1811 SA Blog

Is Crossing the Border Illegally a Crime

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:54:25 GMT

Myths About Immigration Law

Is Crossing the Border Illegally a Crime?

Recently, one of the most common arguments between politicians related to illegal immigration has to do with whether or not crossing the border illegally is purely an administrative law violation or a criminal law violation. Immigration law in general can be very confusing to understand for people who do not deal with it on a daily basis and even most lawyers have little accurate insight as to its proper application. This confusion is only compounded by politicians who speak about it dishonestly, either out of ignorance or a desire to cater to their political base. It is tragic that all of our political parties are unwilling to have an open and honest discussion about the truth behind immigration law. Realistically, it takes longer than a short sound bite on your average news channel to fully explain and intelligently comprehend.

Confusingly, Illegal Immigration is both a Federal Criminal Violation AND a Federal Administrative Violation. It all depends on the how, why and where the violation is leveraged. As it stands in 2026, Immigration law is based on the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952 and is codified in Title 8 of the United States Code .

Title 18 (Crimes and Criminal Procedure) of the United States Code (USC) is the primary section of US code that deals with majority ( but not all ) of federal criminal violations. One commonly propagated misbelief is that since Immigration Laws are not part of Title 18 USC, it is not a crime. This is a grossly inaccurate interpretation of immigration statutes. There are many other sections of US Federal Codes such as Title 9 USC ( Customs Law ) or Title 21 USC (Narcotics Laws) that deal with other crimes and penalties. Many of these laws, like Tax Law (Title 26), have both administrative and criminal penalties. Immigration law is similar in design and application.

Immigration law under Title 8 of the US Code has both administrative provisions and criminal penalties, in some cases for the same violation. Illegally crossing the border is one of those crimes that has both administrative and criminal penalties that are potentially applicable. A simple review of the statute in question will help confirm this interpretation.

8 U.S. Code § 1325 - "Improper Entry by Alien"

(a) Improper time or place; avoidance of examination or inspection; misrepresentation and concealment of facts Any alien who (1) enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers , or (2) eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers , or (3) attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for the first commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.

(b) Improper time or place; civil penalties Any alien who is apprehended while entering (or attempting to enter) the United States at a time or place other than as designated by immigration officers shall be subject to a civil penalty of—(1)at least $50 and not more than $250 for each such entry (or attempted entry); or (2)twice the amount specified in paragraph (1) in the case of an alien who has been previously subject to a civil penalty under this subsection. Civil penalties under this subsection are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any criminal or other civil penalties that may be imposed.

The above cited Title 8 statute clearly outlines both criminal and civil penalties for this violation. The easiest way to determine if their is an applicable criminal penalty for a crime is by checking to see if a custodial sentence is one of the potentially applicable penalties. Here we can see that "not more than 6 months imprisonment" is an available criminal penalty for a first time offender, which quickly helps confirm that this is a criminal violation with a sentence that can result in a federal prison sentence.

Another myth often perpetuated by the media is that Misdemeanors are somehow not actual "crimes," which is obviously absurd at face value. Misdemeanor and Felony law violations are generally differentiated on the amount of potentially applicable jail or prison sentence, however, they are both crimes. There are all sorts of misdemeanor crimes both at the federal and State/Local level such as Misdemeanor Assault or Theft. Generally speaking, misdemeanors are crimes with jail sentences that do not exceed one year and felonies are crimes with maximum prison sentences of one year or higher.

The section of US Code that deals with the sentencing distiniction between Misdemeanors and Felonies is found in 18 U.S. Code § 3559 - Sentencing classification of offenses:

(a) Classification.—An offense that is not specifically classified by a letter grade in the section defining it, is classified if the maximum term of imprisonment authorized is—(1)life imprisonment, or if the maximum penalty is death, as a Class A felony;

(2) twenty-five years or more, as a Class B felony;

(3) less than twenty-five years but ten or more years, as a Class C felony;

(4) less than ten years but five or more years, as a Class D felony;

(5) less than five years but more than one year, as a Class E felony;

(6) one year or less but more than six months, as a Class A misdemeanor ;

(7) six months or less but more than thirty days, as a Class B misdemeanor ;

(8) thirty days or less but more than five days, as a Class C misdemeanor ; or

(9) five days or less, or if no imprisonment is authorized, as an infraction.

At this point is is reasonable to ask oneself that if the US Code is this clear on these definitions, then why does it seem to be such a confusing issue among politicians and the media? Relatedly, why do many members of the public inaccurately believe immigration violations classified as misdemeanors are not a crime? Although both members of the media and our political establishment are keen to confuse the issue to suit their own purposes; I believe the primary reason has to do with the historical enforcement of immigration related crimes in the United States.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Offices of the United States Attorneys prosecute federal crimes in federal criminal court and are the federal government's equivalent of "District Attorneys," as commonly understood by the public. Generally speaking most federal prosecutors seek to prosecute cases that carry significant prison sentences due to the cost and resources involved with federal criminal investigations and prosecutions. Additionally, due to the relatively small number of federal prosecutors, many cases are often selectively prosecuted for maximum impact (i .e. major human trafficker, large scale fraud, narcotics kingpin ). Consequently, most federal prosecutors do not want to deal with minor federal violations that result in relatively short custodial sentences. Why make a "federal case" out of it and waist their time prosecuting something that only results in a six month federal prison sentence or a fine?

In the past most immigration violations exposed to relatively lower sentences were dealt with administratively, either in the field ( where the law allowed for some nationalities to be immediately removed upon apprehension ) or in Immigration Courts ( where the primary purpose is to give due process as a part of the "Deportation" proceeding ). As a part of this bifurcation, federal prosecutions were limited to more serious or repeat offenders ( i.e., human smugglers, deported felons attempting to illegally re-enter ).

The 2017 Trump Administration was one of the first administrations to make a major policy change regarding how immigration crimes were charged ( criminally rather than administratively ); mostly due to the rampant and obvious levels of fraud in the asylum process that problematically resulted in the release of most illegally present migrants by Immigration Courts. This policy change also resulted in widespread public discourse about family separations that previously was not a concern. Family separations were one of the downstream impacts of an administration suddenly charging immigration violators criminally and imposing mostly misdemeanor prison sentences before deporting them to their countries of origin. Like any other crime ( i.e. state violation ), when you go to jail or prison, family members do not share the jail cell, hence the family separation issue emerged.

In reality, the Executive Branch of the government retains broad discretion to dictate internal policy as it relates to the criminal law priorities, organizational focus and prosecutorial efforts. The Executive Branch cannot ignore the statutes passed by Congress but it has the discretion to choose how and where to focus its resources. Consequently, when a statute has both an administrative and criminal penalty, an the Executive Branch can clearly chose how to enforce. This is why there has been such a dramatic shift in immigration policy between different political administrations. Overnight a new administration can dictate a different manner of enforcing the law with stark and immediate results. This obviously occurred during Trump's second term when border apprehensions plummeted from a high of 2.7 million over a year to an astonishing low of 238,000.

Despite the obvious evidence to the contrary, many US politicians publicly insist that nothing can be done to address large swaths of illegal immigration until Congress acts and passes new laws. The reality is that Congress has already passed many immigration laws and given the Executive Branch a great deal of discretion in how it can enforce penalties to deal with emerging circumstances. The Trump Administration was simply one of the first to make such a dramatic shift in how immigration laws were enforced, which invariably caused confusion for the American public based on their historical observations.

