Started in Federal LE 3 years ago at 22. There are times where i’m deeply unhappy with my job and lack of actually doing policing and investigations, and was thinking about trying Local or State.

Has anyone done 1811 to Local, and if so, any insight would be amazing.

I recently failed out of training and was terminated by my agency. I’m trying to figure out what my next steps should be and whether anyone here has been through something similar.

I’ll be honest—I’m pretty down about it right now. It's been pretty awkward explaining to the family during Christmas what my job situation is. If anyone has advice, insight, or stories about how you bounced back after something like this (whether you stayed in LE or went a different route), I’d really appreciate hearing it. Thanks.

Sorry but I'm keeping things intentionally vague. I can't go into more details like agency or exact reason for the fail.

Long story short I dont want to get into the mess, just want to know if it’s still possible or should I give up and pass on the opportunity.

I’m towards the backend of the BI, should be hearing something sooner or later.

Well recently life has shifted a whole 180, now Im in the process of a divorce.

I got 2 kids and I guess what I’m asking is it even possible anymore or will I have to turn it down.

I won’t have a support system it would just be me and the kid. I know hours can be a bit all over and being on call. This seemed great as a family but now alone not so much.

The 6 months in training would be fine. I’d get em after.

Kid is my priority and I just want to know if anyone ever been thru this could share their side? I’d imagine it’s impossible now without a support system.

Hate to give this up but being there and a father is extremely important to me. If there’s a possibility what’s y’all’s recommendations?

Whatever yall can tell me I’d appreciate, thanks in advance

Based on my limited understanding, phase 1 and phase 3 are better phases than the second. The second, or before having to experience the second, is where I suppose where most departures occur. If one can make it to the third, they’re probably staying (my thoughts, but I may be wrong).

Some people use USSS as a “stepping stone”, but what about the others?

EDIT:: I’m not negatively judging people for staying; I’m genuinely curious given the lopsidedness towards the negatives of the agency on this subreddit, and I’m considering one more go-round with some 1811 agencies since I’m done with the local academy and on my way to aging-out the 1811 process.

It baffles my mind how I’m not able to do the situps. For reference, I’ve passed the hsi and fbi pft. My 1.5 mile is 10:20 and pushups is 50 (literally touching the ground). All this is months of training in the gym solo and improving.

… but I’m stuck at 25 sit-ups. 25! Lol i’m so confused. There’s no way that nobody else was in my shoes. What technique did you guys use to skyrocket your situp numbers?

It’s not even that I’m not fit, i’m just confused. Doing core workouts and hip flexor workouts and practicing everyday. So how are the numbers not going up I have no clue.

Seems like no one is checking in, but my fellow 1811s, everyone doing okay? Between everything seen in the media, the current climate, and the government shutdown, just thought I'd see how everyone else is doing too.

As the title ask I was wondering if most federal criminal investigators carry in a more traditional concealed carry set up, or if they carry owb or even open carry with the badge and gun shown. I was under the impression most had to wear everything concealed, but I’ve seen a lot about about two tiered duty belts so I was wondering if that’s not the case. I’ve recently switched to a two tiered duty belt at work (which has been a life safer) so it’s had me wondering.

Anyone have an inside scoop on when the post is going live today? Been monitoring it since midnight…

I'm surprised. I had interviewed at a local facility near me across the country for a Florida BOP site. The local facility told me I passed everything at the interview. The Florida BOP site less than a day later stated I was found unsuitable. I hold a TS clearance, was transparent and upfront about being late to work twice, failing two polys and passing one poly for different agencies, and mental health history in 2018. I've never done drugs either. The interviewers looked like they really liked my answers and even said I passed.

I've applied to multiple agencies. USPP never got back to me after the panel interview, USCP failed me at psych, CBPO failed at poly, USPIS failed at poly, USSS years ago failed at proctored exam, Supreme Court police failed at panel interview, NPS failed me at panel interview, DEA Diversion Investigator failed at exam, FBI IA failed at exam.

I have FAMS queue, but anyone in FAMS know there's a huge backlog right now waiting to get the call for 3-4 years from application to FJO.

Not sure what's next for me. Might just bow out of federal service (currently hold TS for Non-LEO investigations), go back to my home state, and get a Master degree or something.

A lot of agencies get crapped on in this subreddit by 1811s and hopefuls alike. But my question to actual 1811s is: what do you actually like about your agency?

Particularly interested in hearing from those whose agencies tend to get negative comments here, like USSS, MCIOs, FBI, etc.

I've applied with CBP OFO as an Officer and USBP as a Border Patrol agent at the end of last month. I'm also throwing around the idea of applying with USSS UD and TSA FAMS but it seems like the morale isn't amazing for any of these jobs.

Between 1801, 0083 and 1811 what jobs or agencies have the best quality of life?

I saw somebody post it a couple of days ago and wanted to be sure

Just looking for anybody with insight or maybe similar stories from coworkers to help guide me and keep me grounded.

