FCIP Region 1 Info session

[Stub]

The only thing I am still confused by is the step increases. I should start 7 I understand that. They said it recently changed so that you went from GS-9 to GS-11 in something like 1 year (or something like that). Anybody have any solid info on this????

As it stands, if you have no previous federal service, you will start as a GL-5, step 1 or a GL-7, step 1.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (LEO) 2009 GENERAL SCHEDULE LOCALITY PAY TABLES

In order to qualify as a GL-7, step 1, a new hire must meet or exceed specialized experience requirements or superior academic achievement. Corrections experience, to include BOP, does not qualify under specialized experience.

Qualifications

As you can see from the link provided above, three years of BOP experience does qualify an applicant as a GL-5.

Non-competitive career progression for a new hire with no previous federal service, as of right now, is:

Year 1 - GL-5, step 1 (0082)
Year 2 - GL-7, step 1 (0082)
Year 3 - GL-9, step 1 (0082)
Year 4 - GL-9, step 2 (1811), base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV
Year 5 - GL-9, step 3 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV
Year 6 - GS-11, step 1 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV
Year 7 - GS-11, step 2 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV
Year 8 - GS-11, step 3 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV
Year 9 - GS-12, step 1 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV

If you qualify to start as a GL-7, then career progression, as of right now, is:

Year 1 - GL-7, step 1 (0082)
Year 2 - GL-9, step 1 (0082)
Year 3 - GL-9, step 2 (0082)
Year 4 - GL-9, step 3 (1811), base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV
Year 5 - GS-11, step 1 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV
Year 6 - GS-11, step 2 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV
Year 7 - GS-11, step 3 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV
Year 8 - GS-12, step 1 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV

In my experience, the USMS honors grade and step retention for current federal civil servants up to a GL-5, step 10 salary, or a GL-7, step 10 salary if you qualify as a GL-7.

Our Director recently released correspondence indicating that he intends to collapse the requirement to serve as a GL-9 for three years and a GS-11 for three years. Instead, he intends to only have DUSM’s remain at each grade for one year, instead of three. If his plan is approved, non-competitive career progression is expected to be as follows:

Year 1 - GL-5, step 1 (0082)
Year 2 - GL-7, step 1 (0082)
Year 3 - GL-9, step 1 (0082)
Year 4 - GS-11, step 1 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV
Year 5 - GS-12, step 1 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV

If you qualify to start as a GL-7, then career progression is expected to be:

Year 1 - GL-7, step 1 (0082)
Year 2 - GL-9, step 1 (0082)
Year 3 - GS-11, step 1 (0082)
Year 4 - GS-12, step 1 (1811) , base salary + 25% LEAP and take home GOV

Promotion beyond GS-12 is competitive.

[amhrinda]

Switchback and Stub,
Thank you for clarifying. I'm sure that he was talking about experience for the GL-5 position.

I had no intention of starting a Corrections/LE feud, as that has been covered in other threads ad nauseum. We don't have a badge or arrest authority, and I accept that. He said it mostly helped that I was already in the federal system, as that was they route he took also.

And thank you again Stub, the recruiter had mentioned that they can carry you over up to a 7-10. (for instance if you were a 9 already)

Thank you again.



edit: I was expecting a crack about becoming a BoP self-defense instructor. After being a MCMAP assistant instructor, I have a feeling I will be left with a sense of dissapointment with this training. Someone has to do it though.

[amhrinda]

I attended Boston, MA on 7/24 for the information session and haven't heard anything so far. Has anyone else heard anything? What region will be next under the FCIP program? Thanks in advance :p

Our recruiter in Philly said his speculation (note that is nothing solid) was that the interviews would possibly start around 6 Oct. Not scripture, just his best guess.

[phillyfed]

I don't believe anyone was trying to demean the BOP. In fact, I worked for the BOP for a time myself. I know what HR will say because I experienced it when I came on.

The USMS can bring you on as a 7-10. However, they make our own DEO's take a hit and go back to a GL 5 in most cases when they merit promote.

[amhrinda]

I don't believe anyone was trying to demean the BOP. In fact, I worked for the BOP for a time myself. I know what HR will say because I experienced it when I came on.

The USMS can bring you on as a 7-10. However, they make our own DEO's take a hit and go back to a GL 5 in most cases when they merit promote.

Thanks, Phillyfed, I was just trying to keep this from turning into a debate about Corrections/LE as that has been covered elsewhere in these forums.

I guess when it comes down to it, if i had to take a hit now for something better in the long run, it would be worth it. I would rather not, but would it be worth it? For me, definitely yes.

[Switchback]

Switchback and Stub,
Thank you for clarifying. I'm sure that he was talking about experience for the GL-5 position.

I had no intention of starting a Corrections/LE feud, as that has been covered in other threads ad nauseum. We don't have a badge or arrest authority, and I accept that. He said it mostly helped that I was already in the federal system, as that was they route he took also.

And thank you again Stub, the recruiter had mentioned that they can carry you over up to a 7-10. (for instance if you were a 9 already)

Thank you again.



edit: I was expecting a crack about becoming a BoP self-defense instructor. After being a MCMAP assistant instructor, I have a feeling I will be left with a sense of dissapointment with this training. Someone has to do it though.

Actually, I was NOT talking about qualifying for a grade. I was talking about getting hired. When I came on, you had to have a bachelor's, 2.5 years of LE experience (and NOT corrections), or a combination of the 2. I don't think that ever changed, despite most shining star recruits not meeting the criteria.