The application of immigration law is a very simple issue. Anyone with an elementary level of education can read the above cited text and comprehend some of the basic provisions. Regardless of one's political beliefs there should not be any confusion. It is in fact a federal crime to cross the border illegally and that criminal statute does in fact come with both administrative and criminal penalties.

Data Removal Services

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:31:05 GMT

Data Removal Services

by pentester.com

Use Promo code SPECIALAGENTS at sign up

January 26, 2026

Protecting your personal information as a law enforcement officer has never been more important. Everyone should be concerned about their online footprint but law enforcement officers and their families have never been more at risk than today thanks to the pervasiveness of online data brokers that sell consumer information. In general, current law enforcement personnel should be more aware of these services than the average person since we use some of these tools during criminal investigations. These sites are generally great investigative tools but they can also be a risk for you and your family as an active undercover agent or if you work in a high profile agency that draws negative public attention.

There are many data removal services on the internet that can assist you with removing your personal information online. For many years I did not want to spend the money for these services since it is an ongoing cost and one more subscription that hurts your monthly budget. Fortunately there are many ways to remove some of this information for free. We previously talked about some of the ways to remove this data yourself in a previous post titled Basic Online Security Tips for ALL Special Agents . Unfortunately if you do it yourself it is a never ending task that you have to continually repeat due to the way data brokers work and how public information is stored, for example like property tax records.

At this point it should be noted that all California Residents now specifically have access to a new site called Delete Request and Opt Out Platform (DROP) , which tells all data brokers to delete cease sale of your information. Only California residents are eligible for this service and must provide proof of residency.

Given the reality of new simple AI based research tools and the continuous proliferation of personal data online, instead of doing it myself I finally decided to let someone else do it for me. I found that the opportunity cost of not paying for the service was too great when factoring in the amount of time I would have to spend to continually remove my data from an endless myriad of data broker sites. Unfortunately, there are so many different data removal services online and it can be hard to decide which one to use. In some cases, the most unscruplious sites are the ones both selling your data and charging consumers to protect it! Obviously everyone wants to find the "best one" while also factoring in cost. Another factor I like to consider is who am I supporting. If the options are similar in cost and the service provided then I try to evaluate the company and the people who run it.

I have been aware of a company known as pentester for some time, they are a company that specializes in cyber security and cyber penetration testing. Only recently have they began offering data removal services. One of the reasons I like pentester is because one of their founders, Ryan Montgomery, works with law enforcement in the never ending fight to combat child exploitation. As a Special Agent in the child exploitation world I like the idea of supporting a company with this type of value system.

I began using their data removal services for myself and family and found that it was very easy to get signed up and the cost was very competitive when compared with other similar services. After using the service for a little while and seeing how it worked I decided to reach out to the company to see if they would offer a discount for our readers at the Special Agents blog. Pentester created a promo code for our readers and you can get the discount by using promo code SPECIALAGENTS during sign up. This promo code will give you an initial 15 % discount on their services.

As long as I find this service personally valuable I will keep this post active and continue to recommend their service. Depending on the state you live in, it is also important to remember that some information like public property tax records on government websites can only be removed by you. Every state is different but if they make property tax owner information public I recommend checking with your local county tax office to see if they will remove it for law enforcement personnel. I mention this specifically because property tax records can be one of the easiest ways for the average person to track down a person since most are now readily available to county websites via a simple search feature.

As always, be safe out there and keep up the good work.

The 1811

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 19:15:18 GMT

The 1811

November 29, 2025

The Criminal Investigator position is undoubtedly among the most prestigious and sought-after federal law enforcement positions within the United States. Federal criminal investigators have been at the forefront of historical events throughout our history and the first Special Agents (SA) can trace their origins to the founding of the constitution. From the devastating to the infamous, Special Agents have been repeatedly called upon to keep our nation safe, dismantle some of the worst criminal organizations in history and instill our faith in a competent, well-trained, and virtually incorruptible workforce of dedicated public servants. Whether it be a terrorist attack at the Oklahoma City federal building, the successful manhunt of cartel leader “El Chapo” Guzman, the uncovering of the infamous swindler Charles Ponzi or the protection of our most important elected officials, Special Agents of the United States government are expected to perform their duties without fail, day or night. The mythology behind the criminal investigator position has been well exploited by Hollywood, yet few truly understand what it takes to successfully pursue a lifelong career in this unique endeavor. The best criminal investigators are indeed intelligent, relentless, and skillful risk-takers who share a common dedication to morality and public service. However, the small daily sacrifices, sometimes grueling work hours and meticulously detailed casework are rarely brought to light in the abbreviated media landscape. Additionally, Special Agents are a distinct law enforcement specialty with unique authorities, wide ranging job responsibilities and oftentimes responsibility to investigate crimes both within and outside the borders of the United States.

The basic terminology surrounding the Criminal Investigator (CI) profession is unique and distinct to other federal law enforcement positions. Confusing a Special Agent with other federal law enforcement officers is as a rookie mistake and one that is not generally made among the criminal investigator ranks. Special Agents are acutely aware of the distinctive nature of their position and are proud of their hard-fought status among other federal law enforcement agents. Confusing the two is like confusing a doctor with a physician’s assistant, although both are medical professionals and wear similar white coats, there is a distinct difference in the requirements, training, responsibilities, and internal hierarchy.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has categorized the “Criminal Investigator” job within the 1800 series of the “Administrative Work in the Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance Group” and in typical federal bureaucratic fashion, assigned it the specific designation “1811” for pay and qualification purposes. Any individual who holds this criminal investigator series position is characteristically referred to as a “Special Agent,” (with limited exceptions) and within the federal law enforcement community, the term “1811” is a common colloquial descriptor. It is extremely important for all hopefuls to become familiar with the phrase “1811” and understand how it relates to their sought-after position.

An 1811 or special agent is primarily a plain clothed investigator within the U.S. Government. Special Agents have the statutory authority to carry firearms, conduct searches and seizures, and make arrests. “1811s” work for several federal law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and United States Secret Service (USSS). Even though the hiring preferences and missions vary greatly among these agencies, their 1811 series provides a common framework in training and authorities. In analogous terms, the patrol officer employed by the New York Police Department has similar job responsibilities (i.e. traffic, service calls, medical response) to an officer working for the Waco Police Department, even though their day-to-day environment and organizational capabilities may vastly differ.

The pay for 1811s is determined by the OPM General Series (GS) chart. Entry level criminal investigators can be hired anywhere between the GS 5 – 10 pay band. The pay rate for each band has a built-in geographic variance, meaning a GS-5 in New York city will make significantly more than the same GS-5 stationed in Scottsdale, AZ. What makes the criminal investigator pay so different from every other federal law enforcement occupation in the country is that 1811s receive an additional 25% on top of their salary, to be available during irregular or unscheduled hours. This premium is known as the Law Enforcement Availability Pay or LEAP. Relatedly, the entry level pay varies from agency to agency and is also dependent on the applicant’s pre-existing education and skills. Most agencies offer a journeyman pay band of GS-13, which means their Special Agents progress to this pay band so long as they continue to meet all requirements. To progress beyond GS-13, a Special Agent must usually promote to a management position, which typically start at GS-14.

1811 Criminal Investigators are usually, but not always, referred to as “Special Agents” by the various federal agencies and there can be a significant discrepancy in the actual job title adopted over time. For example, 1811 Criminal Investigators within the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) now traditionally refer to themselves as Postal Inspectors. Relatedly, the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) refers to its domestically assigned 1811’s as Special Agents, however foreign posted criminal investigators are known as Regional Security Officers and fall under an analogous foreign service personnel delegation. Even more confusingly, the United States Marshals Service (USMS), which refers to all its law enforcement officers as Deputy U.S. Marshals (DUSM); uniquely hires all new deputies in the “GS-0082” series, however, they are later given the opportunity to convert to the 1811 series. The most important thing to remember is that the “true” criminal investigator is categorized in the 1811 series and is primarily a non-uniformed plain clothed law enforcement position.

