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1811 Misc. Stuff
This section references social media, reports, podcasts and links to various 1811 related content.
The Border Report
Special Agents stationed along the United States/Mexico Border have consistently advised that "The Border Report" provides the best daily snapshot of Cartel Activity along the Southern Border. This has indeed become a must-read newsletter for
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) criminal investigators stationed near a port of entry.
TV Series - Declassified
This complete series is now available on HBO and provides an in-depth overview of several phenomenal undercover operations and successful investigations related to various national security matters. Although it prominently features
FBI cases, there are several episodes dedicated to investigations run by
HSI,
NCIS,
Secret Service and the
DEA.
Unconvincing Undercover
This Instagram Warrior is likely a current or former law enforcement officer. His comedic take on many of the inside workings of law enforcement are indeed hilarious.
Podcasts Recommendations
These below podcasts offer fascinating insight behind the scenes of the criminal investigation profession.
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OSI
ButtonOSI Today
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School Shootings
The U.S. Secret Service has taken the lead in researching school shootings and has completed several recent studies to enhance our understanding and preparation. Responding to mass shooting is a chaotic event that can involve multiple agencies; which has resulted in accidental firearms discharges by officers. Preparation and familiarity is key to a swift & proper response while avoiding bad outcomes such as the 2016 inadvertent shooting of a special Agent or accidental firearms discharges by law enforcement personnel in general (See Related AP New Article).
2021 Secret Service Report
At the request of agency leadership, the National Academy of Public Administration has just published their Sep 2021 report on the state of the U.S. Secret Service.
I would highly encourage all current and future Secret Service Special Agents to read this detailed review and develop a current snapshot of the agency. Some interesting facts, it takes between 58K-250K to train a federal law enforcement officer, depending on series and agency. Also, USSS is looking into developing a unique non-transferable supplement to their retirement to assist with retention.
The FBI Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) database is the most accurate record of LEO deaths in the United States.
Federal Law Enforcement Workforce Stats
The Bureau of Justice Statistics infrequently publishes an overview of the federal law enforcement workforce. The last 2016 Statistical Report provides a snapshot of the size of various agencies. FBI and ICE-HSI usually lead the way in terms of workforce size and Library of Congress OIG comes in dead last with only two full time 1811 criminal investigators. Read More
Special Agent OSO
Are you a current Special Agent with kids? Wouldn't it be great if there was some fun way to share your profession with small children? As a matter of fact, there is such a show! "Special Agent Oso" was a Disney Cartoon Series that ran for a few seasons. The premise is that Special Agent Oso "is part of an international organization of stuffed animals trained to help kids with ordinary task." Not exactly 1811 work but still very cool for the little ones. And trust me, you will start enjoying the theme song after your kids listen to it the 100th time.
Historical G Men Website
In an amazing tribute to his agency, retired Special Agent Larry Wack created an online archive of meticulous research pertaining to the historical origins of the FBI. Mr. Wack was a credit to the federal law enforcement profession and his family has continued to keep the site online after his passing in 2019. I encourage all past, present and future FBI special agents to explore this amazing archive.
Website Link
By popular request & recognizing that people learn in different ways; the Special Agent Blog YouTube Channel is now live. The YouTube site consolidates all the videos into agency specific Playlists for ease of use & I have tried to select videos that offer useful information.
Arrest Statistics - Federal Agencies
If you have been an 1811 for longer than a day, then you likely know that arrest statistics are an obsession by the managers of most large federal agencies & the subject of much water cooler talk. A 2004 in depth GAO analysis of arrest statistics by the then major agencies (FBI, DEA, Customs OI, INS OI, US Marshals & USPIS) is available for all to read.
Feds on Pinterest
Unbelievably, there are a number of Pinterest boards that have hundreds of images of federal law enforcement officers in action.
It actually makes for a very neat repository of photos that would otherwise not have been seen by the general public.
Uniform Crime Reporting
1811 Related Podcasts
This consolidated list of podcasts is either hosted by or regularly features stories about Special Agents.
Stand With Honor
LEO Legacy Preservation
In partnership with the National Law Enforcement Memorial & Museum, this project showcases and permanently archives thousands of LEO stories. Many submissions have been made for 1811s & can be located via the search feature.
Homeland Security Affairs
Federal Air Marshals career pathway transition to HSI fails
After years of neglect and mismanagement under the TSA, in June 2020 the FAMS secured a pathway to HSI as Special Agents. The selection and transition to HSI would have likely required additional training via the CITP & HSI SAT programs to ensure uniform certification. This program was abruptly canceled before implementation.
The Air Marshal National Council have made it their goal to leave TSA and eventually join HSI as a speciality unit, which is not desired by HSI Special Agents.
PACER & ECF
Are you tired of asking your AUSA for case updates or documents such as the federal court's Judgment and Sentencing form? PACER now allows users to sign up for ECF government accounts at no charge.
ICE & CBP
2005 Congress
At one point, Congress did in fact consider merging the functions of ICE & CBP due to overlapping customs & immigration areas. It was ultimately not a successful effort and this congressional record lays bare the better divisions between the two agencies. Most HSI SAs are glad this did not happen.
FBI & HSI
Border Conflicts
This is a joint OIG review of the border related operational issues between the FBI & HSI. Written in 2019, it highlights the friction between the two largest 1811 agencies. Add this to their recent history of turf battles.
ATF, FBI & DEA Merger
Always a Possibility
National Intellectual Property Rights Center
Led by ICE - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the IPR Center is an invaluable investigative resource available to ALL law enforcement personnel. The IPR Center provides assistance with investigations concerning commercial fraud, copyright & counterfeit, trademarks and export enforcement issues.
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
FinCEN was created in 1990 to support federal, state, local, and international law enforcement by analyzing the information required under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), one of the nation's most important tools in the fight against money laundering. The BSA's recordkeeping and reporting requirements establish a financial trail for investigators to follow as they track criminals, their activities, and their assets.
This is Real Podcast
In 2014, more than 30 people were arrested in DC on charges related to health care fraud. Those arrested included owners and operators of home health care agencies, office workers, personal care assistants, and patient recruiters. Millions of dollars in bank accounts and property were seized, and the bust remains the biggest health care fraud takedown in Washington, D.C., history. This series follows HHS OIG special agents as they work to uncover the complex fraud schemes, expose the greed of those involved, and bring the criminals to justice. And all of this is real!
Terms & Definitions - Counterintelligence
Todd McComas left a 21-year career as a detective with the Indiana State Police to pursue a career in stand up comedy and podcasting. The 10-41 Podcast focuses on numerous stories involving special agents, to include Lou Valoze (ATF), Joe Piersante (DEA FAST Team), Victor Avila (HSI), Chris Bayless (ATF), and Jack Falcone (FBI).
There stories are truly amazing & the interviews are well worth the effort. Not to mention a great way to learn about the agencies!