I also was under the understanding from the guys handling the telephone screening in my region that they were limiting it to those with LE experience and/or degrees, with some exceptions for exceptional military experience.

Who knows, I have been wrong before... but that is the word when they did the screening near me. There is a general dissatisfaction with the recent hiring initiatives and (as messed up as making people have to call in, screwing those who actually have jobs) many have looked to this new one to try and bring in better candidates.

[amhrinda]

Switchback,
Thank you for the input. That could still be the case. When I called the recruiter in the Central Pa Region (weeks before it opened up) and left my message saying I was interested, I let him know that I have a Bachelor's Degree, 7 years in the Marine Corps and I am with the BoP. It might be the combination. Also from the USMS careers page:

GL-5: GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A four year bachelors’ degree OR a minimum of three years of responsible volunteer or paid experience. Listed below are examples of acceptable experience:

Law enforcement

Work involving the correctional treatment and supervision of criminal offenders in correctional institutions

Classroom teaching or instruction

Sales (other than taking and filing orders as in over-the-counter sales)

Interviewing experience in a public or private service agency which involved making determinations on individual requests for services, benefits, etc., and explaining, interpreting, and applying rules, regulations, and procedures

Work involving contacts with the public for the purpose of gathering information, such as credit rating investigator, claims adjuster, journalist, etc.

Volunteer teaching or counseling

Other experience that has demonstrated the ability to take charge and make decisions, such as civilian/military supervisory, managerial or leadership responsibility.

Our region actually had people email in a formatted message with intent and qualifications in it, and I know a few guys who didn't make it as far as the Info Session.

Ultimately, I am one aspiring to be where you are, so I value any input you and other DUSM's offer.

Thank you again.

[Switchback]

You are qualified with the bachelors.

[amhrinda]

Good to go. Thank you again for the input, Switchback.
Now to go back to PT'ing and training (and working doubles)
to pass the time until I (hopefully) get called for an interview.

[fedmax123]

To me it is funny that this was even asked. When I told the recruiter that I worked for the BOP, the guy told me "we love guys that have BOP experience."

Not sure why the BOP would not be considered law enforcement?

For the qualifications, it said something about a college degree or three years of correctional experience. If you look at the job duties and what you will be doing your first couple of years with the USMS, working for the BOP is very relevant.

1. Your already in the system for the federal retirement
2. You probably have experienced transporting inmates before.
3. You have extensive experience with the use of restraints.
4. You have weapons experience
5. You have already passed a similar background investigation

I have experience with:
- Graduated Police Academy
- Graduated Corrections Academy
- 2 years experience with Florida Department of Corrections
- 5 years experience with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (Penitentiary)
- 4 years Special Operations Response Team
- 1 year certified Marksman/Observer (sniper) through
Glynco; Camp Blanding
- Currently a GL-8/6
- I have 48 college credits towards a A.A.S. with a GPA
of 3.76 Deans Honor List
Sorry for all the small details put didn't want to leave anything out.
Arrest authority? I am covered through the U.S.C. also known as the United States Code 18 section 3050. This code gives me authority on AND off Bureau grounds. Do you think I have enough experience? Oh yeah, when I was in Boston, MA on 7/24 for the info session, the Marshal that was finger printing me said that he also was from the Bureau and that they love people from the FBOP?? Thanking you in advance.

[Switchback]

I don't know. Things in this hiring process are a bit weird and I cannot speak to them with any real certainty. I can say you would not have qualified uner the initiative when I was hired, and I have never heard of anything saying that it has OFFICIALLY changed (despite some getting hired who do not meet the citeria).

It is 2.5 years of police work (NOT corrections, regardless of some authority, outlined on the books somewhere....it's about what you do day-to-day. If you're corrections, you're coprrections.), a 4 year degree, or a combination of the 2.

It can't hurt in applying.

[fedmax123]

hopefully everything turns out good...I pray that they would have read this on the email that I sent them before they returned my confirmation number right?!? Good looking out Switchback

[amhrinda]

hopefully everything turns out good...I pray that they would have read this on the email that I sent them before they returned my confirmation number right?!? Good looking out Switchback

That's kind of what I thought too. I figured they would be screening the emails, and passing on unqualified people.

And the recruiter told me they liked BoP experience as well. Then again, there are a few of us BoP guys trying to jump ship from what it looks like. :D

[fedmax123]

which info session did you attend?? Yeah, the BOP gets you hooked on the money I guess but then after awhile it doesn't really matter...when your unhappy, it's time for a change. The Bureau doesn't really hold the staff accountable. I mean you have rookies walking around with there hat on backwarks and can't do the simpliest things like filling out count slips, showing up to work on time if they show up and telling a inmate to tuck in their shirts. Give me a break!! I feel like my brain is wasting away inside the walls. What institution are you from?? I work at FCC Coleman Penitentiary II
The sooner the better :eek:

[amhrinda]

I was at the 7/21/09 info session in Philly.

I feel your pain. I came from the Marines, and I got to my institution for the first time and I wondered what I got myself into. Then Glynco. Watching some of the people stuggle on our FIT. Seriously.

I'm at Allenwood FCI. (well, technically FCC, but my ID says FCI) What really kills me is the fact out of all the staff here, there are only a handful of guys I trust, let alone think will have my back. That is what had me looking for the door after my first year. I don't want to spend another 20 here.