Given the size and visible presence of the uniformed federal law enforcement community, it is common for members of the public to conflate the uniformed series or all federal law enforcement agents with 1811s. For example, the United States Border Patrol (BP) is primarily a uniformed agency composed of Border Patrol Agents (BPA). Additionally, BP does have some plainclothes investigators that further develop cases originating from the patrol division. Although these investigators deal with federal crimes, they are not 1811s but rather uniformed BP Agents (1895 series) working a plainclothes detail, analogous to detectives within a typical police department. To further complicate things, some agencies have both an 1811 and a uniform (1801) division such as the United States Secret Service (USSS). 1811’s assigned to the investigative and protective units are called Special Agents, whereas 1801 series federal officers are members of the Uniformed Division. Remember, any federal law enforcement officer is a “federal agent,” however, only 1811s are criminal investigators or “Special Agents.”

For those hoping to be 1811s, the list of available agencies is vast and varied. From the famously depicted Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to the relatively obscure Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), there are several distinct options to choose from, each with its own mission, culture, and unique hiring requirements. Applicants should try to match their skills with an agency where they are most likely to succeed. For example, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has a hiring program that allows for applicants with substantive investigative experience to advance as the most qualified and often contains academy classes with predominately prior law enforcement candidates. In contrast, the FBI has allocated pools of hiring categories (ie. Legal, Accounting, Language) and may limit its law enforcement candidates to cultivate a more skills diversified academy class. Consequently, if you are a detective with extensive years of investigative experience, your chances of making it through the hiring process with HSI are significantly better than with the FBI. Conversely, if you speak a fluent foreign language (i.e., Chinese or Russian), you have an above average chance of quickly advancing through the application process with the FBI since they specifically seek out such applicants to help with their counterintelligence mission. The same candidate with this specialized language skills would not get automatic preference within the HSI hiring program. For this reason, savvy applicants are advised to truly understand the nuances among the various hiring programs prior to engaging in time consuming applications

The two major 1811 federal agencies are the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The next largest group comprises of the United States Secret Service (USSS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (CI). The third tier (although not in the pejorative) become more obscure to the public due to their smaller sizes and limited jurisdictions. These organizations typically include the Military Criminal Investigative Services, the various Office of Inspector Generals (OIGs) and a hodgepodge of virtual unknowns such as the Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), U.S. Department of the Interior – Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Office of Law Enforcement. All are worth equal consideration and offer phenomenal careers in public service.

The capabilities, budget, mission culture and size vary greatly among the various federal agencies. Furthermore, each offer unique upsides, lifestyles, career development opportunities, and casework associated to their primary investigative jurisdiction. A person with the passion, willingness, and skillset to conduct criminal investigations related to narcotics should strongly consider a career with the DEA; but should know that they (DEA) have a difficult fitness test, routinely work irregular hours, and are considered among the best in executing wiretap operations. Similarly, if you have an interest in extensive travel, prefer protective service operations over complex investigations, and want regular opportunities for overtime pay, consider the U.S. Secret Service; just know that many married USSS special agents find work-life balance difficult in this agency due to their operations centered mission. Conversely, if a prospective applicant wants to travel all over the world, Diplomatic Security Service could be the place to land as they have offices in virtually every embassy and consulate in the world. The career responsibilities and life you will have in each agency is extremely varied in nature, despite the similar 1811 position series. Some folks want to work on an aircraft carrier one day; those applicants should consider a career with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS); which uniquely offers an agent afloat program. Conversely, applicants that get seasick the minute they hit the water should wisely avoid applying to NCIS at all costs. That is why it is important to learn not only where you can maximize your chances for success but simultaneously what agency is best suited for your personality, skillset, and individual preferences; to avoid being disappointed upon arrival at your first assignment.

Murder of Kiki Camarena

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 17:55:51 GMT

Torture and Murder of DEA Special Agent

Kiki Camarena by Mexican Cartels

September 27, 2025

Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was stationed in Guadalajara, Mexico, during the early 1980s, where he worked to dismantle powerful Mexican drug cartels. His efforts focused on gathering intelligence on large-scale marijuana and cocaine trafficking operations, particularly those run by the Guadalajara Cartel. Camarena’s work was highly effective, and in 1984, he played a key role in uncovering and destroying Rancho Búfalo, a massive marijuana plantation worth billions of dollars. This strike dealt a significant financial blow to cartel leaders and heightened their hostility toward him.

On February 7, 1985, Camarena was kidnapped in broad daylight by cartel operatives as he left the U.S. consulate in Guadalajara. His abduction was ordered by top cartel leaders, including Rafael Caro Quintero, Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo, who suspected that Camarena’s investigations were crippling their operations and exposing their political connections. The cartel’s decision to target him reflected both a desire for revenge and a warning to U.S. authorities about interfering in Mexican drug networks.

Camarena was held in captivity for over 30 hours, during which he was brutally tortured. According to later investigations and forensic evidence, he was beaten, interrogated, and subjected to prolonged physical abuse in an attempt to extract information about DEA operations. His captors sought to learn how much the DEA knew about cartel activities and whether Mexican officials were implicated. Ultimately, Camarena succumbed to the torture, and his body, along with that of his pilot Alfredo Zavala, was discovered in a shallow grave outside Guadalajara in March 1985.

Special Agent Camarena’s death sparked international outrage and marked a turning point in U.S. - Mexico counterdrug relations. At one point, every vehicle crossing the border was searched, effectively paralyzing commerce between the two nations . The DEA subsequently launched “Operation Leyenda,” its largest homicide investigation ever, to identify and prosecute those responsible. The case exposed widespread corruption within Mexican law enforcement and government, and it galvanized U.S. drug enforcement policy throughout the 1980s. Today, Camarena is remembered as a symbol of sacrifice in the fight against drug trafficking, honored annually during “ Red Ribbon Week ,” which promotes drug awareness and prevention across the United States.

In 2002, Mexican authorities re-captured Rafael Quintero, who was one of the primary culprits involved in the murder of Special Agent Camarena. Subsequently in March 2025, Quintero was extradited to the United States ; almost 40 years after Special Agent's Camarena's brutal kidnapping. As part of the federal court case, DOJ must release audio tapes to Defense Counsel that had documented the torture of Special Agent Camarena . Quintero had a violent history and in 1985, before Camarena’s murder, two Americans were brutally killed by Caro Quintero and his men after being reportedly mistaken for undercover US agents at a restaurant in Guadalajara.

Special Agent Kiki Camarena's story is well told in the Netflix Show - Narcos Mexico (2021) and is very much recommended.

Unfortunately, the connection between organized drug cartels and Mexican politicians remains strong and a 2024 ProPublica investigation documented strong links to presidential campaign financing .

Special Agent Camarena's family and DEA colleagues continue their pursuit of justice to this day. His courage and sacrifice should never be forgotten.

Trouble at the US Secret Service

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 16:04:32 GMT

Real Trouble at the U.S. Secret Service

November 1, 2024

Throughout most of its history, the United States Secret Service (USSS) had been considered one of the premier federal law enforcement agencies in the country. The 1811 Criminal Investigator cadre was well renowned for having extraordinary levels of institutional pride, reverence for their sacred protective mission and high levels of personal job satisfaction.

