This website is an independent educational resource and NOT affiliated with any official U.S. government agency.
1811 Resources
This section highlights financial, legal & other resources for Criminal Investigators.
Retirement Calculator
Although some federal agencies offer estimated retirement summaries to employees throughout their careers, many still do not provide a coherent indication of potential retirement income. Additionally, formally requested retirement summaries from the Office of Personnel Management can take upto a year to receive. None of the aforementioned are ideal circumstances for those that like to plan, consequently, an enterprising gentlemen created the below Retirement Calculator Spreadsheet along with this Detailed Instructions Document. It takes into account all the potential nuances of your current income and circumstances (i.e., TSP account) to calculate a reasonably accurate retirement summary. As alway, use this only as a guide and for informative purposes.
Company Contacts - Elliott Report
Many criminal investigators unfortunately spend a significant amount of time searching for the proper contacts at various companies. Major businesses make this information difficult to locate, in an attempt to avert overwhelming calls from the public. The Elliott Report publicly lists Contact Information for many US Companies, to include main office numbers and even emails for corporate officers. This is a fantastic resource for Special Agents, especially when pressed for time.
Investigator Guide - Leads Toolbox
The Leads Toolbox is a free digital resource for all law enforcement officers. It provides templates for legal demand letters, examples of innovate investigative methods and a comprehensive Law Enforcement Technology Investigations Resource Guide. This guide provides routine and emergency contact information for all major telecommunication and Internet companies, guidance on exigent circumstances, and example search warrants. This site is similar to SEARCH.ORG.
The comprehensive Law Enforcement Resource Guide published by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center provides a detailed overview of, often free, resources available to other law enforcement agencies. This includes aviation services, analytical support, transciprition assistance and equipment procurement options. This is a must-read for small agencies that have limited budgets.
The Retirement Handbook - 2022 Update
Designed specifically for the Law Enforcement Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), The FERS Guide has vital financial information for 1811 Special Agents. Written by a former Special Agent (who also happens to be a CPA), I would consider this guidebook my most important endorsement as it is vital to your financial future. Virtually every financially savvy criminal investigator I know has a copy of this handbook. See the 2019 FERS Guide for reference.
SAMBA
The SAMBA Federal Employee Benefit Association is a unique not-for-profit program only available to federal employees. The main benefit is the Employee Benevolent Fund, which includes an immediate death payout of $17,500 or $35,00 within 24 hours of agency notification for an annual fee of $39 or $78 respectively.
1811 Retirement Mistakes
It is easy for even seasoned Criminal Investigators to make critical errors that can negatively impact their retirement. This quick list of 10 common errors is definitely worth a read. All new Special Agents must properly prepare for retirement and are encouraged to check out the
1811 Resources Page for links known to seasoned agents.
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.
Prior Military Service and FERS Retirement
If you are a prior service veteran currently in an 1811 position, then you must immediately work with your HR representative to make "buyback" contributions to receive civilian retirement credit. The longer you wait, the more the buy-back payments will cost. Immediate payments after a 4 year period of military service may only cost you $4K (example) but if you wait ten years then the accrued interest may result in a $15K payment; it all depends. The most important thing to remember is that making those catch up contributions will reward you during the lifetime retirement pension.
As an example, let's say you did 10 years of military service and you made those required contributions. After you reach 20 years of covered law enforcement FERS service (and reach age 50), you will then have a retirement calculation of 30 years of service (The FERS service is 1.7% and the military time will be 1%). Be aware, you can also retire at any age with 25 years of LEO FERS service.
FERS Retirement
Federal Law Enforcement Retirement
The law enforcement Federal Retirement System is the most valuable benefit that a Special Agent will receive. It can also be a bit confusing to understand. Read this quick federal law enforcement Retirement Benefits Overview authored by the Congressional Research Service to learn more. I also urge all 1811 personnel approaching their retirement date to check out the OPM "Retirement Quick Guide" updated in 2023.
"I Can't Retire"
So many Special Agents are completely misinformed about their retirement benefits. Mr. Chris Barfield does an excellent job of explaining why you should retire as soon as you are eligible.
Here are the links every new 1811 should know:
01
FLEOA is the best advocate for federal law enforcement officers and a politically powerful force in DC. I encourage all to join as soon as possible.
02
There is no one that knows more about the 1811 retirement system than this retired guy. His website is a legendary resource & took years to put together. Use it!
03
04
This official FLETC legal newsletter provides vital quarterly updates regarding case legal. Ignore at your own peril in today's hostile media environment.
2020 TSP Guide
Official Guide from TSP Board
Think you are too young to plan for retirement; think again. FERS is only one leg of your retirement. Regular contributions to your TSP are a must if you plan to retire with dignity. Read this extensive TSP presentation to learn more. You will thank me 20 years!
Legal Corner - Search & Seizure
Deadly Use of Force incidents happen in an instant.
Arm yourself with Tactics & KNOWLEDGE!
01
4th Amend. Edition
02
Tennesse v. Garner
Deadly force requires probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.
This is another fantastic resource to learn more about the pay and benefits pertaining to federal employees.
The Informer Fletc Legal
The Informer legal newsletter is routinely published by the FLETC Legal Division and by far is the best way to get routine legal updates about relevant case law and incidents. Stay safe by staying informed!