Applying to the FBI

[Scruit]

I'm an IT manager with 10 years of experience, a computer degree and legal training. I'm considering applying to the FBI to work at their new cyber-crime / computer forensics facility in Columbus, OH. I'm definitely qualified from a technical perpective, and should have zero trouble with any background check. I just need ot wait until my citizenship is completed before I apply. I meet the physical fitness requirements and I am 29 years old.

My question is; Is it realistic to ask/hope that I will be assigned to the facility in Ohio? I don't want to apply and then be sent off to work in another state indefinitely. I'm ok with the Quantico trip, but I have a wife and baby on the way and I'd prefer my permanent assignment is in ohio.

[Switchback]

Do you plan to apply to a tech position or a Special Agent position?

[Scruit]

Prefer special agent. I want to be in a position where I can directly assist in bringing criminals to justice, rather than purely a support role. Will take a support role as a second choice.

[Switchback]

As a SA you wil have no say so, besides making your dream list, as to where you will be sent. You find out while you are in the academy.

If I recall correctly, IT is one of the abckgrounds they are fast-tracking.

[Scruit]

:D My biggest career goal is to work in law enforcement as a computer specialist - tracking hackers, kiddie porn peddlers and assisting in other cases (drug, terrorism) where information is stored on computers...

[Switchback]

Customs also has a great computer group.

If you really want to do computer stuff, first, come on as a tech/analyst. Otherwise, you will always be an agent with computer skills.

[Scruit]

So you're suggesting applying in a support role first, then becoming a special agent later?

[Switchback]

Not at all. I am saying that as a SA you will not have much of a choice as to where you go and that your computer skills will be secondary. It sounded like you wanted to do more than that with your comp skills.

That's all.

Both positions would be great for you and I know they really want IT people right now.

[Scruit]

I'll bear that in mind. #1 priority is to use my computer skills in the furtherance of justice... :D

[sideshow]

Bear in mind that "fast tracking" probably means over a year from the time of initial application to going to Quantico.

If you want more information than you could ever absorb on the SA hiring process, go over to www.911jobforums.com

Oh, by the way, I'm sideshow... this is my first post here... "long time reader, first time poster."

[Switchback]

I've known some to go much faster, first hand. Granted it can be a very long process, but I have seen some applicants with "in demand" backgruonds go faster.

[Scruit]

There are IT jobs in a 'support' role (developing the FBI's computer systems, etc) and there are Special Agent positions with IT specialisation. Is this whart you mean by being an SA could risk that I don't do much computer work?

I currently qualify fro IT jobs at level 13 and 14 in the support role, but it only lists level 10 as being the starting pay for a SA. I'm not in this for the money, but base SA pay is less than half what I make today and I can't expect my family to take that financial hit. Are the IT specialist SA jobs paid on the same scale as IT specialist in a support role, or is level 10 where it's gonna be. (I'd definitely stick to support role if that's the case).

[sideshow]

I'll start off by saying that all of the following information comes from my research into Fed LE, so I may be a little off on a point or two:

While agents start off at GS-10, they also get a premium pay called Law Enforcement Availability Pay due to the unpredictible nature of the job to cover overtime, callbacks, etc. LEAP is equal to 25% of locality pay. So, once you graduate the academy, take the locality pay for wherever you end up getting assigned, and add 25% to it. Agents usually progress to GS-13 in 5 years, so for the 'Rest of US' locality area, that's around $84k annually.

There are several things to consider here. First of all, as an SA you could be doing all sorts of things, not necessarily just cyber crime. The only way to guarantee that you'll be doing IT work is to get an IT support job. Also, you're mobile as an SA. I'm not sure if support jobs require a mobility agreement, but if you don't want to uproot the family, support is the way to go.

GS-2210s qualify for a Special Salary Rate, but don't get locality pay.

GS-1811s qualify for locality and LEAP, and are paid on a Law Enforcement scale, which includes higher rates up to GS-10. After GS-10, the LE scale matches the regular GS scale.

Here are some pay links to OPM's website:

IT Special Salary Rate (GS-2210 and others)

Law Enforcement (GS-1811 - Add 25% for LEAP)

[Scruit]

Tnx sideshow. The locality concerns and absolute requirement that I do IT work is pushing me in the support direction. I still have about 6mo before my citizenship is even due, so it could be a year or two before I begin the application process, but it's good to have something to aim for.

Thanks for all your advice!

[Switchback]

Another benefit to those of us that get LEAP is the retirement. While I would make more money if I earned overtime for all my hours over 40, that OT would not count towards my retirement calculations. My LEAP rate is my salary, so my retirement is based on it.