What Changed?

For the initiated, the current state of affairs is nothing new and relatively simple. It's all about available manpower and the associated misuse of human capital. Starting with the introduction of former President Barack Obama's election campaign, the Secret Service became noticeably over-stretched with Special Agents being routinely forced into overtime shifts. This personnel crisis was not inevitable, however, USSS management continued to fill hundreds of traditional investigative positions AND concurrently staff several additional protective service details. There simply were not enough criminal investigators to do both missions at the same time.

The Hidden Secret

The open secret ( no pun intended ) is unfortunately not being acknowledged by the US Secret Service. There are an untold number of Senior Secret Service Special Agents assigned to cushy positions within the Investigation Division and other administrative type units. Now some of these are functionally necessary to run an agency ( i.e., training academy ), others are at odds with the primary protective mission.

For example, the Secret Service has some of its most senior Criminal Investigator personnel dedicated to conducting cyber trainings for other agencies, staffing speciality units that are rarely used by Secret Service investigative personnel ( i.e., phone tracking, planning National Security Special Events ) and engaging in criminal investigations that are rarely accepted for federal prosecution. In fact, it is widely accepted by Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) that Secret Service agents generally make poor base case agents due to their constant temporary duty trips in support of protection details.

The Reality of a Secret Service Special Agent

In reality, it is hard to blame senior 1811 criminal investigators who have done their time standing post for years. Unlike the major federal agencies ( FBI , HSI , DEA , etc.), Special Agents within the Secret Service will rarely get the opportunity to conduct complex criminal investigations and have the associated job satisfaction that comes with apprehending criminals. A good portion of the initial Criminal Investigator Training Program ( CITP ) is essentially wasted on Secret Service personnel as they will likely never draw their firearms outside the range, engage in search or arrest warrant operations, process crime scenes, engage in undercover or source operations or even basic surveillance of dangerous criminals; you know, the kind of Special Agent work that is routine at comparable 1811 federal law enforcement agencies.

Instead, the majority of Secret Service agents will spend an extraordinary amount of time simply standing on Post Assignment, guarding access points that restrict access to the protectee. A rotating number of personnel are assigned to plan and execute the protective operation ( which is a huge responsibility ), however, the majority must fill the assigned post positions. Additionally, the most prestigious positions ( i.e., the inner formation guarding President, riding in Marine or Air Force One ) comprise of an extremely small minority of criminal investigators. The bulk of USSS Special Agents are essentially supporting the Primary Detail. Standing Post endlessly often can be boring and mindnumber work, especially for well trained and educated criminal investigators. Add to the fact that many members of our "political class" often treat Secret Service agents with indifference or outright disrespect. Conversely, a criminal investigator at most other agencies is master of his/her own destiny and commands an extraordinary amount of autonomy while maintaining discretion to investigative complex cases, mostly on their own schedule.

For this reason, Special Agents with approximately 10+ years have little to no desire to go back to a full-time protective assignment. Any Secret Service Special Agent that is in a long-term relationship or has children will find the short notice temporary duties and constant denial of vacation days a tiresome endeavor to endure indefinitely. For any one of the few lucky Secret Service agents that has moved to an investigative or non-traveling specialty assignment, it is treated like hitting the Service Lottery. You will likely be able to come home at a reasonable hour on most days, have a stable schedule that supports a personal life and support protective details on a limited term; rather than as a full time job.

The Staffing Downward Spiral

Sometime in the late 2000's, the number of personnel departing the Secret Service en-masse became painfully obvious. It became a common joke among the law enforcement community that the most surefire way you knew somebody was a Secret Service agent was that they would tell you that they were a "former Secret Service" special agent. Subsequent surveys and workforce studies supported anecdotal evidence, by mid-2015's, the Secret Service had the most number of agents that either quit, transferred to other 1811 positions or accepted other non-investigative jobs in the federal government. For anyone that was paying attention, the Secret Service was obviously a sinking ship losing its most experienced field agents.

It is not too hard to understand the reality that caused this mass exodus. As the protective burden increased, the use of mandatory or forced overtime became a constant reality for even the most experienced personnel. During the first Trump/Clinton election cycle, it was relatively common for Secret Service Criminal Investigators to complete a 2-3 week temporary duty assignment, return home for one day, and then be immediately sent out for another assignment; with no end in sight. This became unsustainable for those that wanted a life outside of work, especially when all Special Agents had the training and education to quickly find positions outside of the USSS. Taking stock at any CITP trained agencies, especially the Office of Inspector Generals ( OIGs ) and you will curiously find a noticeable number of "former Secret Service" agents. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) , which once had a lateral GS-13 entry program for a limited amount of time, often had its lateral classes ( which contained 24 students ) filled with majority prior Secret Service personnel.

To its credit, the Secret Service did take strides to improve upon its recruitment and selection pipeline. However, the number of personnel consistently leaving the Secret Service left the agency with a nominal net gain on an annual basis. Additionally, the newly hired personnel were often younger than average and burdened with even more work, while their more experienced and senior cadre abruptly departed. As it stands today, the US Secret Service is very attractive to a younger generation interested in becoming special agents, especially since they will unlikely qualify for or possess the requisite experience to be hired by most other 1811 agencies. New 1811 Special Agents at the Secret Service will additionally make an extraordinary amount of money in ( forced ) overtime pay and get to travel all over the world in support of a vital "zero-fail" mission. However, it is not uncommon for these new recruits to already have a second agency in their sights so they can transition to a true "Criminal Investigator" position.

HSI and Other Agencies

Since the US Secret Service and Legacy US Customs - Office of Investigations ( now HSI ) were both originally part of the US Treasury Service; it was common for US Customs Special Agents to support protective service details during the election. After the creation of DHS, this manpower sharing became more common, especially as the Secret Service began hemorrhaging investigators. During major events, it became usual for visiting foreign presidential delegations to have 2 Secret Service special agents running the show with an additional 12 HSI Criminal Investigators as their assigned agents. This extensive HSI support became even more obvious during the election years, which would involve thousands of HSI special agents supporting the election jump teams and major events ( i.e., national conventions, inauguration ). Many HSI Special Agents vividly recall the 2016 election cycle, during which the majority were involuntarily assigned to 2-6 week details. During this election cycle, it was not uncommon for Secret Service agents to routinely ask about vacancies in HSI, complain about their exhaustive operational tempo or even inquire about the widespread rumor of a merger with HSI. Most HSI criminal investigators shudder at the thought of a merger with the Secret Service, yet many USSS special agents were hoping for that exact scenario to emerge at the time.

The Secret Service has since expanded their reach of law enforcement personnel to the Federal Air Marshal (FAM) Service and the US Marshalls (USMS) . Unfortunately, this staffing grab is a crutch and has allowed the USSS to continually ignore the structural issues that are at the core of their institution.

The Deteriorating Law Enforcement Partnerships

The Secret Service could not do its jobs without the help of other law enforcement agencies ( Full Stop ). Unfortunately, some within its workforce have resorted to undermining confidence in their federal, state & local partners. Some have even gone on to call HSI special agents as "untrained" in an effort to diminish or demean the sister federal agency that unwaveringly provides the most law enforcement support. For the record, for every HSI "Very" Special Agent that comically shows up to an assignment in crocs , there is a buffoonish Secret Service agent that abandons their post for an unacceptable reason or goes crazy while on duty . No institution is immune from the law of averages, and even NASA has an astronaut that ranks at the bottom. The cost of supporting the Secret Service has been extraordinarily high for HSI Special Agents, many of whom c onduct crucial child exploitation investigations , receive no public credit for their exhausting support to election security, have deployed for mandatory temporary duty details to stop an unprecedented surge in border smuggling cartels and have been at the forefront of the fentanyl smuggling crisis. Most HSI special agents are happy to never participate in another Secret Service Detail again and look forward to the day when the USSS can properly staff its own mission .