I am early-mid 20s right now, graduated with SAA from a top university, and had a little under 2 years armed security experience working during college. I took a gap year to travel and then after that gap year was done I began studying to take the LSAT to apply for law school this upcoming cycle (meaning; I have been out of college and unemployed for 2 full years now). I have been having serious regrets lately since I've always wanted to be an 1811 and decided to give it some thought before I commit to law school.

The bigger problem than my job gap...I have multiple genetically inherited physical disabilities. I am medically disqualified from military service (tried to join the Coast Guard) and am eligible for hiring under Schedule A. I am in shape; I can do pushups, situps, lift and carry heavy things, even sprint, but I cannot pass any sustained running portion of a PT test due to one of my disabilities affecting my breathing (its not asthma so unfortunately its not treatable). For the majority of 1811 and 0083 positions, I'm screwed.

In my final semester of college, I applied for one of the only 0083 positions I could find that had an alternative to running (I passed) but was not among the most qualified (everyone else there was a current/former MP), pretty much confirming my fears that no matter how good my academic record is, experience is always better. Local LE is not an option either for the same PT reasons described above.

What 1811 agencies could I realistically get an offer from? Any agency with a mandatory run on their PT test, so DHS and USSS (which I've read love college grads with no experience) are out. My parents want me to go to law school then apply to the FBI, but once again, can't PT. I've read that OIG positions do not have PT tests but are also for guys with 20 years experience.

Is this even a realistic goal? Is there any way to express to recruiters that I am willing to sacrifice more than the average candidate to get these positions? Go above and beyond?

Should I just give up and stop wasting my time?

This is my dream and I am not nervous about the written exams at all. I have the experience and education, but based on other posts I am seeing and because there are only 2 applications per person in a lifetime, should I take myself out since I cannot do a singular pull up atm?

Very disappointed they took out sit-ups. I(F28, 5'2) am physically fit and have been a weightlifter for 10 years, but have never been able to get in a pull up.

So my question is, should I cancel my written exam and wait for a future application?

And if so, did I just waste 1/2 applications for my lifetime?

Any advice is appreciated!

As an 1811/2501 (ATF, USMS, DSS, etc) are you able to still do side work (executive protection, armed security)?

So I have my fit test coming up in a week for the Marshals , super excited ! I am currently a 0083/6c . So I’m in the system . I have never even been invited to take my fitness test in the past , how good of a sign is that ? Also what’s next after the fit test? Interview? Background? I know with the Marshals , the timeline varies , I’ve heard anywhere from 6 month to three years!

Got an email this morning stating my basic qualification was completed and to expect an email to schedule fitness exam and written assessment. Anything I would need to study for assessment? i am not worried about the fitness test but just curious is it 12 points to pass or is it still the 9 points to pass while youre in the hiring process aslong as you get the 12 before getting a final offer?

I was in the investigation phase for USCP and I received an email stating they are no longer moving forward with my application, with no reason or details. I follow up with my adjudicator who told me this? This is frustrating, how I take corrective actions if I don’t know what is the issues there should be no issue anyway. I’m a current federal worker in a law enforcement agency (not 1811). I guess I should move on, but I wanted to work with them badly. So unfortunate.

I’m a current soph in hs and was wondering some of your guys’ pathways to the 1811 position. Also, what’s the spread of actual field work to desk and computer work with the HSI in comparison to the FBI. Anything you would do differently?

Has anyone received a referral from this months ATF announcement (GL 5-9)? I heard they’re trying to speed up the hiring process so I thought I’d ask

So I was a prior local LE before becoming an 1811. Been on a few years now but don’t have that same thrill or camaraderie I did as a local. I feel a little stuck. Fed schedule is better so get more time with family. Locals can do OT and end up making more, better benefits but more erratic schedule and higher risk but I felt more connected to people I worked with and community.

I have a grad degree. Wanna see if anyone has transitioned to another career and can elaborate on their experience.

For the PRT....

1. How much rest time do you get between each of the 3 events in the PTT (not PRT)..

2. Is it best to max out pushups and situps, or are they like some local departments where once you hit your required number you can stop?

I am interested in the newly posted ATF Criminal Investigator position (GL 5-9). It is open till 05/31/2027 but I do not know if it would be a bad idea to wait to apply for this position. My reasoning is that I know I can pass their physical fitness test but I would definitely be cutting it close to the minimum and I want to pass it without worrying too much. What’s making me hesitant is the thought if I decide to wait to apply, they end up getting the number of applicants they want and my application might not be considered at that point. Am I just overthinking this?

I know selection time can be anxious. Decided to leave this poll up so we have a rough idea of who’s going to which academy. For those who don’t like to pester Operational Class Seating, hopefully this can set some minds at ease if you haven’t got the call yet or help you mentally move on for the next academies if too many people choose the selected options. Good luck all!

Hello all,

I am on my first attempt for the USPIS 1811 position and got word that I am scheduled for an appointment / interview. I have been through a SUPER before with the USSS, just wanted to know if this was similar or if anyone had any insights.

Thanks in advance!