Agency Jumping Question

[Wolfman]

I am currently in the Navy (for the next 60 days), and will be going on with a local PD (already sworn there - going to a paid status).

My goal is to become an 1811 with the FBI, NCIS, or possibly USSS (considering USMS). My first inclination is with FBI, though I like the missions of the other guys as well.

My question: How hard is it to agency jump, and does it happen a good bit? I.E. if I were to become a Postal Inspector (just picking as an example), or 1811 somewhere else, would I be able to jump to the FBI, NCIS, etc. easier - or would it actually raise walls?

Also, how long do you usually see guys work for one agency before they put in for a transfer to another?

-I am working under the assumption that agencies hiring 1811s would look more favorably to those with 1811/investigative experience than working as a Patrolman, is this a pretty fair assumption?

Thanks for any help.

[Valor55]

Going from local to federal is not an automatic "jump." They are extremely competitive. Have local LE can help you a little with the competititve aspect but is no guarantee.

Once you are in the federal system is easier to move agencies because you will keep your benefits and retirement. But you still have to compete with the other applicants and convince them to take you over someone else.

Also, from what I have heard, US Postal Inspectors may be more competitive and difficult to get into than just about any other 1811 gig.

[Maverick24]

Also, from what I have heard, US Postal Inspectors may be more competitive and difficult to get into than just about any other 1811 gig.

Totally agree here! Even the process for the bureau seems to be shorter and easier then the USPIS. Those guys do NOT mess around!

[jvale00]

Just get into an 18 series job, the 0083's seem to have more obstacles over city cops when applying for criminal investigator positions IMO. :mad:

[Kimble]

Another thing to consider:

MOST 1811 positions have initial training in CITP at FLETC. I say "most" because here are the exceptions:

USPIS has their own academy
FBI has their own academy at Quantico
DEA has their own academy at Quantico (no, it's not the same academy as the FBI's).

From my understanding, if you go to one of these three academies and then apply to an agency that requires CITP, the CITP can be waived (you'll still have to go through that new agencies "add-on" academy, which many are at FLETC). However, I do believe CITP does not waive one from having to go through the academies for USPIS, FBI or DEA. I'll leave it to agents from these three agencies to correct me if I'm mistaken.

[SSA1811]

Wolfman,

The following responses to your questions are my personal opinions based on my experience rather than coming from any official source.

Question: How hard is it to agency jump?
Answer: It depends - it depends on the knowledge, skills, and abilities ("KSA's") you bring to the table from your former Agency, and what the new Agency is currently looking for in terms of new candidates. Language skills, computer skills, and financial investigative skills seem to be in demand these days.

Question: Does it happen a good bit?
Answer: Within the past ten years, or so, it is happening with a lot more frequency. However, "a lot more" is relative. In the past, it was almost looked upon as being disloyal, now-a-days it is much more accepted. The numbers? My Field Office employs over 120 GS-1811 Special Agents, and we lose 2 or 3 per year to transfers. I believe that percentage holds for most of the other Agencies as well.

Question: How long do you see guys work for one Agency before they put in for transfer to another?
Answer: Four years is the average time frame. Many Agencies are journeyman GS-12, meaning you will be promoted non-competitively to the grade GS-12. However, many other Agencies now are journeyman GS-13, or de facto GS-13. Those in a GS-12 Agency who haven't gotten, or will not get, their GS-13 by their fourth or fifth year start getting disgruntled and begin filling out the paperwork.

Question: Would agencies hiring 1811s look more favorably to those with 1811/investigative experience?
Answer: Yes. The technical title for the GS-1811 Series position is Criminal Investigator with Special Agent in parenthesis. However, there are many other factors, e.g., having an active Top Secret National Security Clearance is a plus. Most people incorrectly assume all GS-1811's have a Top Secret Clearance, but this is far from the case. It takes the Government over nine months or longer, and costs them over $8000 to process a request for a TS Clearance. If you have a TS, you can presumably hit the ground running rather than having them wait nine months or longer after you are hired, and you will save them $8000. I would say that is a definite plus.


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