The Secret Service has similarly cast disparaging remarks towards State and Local law enforcement personnel in the aftermath of the first failed 2024 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. This is again a huge strategic mistake on the part of USSS management. State and Local law enforcement personnel are vital to the success of virtually every Presidential visit and the localized resources they provide cannot be replicated by federal law enforcement agencies.

It is recognized that the Secret Service provides phenomenal protective service training and its Special Agents are among the best at what they do in terms of executive protection. However, USSS cannot allow this elite status to go to their heads at the expense of other law enforcement agencies. The other agencies have investigative skills and mission areas that would similarly blow the Secret Service out of the water. Most importantly, the United States Secret Service and its personnel (at all levels) should do well to recognize that other law enforcement agencies have virtually no need for the Secret Service , whereas the Secret Service could not do its mission without its partner agencies.

The Future of the Secret Service

The Secret Service is a vital federal law enforcement agency with an important national mission. It must take the recent failures of two presidential assassination attempts and truly look inwards. It is comically obvious that the Secret Service needs to abdicate non-protective related investigative and administrative responsibilities; and focus on quality of life for its special agents to encourage retention. Similarly, it should treat its law enforcement partners with much more respect and realize their invaluable contributions.

Realistically, the Secret Service will continue to lean on its federal law enforcement partners and should consider widening its pool to a "TDY" cadre that includes ALL available federal 1811 agencies, to include the massively staffed FBI. The Secret Service should also realistically look into the feasibility of increasing its workforce and admit defeat if that is not a feasible possibility. All solutions, such as as a merger should be on the table. Most HSI Special Agents would hate this idea but if HSI became the "Investigative Division" of the USSS; it would permanently solve the USSS Staffing crisis and separate HSI from its troublesome home within Immigration and Customs Enforcement. HSI could retain its identity as the "HSI" Investigative Division and all current Secret Service special agents could immediately be transferred to the Protective Division.

Regardless of the final outcome, this is the moment when the Secret Service can make a transformative change with the full support of Congress. Only the future will tell but fellow 1811's all hope the Secret Service will rise up to the occasion and return to their proud status as vanguards of our elected leaders.

Additional Historical Resources about Secret Service

Retirement Planning

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 23:34:07 GMT

Retirement Planning

Vital For Your Future

March 24, 2024

Planning for retirement is truly not difficult but a failure to prepare will likely be catastrophic for your future self. The planning phase must start early in order to improve the rate of success and involves constant vigilance throughout one's career. Most importantly, investing in some basic financial literacy will ensure you are the future retired Special Agent with favorable options and not the one working a "side-hustle" to make ends meet in your twilight years. Additionally, it should be duly noted that the pension alone will likely not be enough to support your standard of living post retirement.

What is your Retirement Packet?

As I have extensively explained in the Lifestyle and Benefits Section as well as the 1811 Resources Section , the Federal Law Enforcement Retirement System is unique to covered federal law enforcement officers. The modern retirement plan basically consists of the following components:

I. Immediate Lifetime FERS Pension

II. Thrift Savings Plan

III. Temporary FERS Supplement ( Ends at Age 62 )

IV. Social Security ( Starts at Age 62 ).

I. Lifetime Pension - FERS

Since retirement is critically important, I am going to direct you to the Official Retirement Benefits for Federal Law Enforcement Guide . This should be the official starting document to understand your potential retirement income, especially since many federal government Human Resource departments are notoriously unhelpful.

Some Key Takeaways Regarding FERS Pension:

After 20 years of law enforcement service, you will make an income that is 34% of your highest 3 years average gross salary ( which include Law Enforcement Availability Pay and Locality Adjustment ).
In order to take advantage of this "High 3" calculation, many federal agents transfer to HQ for their last few years in order to receive the Washington DC Cost of Living Locality pay as it offers a lifetime pension increase.

The first 20 years of federal law enforcement service are calculated at a rate of 1.7% per year ( totalling 34% ) and any* additional or other federal service ( regardless of category ) is calculated at 1% per year.

The pension will be taxed in retirement.

II. Thrift Savings Plan

This is likely one of the most overlooked but critical components of a successful retirement. The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is essentially a government run 401K retirement account. Importantly, all contributions above 5% of your salary are matched by the government. Most agencies will automatically enroll a new employee in one of the "Lifecycle Funds" and start deducting from each paycheck. Contributing 5% of your paycheck should be the minimum but 10% will ensure a more comfortable retirement . Most importantly, when you contribute to a TSP Account, your taxable income is reduced and the government will match those contributed funds. This is obviously meant to encourage federal employees to make regular contributions.

The lack of regularly contributions to the TSP is the single biggest failure point for federal employees and the impact is usually disastrous. The TSP is designed to be another income stream and is basically your private pension system. To put it in perspective, I have been making basic TSP contributions for the last 25 years and am projected to receive $3,500 a month upon retirement!

On a side note, the conversion by the federal government to the current Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) was basically a massive cost savings measure by the bureaucracy. A significant amount of the pension was removed and replaced by the TSP scheme, which requires diligent contributions by the employee. So long as the employee contributions are made regularly and start early in their career, the plan works. However, the problem is that most new employees do not make as much in earnings and often skimp out on their TSP contributions during the early years; which usually translates to hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost compound earnings and a lower balance upon retirement!

I encourage all new employees to review the TSP Official Website to properly understand their investment options and to ensure that their contributions are being made to the correct Funds. Many employees simply choose the "Lifecycle Funds" such as "Lifecycle 2040," which are designed to have higher risk ( i.e. more stocks ) early on and more stable low risk bonds as the retirement date nears. Most importantly, virtually every single guide will tell you one simple thing; start making regular contributions early in your career to ensure success!

III. Annuity Supplement - Temporary

The Special Retirement Supplement is paid in addition to gross monthly Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuity benefits ( aka Lifetime Pension ). It represents what you would receive for your FERS civilian service from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is calculated as if you were eligible to receive SSA benefits on the day you retired.

The supplement varies and is based on your individual earnings, consequently, I would recommend reading the attached OPM Information for FERS Annuitants and Official Retiree Annuity Supplement to calculate your projected amount.

IV. Full Social Security (Starts at 62)

Your full social security earnings are a critical component of your full retirement and all employees are advised to obtain access to their Social Security Administration Account to review their contributions and projected earnings via the Social Security Benefits Statement. Review this document for accuracy and ensure that all* of your earnings are properly credited ( even that job in high school !).

Other Critical Helpful Steps & Resources

All current federal employees should have online and regular access to their Personal Benefits Statement . This statement will provide a summary of our projected pension and TSP income. Review it regularly to understand your retirement options.

The informal but highly effective Retirement Calculator Spreadsheet is one of the most helpful tools in properly estimating retirement earnings and I have yet to see a more accurate projection ( other than the official one provided by HR ). This spreadsheet will truly give you a reasonable understanding of your retirement income and my hats are off to the author. It also includes a detailed PDF Instructions Sheet to help answer some of the more complicated scenarios (i.e. divorce).

