What agencies currently let you know your location PRIOR to training?

[StartingOut]

From what I've been told, the FBI will tell you your location halfway through training. I think this puts me out of the running, since it's not worth wasting my time and someone else's place at Quantico if I am taking a huge gamble as to where I'll be posted (unless it's common for agents-in-training to leave Quantico if they aren't posted where they want?)

But what about the USSS, DEA, ICE, ATF etc? And what about some of the other agencies?

Bottom line for me - I need to stay in DC or Virginia for the foreseeable future. Is this realistic? If not, then it's local police time for me!

[Switchback]

The DEA is like the FBI. You find out where you are being assigned after you have completed a good portion (if not all) of the academy.

ICE, ATF and USMS will offer you a job to a specific location. I think Social Security also hires you to a specific location, but I am not sure. I think you are really selling yourself short if you do not look at all the smaller OIGs, too. Many of them hire you to a specific location, too. However, they have a smaller selection of field offices from which to choose.

Some agencies, more than others, are more conducive to not having to bounce around the country after you are hired. Some agencies will require moves periodically. Some have an additional requirement of having to complete HQ time prior to promoting.

Regardless, in all of them, you will have to sign a mobility agreement. So, if that is a problem, don't go federal.

...in other words, do your research.

[Norm357]

From what I've been told, the FBI will tell you your location halfway through training. I think this puts me out of the running, since it's not worth wasting my time and someone else's place at Quantico if I am taking a huge gamble as to where I'll be posted (unless it's common for agents-in-training to leave Quantico if they aren't posted where they want?)

But what about the USSS, DEA, ICE, ATF etc? And what about some of the other agencies?

Bottom line for me - I need to stay in DC or Virginia for the foreseeable future. Is this realistic? If not, then it's local police time for me!

You, my friend, are **** out of luck.

[Switchback]

You, my friend, are **** out of luck.

...and that, ladies and gentlemen, is what we call the Cliff Notes version.



However, since you want to stay in DC (at least with those agencies that specify where you are being hired to), you have better odds of getting that location over many others, as it is usually avoided. If you get offered DC, chances are, you could get a 3-5 years out of it before having to move (assuming it is one of those agencies that like to make people move).

Also, there are a TON of OIGs in DC. Many, if not most, have offices ONLY in the DC area. Consider those. While not as sexy as many of the larger, alphabet soup agencies, the investigations can be satisfying enough.

[Group9]

You, my friend, are **** out of luck.

That's about it. At least for DEA. :D

[steve1568]

From what I've been told, the FBI will tell you your location halfway through training. I think this puts me out of the running, since it's not worth wasting my time and someone else's place at Quantico if I am taking a huge gamble as to where I'll be posted (unless it's common for agents-in-training to leave Quantico if they aren't posted where they want?)

But what about the USSS, DEA, ICE, ATF etc? And what about some of the other agencies?

Bottom line for me - I need to stay in DC or Virginia for the foreseeable future. Is this realistic? If not, then it's local police time for me!

From what I recall, the FBI tells you during Week 6 where you are going, and from my inside intell this determination is made by a drunk monkey throwing darts at a map of the United States.

[StartingOut]

I thought as much. :(

Oh well, I guess I'll still apply to the federal agencies that will let me know where I'll be working before training, but from here on out, I guess I'll be focusing on a local PD career.

[Group9]

From what I recall, the FBI tells you during Week 6 where you are going, and from my inside intell this determination is made by a drunk monkey throwing darts at a map of the United States.

Yes, I believe DEA and the FBI have a contract with the same drunk monkey for agent assignments. :D

[Norm357]

I thought as much. :(

Oh well, I guess I'll still apply to the federal agencies that will let me know where I'll be working before training, but from here on out, I guess I'll be focusing on a local PD career.

Try DC Metro. They are always hiring. Sure, the Chief is an idiot, but nobodys perfect.

http://dcpolice.jobs/

[UpOnBase2]

Also check out some 0083 jobs, UD/UDCP/USPP. All based out of DC area.

Or MD State, even though you can get stationed "anywhere", getting the DC burbs is easy.

[jb5722]

federal air marshals will let you choose which locations you are considered for.

[kennyusmc1]

most land management agencies you apply for a certain vacancy

Forest Service

DOI- National Parks,Fish and Wildlife,BLM

BIA

TVA

DOD