activity.

You can say you braced a prisoner, or you can say you conducted an interview and questioned someone about their knowledge of federal felony violations.

You can say you looked around to see if anything was going on, or you conducted an investigation to see if there were any violations of federal criminla law being committed.

Most of the BOP officers, although they don't even think about it that way themselves, are constantly conducting investigations of serious federal felony violations, as part of their job. That is the part of their job they need to emphasize when applying.

The people who read applications to a federal agency are rarely agents. I knew one Deputy U.S. Marshal, who provided no more information in her application than her currently employer, who was turned down by one of our applications screeners for no law enforcement experience because our screener had no idea what a DUSM was. I know another applicant, who listed her education as a master's degree in economics, who was turned down because she was told we require a four year degree for agents.

Remember who is reading these applications and don't assume they know anything about your job, no matter how well known, that you don't write down. You often only get one shot with an agency and you need to make it count.

[chewy]

We have a bunch of former BOP guys but then again we aren't 1811 and I'm not completely sure that we are a step up :rolleyes: ... Well, at least we get to wear guns at work

One of the girls I used to work with is married to a LT with BOP, he loved his job.

[Big Sexy]

The only former BOPers BIG has ever met were in the FAMS.

Now, former BP agents, BIG has met everywhere. ICE, USSS, FBI, USMS, ATF, HHS-OIG, DEA and FAMS.

[SS rider]

I think if I want to be an 1811 I need to be on the first thing smoking out of the BOP, LOL!!!

[Big Sexy]

I think if I want to be an 1811 I need to be on the first thing smoking out of the BOP, LOL!!!

Don't take the previous posts to say you can't use the BOPers as a stepping stone. It is just that we haven't met anyone who has. That may sound conclusive, but BIG nor the other posters have met every single agent of every agency and know their employment histories.

BIG is sure there is someone in every agency, who got their start in the BOPers, BIG just hasn't met them. Build your resume up, be happy you're covered and good luck on getting with an agency you truly want to be with.

[SS rider]

Don't take the previous posts to say you can't use the BOPers as a stepping stone. It is just that we haven't met anyone who has. That may sound conclusive, but BIG nor the other posters have met every single agent of every agency and know their employment histories.

BIG is sure there is someone in every agency, who got their start in the BOPers, BIG just hasn't met them. Build your resume up, be happy you're covered and good luck on getting with an agency you truly want to be with.

Thanks for the reply BIG. I think I will take your route and get on with BP. I have almost a year in with BOP however, it is not for me. From what I have read the BP is a highly respected agency that offers some great experience. I am very thankful that I am covered. By the way, I see you listed that you are now ICE OI on the 911 forum. What does the OI stand for BIGG?

[chewy]

What does the OI stand for BIGG?

Obtuse Imbasil ... Or Office of Investigations, I for get which... :D

[Big Sexy]

Obtuse Imbasil ... Or Office of Investigations, I for get which... :D

BIG SEXY believes he meant to say Obtuse Imbecil

But knowing Chewy, he probably wanted to make up a word and give it an already established definition. :p

[chewy]

BIG SEXY believes he meant to say Obtuse Imbecil

But knowing Chewy, he probably wanted to make up a word and give it an already established definition. :p

Well, that's why I'm nothing more than a CBP Officer, I never did college and can't spell for shi......

[tunlrat]

The guy that sat next to me in my legacy US Customs class at FLETC was a BOPper. He is still an 1801.

My buddy & academy classmate who left us local yocals to join BOP had one of his co-workers move on to the FAMS.

So yes, it is possible to use BOP as a stepping stone. Although, I've yet to meet a current 1811 who was former BOP. Although, I really don't see how it could hurt. I mean you already got your foot in the federal door, plus you're earning 6c...If things are getting stale for you over there, try & mix things up a little: get on a "special" unit, become a supervisor, and the like. Those things will only benefit you in the long run to become an 1811.

[Kimble]

But Group9 is likely dead-on that your articulation of your skills and experience as a BOP CO will determine how far you get in the application process for an 1811 gig. I met a guy who was a BOP Senior CO, worked on their riot unit (like a SWAT team as I understand) and was in the USCG reserve. He and I sat for a panel interview with NCIS about a month a part. I was told I passed and would proceed to the BI a few months later, whereas he got a thin letter in the mail shortly thereafter informing him that he was not deemed "most competative."

So, not at all knocking BOP or the experience you'll get there, but how you articulate that into actual investigative experience will likely be the deal-maker or -breaker.

[BP348]

The people who read applications to a federal agency are rarely agents. I knew one Deputy U.S. Marshal, who provided no more information in her application than her currently employer, who was turned down by one of our applications screeners for no law enforcement experience because our screener had no idea what a DUSM was. I know another applicant, who listed her education as a master's degree in economics, who was turned down because she was told we require a four year degree for agents.

Remember who is reading these applications and don't assume they know anything about your job, no matter how well known, that you don't write down. You often only get one shot with an agency and you need to make it count.

Group 9 hit the nail on the head !!!!

Sometimes it seems the hardest part of the application process is getting your application past the GS-3 clerk.

I know 2 guys with BOP both like their jobs and have been with BOP for 10+ years. Both make 65k+ a year. One even told me he made 80K with all the over time he did.

So, if BOP is your thing give it a try. Corrections isn't for everyone. But if that's your thing BOP is better than working for the state. Well at least here in Texas.

I onlt know 1 former USBP agent who went to BOP but he used that to go back home. As soon as he got there he started trying to get on with the then INS 1811's in his area. Spent 8 months with BOP and got transfered over to the INS CI job. He's now a GS-13 1811 with ICE. Lucky Dog!!!