Employees should conduct an immediate review of their Service Credit Report. This document should properly reflect ALL of your years of service, to include any buyback time for military veterans. Most importantly, do not wait until the end as correcting errors made by Human Resources can take significant time and effort. I know of one agent who recently discovered that even though they bought back their military time, it was not being credited towards their retirement calculation. It took almost a year of communicating back and forth with HR before it was finally corrected. Luckily this agent was still years from retirement. Don't get surprised by something like this the day you drop your retirement packet!

The FERSGUIDE is a fantastic document to fully maximize your retirement scenarios. It provides critical tips ( i.e., best timeframe for retirement ) and offers guidance for more complicated scenarios ( i.e., making catch up contributions to TSP ). The Outdated 2019 Guide is available online but I would highly suggest purchasing the updated version if you are planning for retirement. FERS Guide - AMAZON

Finally, many Special Agents unnecessarily delay retirement because they don't truly understand their benefits and keep working, despite the detriment to their personal financial interests. Consequently, I highly encourage a review of the " I Can't Retire " Article written by Chris Barfield. Additionally, Chris Barfield runs an amazing Financial Advising Site that has a host of free retirement resources geared toward Federal Law Enforcement Retirement. See Chris Barfield Website .

I wish all past, current and future Special Agents a Happy Retirement!

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be professional financial advice. It is recommended that you consult with a professional before making any consequential personal financial decisions.

No Kings, No Kooks

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 18:10:03 GMT

NO KINGS, NO KOOKS

Confessions of a National Security Agent

March 9, 2024

Author: Thomas Sarnicola

Amazon Link: No Kings, No Kooks

No Kings, No Kooks is an easy and short read that will you give you a peek into the life of a professional background investigator. Background investigations in the federal government are typically carried out by a combination private contractors, Special Agents (1811) or even specific government background investigators. The author of this book, Thomas Sarnicola, has been both an agent and contract investigator. Sarnicola is "from a working class New York Italian American family and invites the reader into the world of security clearance investigations for the federal government and military." The book is not only a recollection of his coming of age story but also describes some of the more interesting security clearance cases he investigated and the people he encountered along the path.

This book is not meant to be an in-depth explanation of the federal security clearance vetting process. That endeavor is lengthy, dry and compartmentalized, a necessary protocol to conduct an objective review and execute a fair decision making process. Instead Sarnicola gives the reader some insight into the portion of the process that he was involved with at the field level, specifically the investigative fact finding. Just like 1811s in criminal investigations, it is not the background investigators job to make prosecutorial like adjudications. Rather, investigators are supposed to gather the facts in an impartial manner and follow up on leads they develop. If you have ever wondered what a background investigator is thinking or why they asked certain questions, then you will likely find this book interesting and at times entertaining.

For most clearance holders in the US federal government the background investigation and vetting process is largely a black hole beginning from the time one submits that exhaustive SF86 until a final eligibility notification is received. Occasionally applicants might hear something from a friend or neighbor who was interviewed but for the most part, the candidates don't know what is happening at any given time. For some clearance holders they might only go through this lengthy process one time in their life, depending on the type of clearance sought and/or the amount of time it is required. The term clearance holder is specifically used in lieu of employee because clearances are granted to anyone who requires it, so long as they are eligible. This obviously includes federal employees and members of the Armed Services, but it also includes government contractors, politicians, and even employees of private companies with government contracts. You might recall the story of Elon Musk smoking weed on the Joe Rogan show and the issues it raised regarding his clearance eligibility.

If you are or end up in a lifetime career field that requires a Top Secret clearance then you will endure the joys of the background process roughly every 5 years. You have also likely already experienced or will experience the changes in the vetting process over the years. No Kings, No Kooks gives the reader a brief overview of the different agencies that have participated in the process over the years and discusses the history of how it all began, beginning with the assassination of President Garfield. Knowing this history might shine light on why your clearance renewal was delayed at different times during your career. Given the federal government's constantly evolving bureaucratic model, these changes will probably continue throughout your career.

In my opinion one of the most irritating parts about the background process is the lack of communication between the agency that requests the investigation and the field personnel tasked in carrying out the actual background case. Quite often, the field investigators are just as out of the loop as the subject of the investigation. I still recall an interaction with a background investigator for my first clearance in the military. Shortly after basic training for the military reserve, I was back home at my civilian place of employment when my mother called to say someone with a badge was at her house asking questions and wanted to talk to me in person. As a new service member, I knew that my position required a clearance, but after the initial entry paperwork the rest of the process was never really mentioned. No one from my unit had told me to expect an investigator, nor did they ever mentioned that it might be a private contractor. Alarmingly, when I called the security manager at my unit, they did not appear to be aware of anything and advised that I should independently verify the investigator before talking to him, all of which is quite a burden on a nascent employee. Unfortunately, 20 years later I can't report that the process has gotten any better. In this day and age of online fraud and business email compromise schemes, it is somewhat unnerving to receive an email from a random private company telling you that they are conducting a background investigation on behalf of the federal government.

Sarnicola gives his readers a little insight into being one of these private contractor investigators as well as being an 1811/Special Agent with the federal government. Quite often these private contractors are also retired Special Agents who continue working as a background investigator part time or as a second career. The process can be stressful and sometimes the background investigator might be irritating, but just remember to be polite and answer their questions to the best of your ability. These investigators are just trying to do their job the right way, often with supervisors pressuring them to speed things up and process more cases to clear out a backlog of pending investigations.

Overall, No Kings, No Kooks is an entertaining read on a unique topic of interest. Check it out if you want to learn about something different.

The Special Agent community is a small one and we at the Special Agents Blog are always happy to help promote the work of a fellow Special Agent. You can check out Sarnicola's book on Amazon.

Want to learn more about the background investigation process? Check out my

Background Investigation Blog Post.

Sound of Freedom, Fact or Fiction?

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 22:38:15 GMT

Sound of Freedom, Fact or Fiction?

February 24, 2024

The Sound of Freedom movie has highlighted the crime of international human trafficking while also providing misleading information related to offenses involving child pornography. I want to begin by saying that overall, I enjoyed the Sound of Freedom movie on a cinematic level. Like most movies loosely based on contemporary events, Hollywood will undoubtably take creative license to adapt a storyline for the big screen. This flick was no different, and while sobering, it was also “entertaining.” I would encourage anyone who enjoys law enforcement type movies to see it for that reason alone. Jim Caviezel has always been a good actor and he does a great job portraying himself as a Special Agent in this film. However, the major problem with Sound of Freedom (in my opinion) is the inaccurate way in which it depicts the problem of child pornography or child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in our society, as it relates to human trafficking. As someone who still works for Homeland Security Investigations - HSI (as portrayed in the movie) and as a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force , I believe that this is an important topic to clarify in the interest of public safety. Parents should be well informed regarding the abhorrent threat of pedophilia that faces their children every day on the Internet. To put it bluntly, if your child is alone in their room on an unmonitored electronic device, then you are allowing them to be potentially exposed to this criminal threat while actively reading this article.

Before addressing the more egregious issues with Hollywood, I would first like to address some of the creative license taken with depictions of law enforcement in this movie. To begin with, the home entry in the beginning of the movie appears to be a “no-knock” search warrant, where they sneak up on a pedophile and violently ( not to mention comicall y) tackle him while he is watching child pornography on the computer. Now I have routinely conducted search warrants where subjects are caught in the act, however, a no-knock child pornography search warrant is virtually unheard of within the law enforcement community. It is generally not worth risking the life of an agent or officer to surprise a criminal and attempt to stop them from potentially deleting evidence on their computer. Usually by the time a search warrant is obtained, law enforcement has quite a bit of digital evidence stacked against the subject. If suspects are miraculously successful in deleting digital evidence during the standard “knock and announce” protocol, it can usually be recovered via standard forensic tools. We typically begin most search warrants by calling upon all occupants to come open the front door and detain them at the entrance. If someone is subsequently encountered in a room during the clearing of a residence, they will be given commands and detained in a tactically sound manner, which doesn’t generally include tackling them at their computer chair like some NFL linebacker. Tackling someone is a form of force that can cause severe harm to all involved parties. That type of force would generally not be appropriate unless the individual posed a physical threat that warranted immediate action.

In the movie, after the search warrant is executed, the subject is detained in the fictional HSI special agents’ field office holding facility. Later in the evening, the agent removes the subject from the holding cell by himself and interviews the subject in what appears to be the lobby of the field office. Realistically, although some federal agency offices have holding cells for temporary use, they typically do not meet the requirements for overnight holding. Subjects arrested by federal agents are generally booked into a local sheriff facility on a courtesy hold until the next day, when they can be turned over to the US Marshals Service at the federal courthouse for their Initial Appearance. Also, Special Agents NEVER conduct suspect interviews alone (full stop). We especially don’t interview arrested subjects alone in the lobby of our field offices late at night while smoking a cigarette. Additionally, the entire chain of events surrounding the undercover work that took place afterwards was also completely unrealistic and border line absurd.

Another dramatized portion of the movie depicted the HSI Special Agent tearing up as he sat in his cubicle while he reviewed a video that is obviously meant to be child pornography. To begin with, the case agent in the movie would most likely not be able to immediately review the evidence discovered on the subject’s computer due to the time needed to properly seize digitally forensic material. Typically, the evidence would have been collected at the scene, processed forensically, and provided to the agent for review later in a computer laboratory environment. Additionally, seasoned Special Agents, like the one “allegedly” depicted in this move, must view child pornography, and describe it in detailed affidavits as a regular part of their job. They are professionals despite a difficult job that requires unwaveringly and unimpeachable conduct to ensure the best outcome of a criminal investigation. The behavior depicted in the film might happen with a new agent, but rookie criminal investigators won’t last long in this profession if they can’t learn to review evidence in an objective and dispassionate manner (i.e., without crying). This would be like a seasoned 10-year homicide detective getting emotional at yet another murder scene. Every law enforcement officer who works child cases will probably be scarred for life in some way, but we do it for one simple reason, “because someone has to” on behalf of the child victims.

My very first assignment with HSI was on a Child Exploitation investigative group and my supervisor immediately asked me if I was okay with working on these types of cases. As is now standard practice at most agencies, special agents can choose not to work child exploitation cases if they don’t want to, no questions asked. I recall telling my supervisor that while I had not initially planned on focusing child sex crimes, I knew that if I wasn’t willing to do it, someone else would have to step up in my place. I now plan on working these cases for the rest of my career because I have found them to be extremely rewarding and I don’t want to pass the burden off to fellow investigators. Personally, I don’t believe that agents should be allowed to avoid working these types of cases, especially if you work at agencies (i.e., HSI & FBI) or offices that have major responsibility for child sex abuse crimes. If you want the job as a federal criminal investigator with certain agencies, then accept that child exploitation related crimes come with the territory. Moreover, every law enforcement officer that I have ever met on an ICAC task force or in a child exploitation group is overworked and has more leads and cyber tips than they can possibly handle; meaning they can seriously use all the help they can get. This further reinforces my viewpoint: If you don’t want to EVER work child exploitation cases, then simply go work for an agency or office that doesn’t investigate them. There is nothing wrong with wanting to avoid these cases or wanting to specialize in a different investigative area. Make an affirmative choice to work at an agency that does not work these crimes (i.e. DEA or ATF). However, if you work in a small HSI or FBI office where agents are expected to cover all investigative areas then sometimes you might have to investigate child pornography, otherwise you are creating significantly more work for your co-workers and cowering from this righteous fight. If you find these cases triggering, horrifying, or are worried that it’s going to mentally scar you for life then congratulations, you are a normal person and yes, it probably will. Now, imagine how much worse it must have been for that exploited and sexually abused child.

There are now a myriad of online articles dedicated to going over the historical accuracy of the movie, so I will not rehash them on this post. Some of it is true some of it is not, that’s Hollywood. Anyone that relies on movies for historical or factual accuracy is sure to be disappointed. Personally, my biggest problem with the Sound of Freedom is simply the way it confuses the crime of human trafficking with child pornography. Many people have supported this movie because it shines a light on the horrific world of human trafficking, or as I prefer to describe it more accurately in certain cases as “rape slavery.” The legal term “human trafficking” encompasses multiple statutes that might confuse the non-legal audience as it involves two different criminal categories in the federal system, namely sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Title 18 of U.S. Code §1590 relates to trafficking with respect to “peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, or forced labor,” while 18 U.S. Code §1591 relates to sex trafficking of children or by “force, fraud, or coercion” of an adult. Watching this movie seems to leave you with the impression that the biggest risk to children is “human trafficking”. This is simply untrue and not supported by the annual tally of arrests, indictments, and convictions. This movie also confuses audiences with the perception that trafficking primarily affects very young children. This is also not true. Unfortunately, there are a myriad of statistics related to human trafficking worldwide which often inaccurately combine labor and sex trafficking; making the overall issue difficult to understand. I encourage you to research these statistics for yourself, but essentially it comes down to this, commercial child sex trafficking in the United States is very rare while the possession and distribution of child pornography is shockingly widespread.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children “In 2022, the CyberTipline received 32,059,029 reports .” 31,901,234 of those reports were related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) otherwise known as child pornography. Only 18,336 of those reports were related to child sex trafficking, which is a significantly lower number in comparison. (On a side note, Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is the preferred term now used by NCMEC and many other groups to include law enforcement. The term “Child Pornography” is still often used because it is the legal term used in the statutory language passed by Congress in Title 18 of the United States Code. Just like alien is the correct legal term, not immigrant.)

Another fact that might not be widely known regarding human trafficking and child pornography investigations is that these two investigative categories do not usually overlap. Not only are these two entirely different investigative areas but the crimes themselves have different elements. Realistically, child sex trafficking is what the movie Sound of Freedom sets out to portray. The crime of Child Pornography was simply used in the movie plot as an explanation for why the investigating agent started working Human Trafficking cases. The question posed in the movie regarding how many children have been rescued, makes it seem like these children are still out there somewhere. Because of this movie I now get asked questions like “what happened to the child” or “what did you do about the children.” This over-simplification only added to a common misunderstanding related to child pornography investigations. This type of simplification often happens in movies for dramatic effect or because it’s easier for the audience to understand.

Typically, child pornography investigations confusingly have nothing to do with human trafficking or live victims. Most cases involve someone possessing, distributing, or receiving, child pornography that has been endlessly shared on the internet for several years. Many of these abused children were already rescued years ago and it is not uncommon for them now to be adults. Nevertheless, children that were abused to generate child pornography often continue to be re-traumatized and haunted by the ongoing online distribution of their abuse. While the child is being re-victimized every time these old videos and images are shared, there is no “victim” to actually rescue in most instances. Another inaccuracy that the movie seemed to imply is that child pornography results from child sex trafficking. This is also usually untrue. The last thing someone engaged in paying for this type of illegal activity would want is digital evidence that it occurred. The truth is much worse and makes people even more uncomfortable, which is probably why it wasn’t highlighted in the movie. While films from child sex tourism do exist, I would estimate (based on my professional experience) that most online child pornography was created by someone in a position of trust. It often involves a family member, babysitter, teacher, a doctor; or these days the child is tricked into creating and sharing it online themselves. Once created this illegal content is quickly shared online with other pedophiles that either don’t have access to children or who have not worked up to becoming a hands-on offender themselves. Most of these exploited children have not been “trafficked” in the traditional understanding, rather, they have been assaulted by the people in their lives who they thought they could trust the most.

As I said in the beginning of this post, the biggest problem with Sound of Freedom is the inaccurate correlation between human trafficking and child pornography. This has caused parents to be overly concerned about the dangers of international child sex trafficking and left them largely uninformed about the more prevalent danger of online pedophiles and people in a position of trust with access to their kids. On day-to-day basis in the United States, it is very unlikely that your child will be exposed to the risk of being “trafficked.” However, every time your child connects to the Internet there will likely be a pedophile online that is actively targeting children. The only question is whether they are going to connect with your child or someone else’s. Recently the world of financial fraud and online scams has even crossed over into the world of child pornography by way of sextortion. People in Third World countries have realized that most teenagers in the US have access to a phone and more importantly, money. Even small amounts of money by our standards makes these teenagers a target. Outside of the Internet, it is important to remember that the biggest risk to your child is most likely someone they know and you personally trust.

Based on experience, I would guess that most children these days are still allowed to use the Internet without parental monitoring. Many parents do not know where to start and unfortunately most of the widely known child security applications cost money. However, there are now great free options available from Apple, Google, Microsoft, and others for monitoring a child’s device. There are many outstanding and free resources online from organizations like NCMEC. You should absolutely know what applications are on your child’s smartphone and be aware of who they are talking to and what capabilities come with their provided electronic devices. A good rule of thumb is making sure that they only talk to people they know in real life. Most importantly, simply make sure that children always know they can come to you with anything strange or unusual that happens, online or in person, regardless of the circumstances. If someone ever makes them feel uncomfortable or tells them to keep an unusual secret, then they should immediately come talk to you. Parents should be the first line of defense for their children. Don’t ignore this responsibility because you aren’t “tech savy” or because you don’t want to take the time to learn how parental controls work. You can find many resources online like the HSI iGuardian program , the FBI Safe Online Surfing program , and NCMEC’s Resources for Parents, Educators & Communities.

-Contributed by an HSI Special Agent

Scholarship Opportunities

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 20:25:46 GMT

Scholarship Opportunities

February 11, 2024

For anybody that is serious about becoming a Criminal Investigator, a college degree is a common and often times required prerequisite in order to be a competitive applicant. Unless you are independently wealthy, scholarships should be a critical part of your college education plan. This below list was developed to assist future 1811s find scholarship opportunities for which they potentially qualify. Many of these scholarships have unique requirements and can offer much need resources. I encourage every student to make the effort in researching and applying, as some of these below opportunities can offer life changing assistance for a young student.

General Scholarships/Grants/Fellowships

Scholarships & Grants for

Service Members/Veterans/Dependants

Scholarship and Grant

Search Engines & Program Lists

Health Savings Accounts & HDHPs

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:51:21 GMT

Here's to HSAs for a long life!

( Don't Worry, Explanation Below )

November 6, 2023

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

The Short Version : Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are an often misunderstood complement to health insurance plans available to federal employees that can result in substantial savings for the savvy user. It is uniquely suitable for younger employees that have little to no medical expenses.

Why Most Federal Employees are Unaware of HSAs

The Special Agents Blog routinely receives questions about health insurance plans generally recommended for new Special Agents in the federal government ( or any federal employee for that matter ). The barrage of new hire information related to health insurance, W-9 Exemptions, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, life insurance, liability insurance, and others can be confusing, even if it isn’t your first job. Unfortunately, Human Resources will rarely offer any “helpful” advice, either because they don’t care, don’t know, or are too worried about liability.

Important Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor, but SA Blog would like to genuinely offer some information that my younger self would have appreciated knowing as a new federal employee in law enforcement regarding health insurance. Most importantly, the Special Agents Blog has no official affiliation with any health insurance plan, and this is in no way a paid advertisement or endorsement of any specific plan. This is just one older* special agent passing along some information to help out new agents.

General Health Plans for Federal Employees

Unlike what many people might think, federal employees do not have some special federal health insurance benefit that is free or significantly discounted compared to the rest of the public. Federal employees generally have access to the same smorgasbord of health insurance plans that other major private companies offer their workforce ( i.e., Blue Cross, Aetna, United Health Care, etc. ). Now, there are a limited number of specialty plans that are specifically for federal employees (i.e. GEHA), but that does not automatically make them better than something like Blue Cross. Just like in the private sector, you must make biweekly premium payments for your health insurance, and the associated payments are automatically deducted from your paychecks.

Many new young employees are often confused about which plan to chose and often end up selecting something like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) since it is easy. Such major insurance plans are well known, used by many employees, offer coverage for most medical needs, are widely accepted, and offer mental comfort in choosing the same thing that most co-workers use. As of this article, a SINGLE young new agent that selected BCBS pays somewhere between $95.74 and $150.79 every two weeks ( each pay period ) depending on whether the Basic or Standard Option ( current 2024 rates ) was selected.

Side Note: Oh, and welcome to the annoying health insurance lingo like “Basic” and “Standard” which normally would mean the same thing considering that basic is a synonym of standard.

Now don’t get me wrong, Blue Cross Blue Shield is a great plan for all the reasons I mentioned above. However, if you are young, not married, and just starting out in federal law enforcement, then you are probably physically fit and have relatively few health problems and medical visits ( if any ). For this young and fit category, it may seem that you are throwing away $207.44 - $326.71 every month when you will probably rarely go to the doctors for the first 5-10 years of your career ( Note: Like most others, I did this for many years and threw away lots of money for services that were never used .).

The High Deductible Plan (HDP)

Another health insurance option is something called a High Deductible Plan (HDP). Generally speaking, this means that basic services like checkups are covered but more expensive procedures or treatments will be paid for out of pocket until you meet your “deductible” amount. After you pay enough money to meet the deductible amount, only then will your health insurance kick in to cover the rest. Additionally, this paid amount will reset every year. These plans are generally cheaper because of the high deductible.

If you are the type of person that regularly goes to the doctor for routine colds, minor issues or to get frequent antibiotics, then this might not be the plan for you. A run-of-the mill insurance plan is much more cost effective in the long run for the high frequency patient. Additionally, if you have a family member (i.e. spouse) with a chronic health condition, again a regular health plan is likely the better choice.

However, most new Special Agents are young and fit, and rarely require any routine health services during the beginning of their careers ( remember, the young population traditionally subsidizes the cost of insurance for older and sicker people ). So if you are indeed the type of person that doesn’t go to the doctor unless you have something major (i.e., a broken arm, or serious injury due to car accident), then a high deductible plan is potentially a great alternative option. Additionally, most federal employees are unaware that High Deductible Plans also come with something unique called a Health Savings Account (HSA) , which offers some significant advantages and savings.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

A Health Savings Account or HSA is something you are not allowed to use unless you have selected a High Deductible Plan. This is basically a pre-tax retirement account that can only be used for health-related expenses. Additionally, similar to an actual Individual Retirement Account (IRA), there are government dictated limits on how much money employees can allot into these accounts every year because these types of accounts lower your taxable income. Being allowed to have an HSA is like having a second IRA but for medical expenses instead of retirement. Most importantly, the money in an HSA stays with you even if you switch back to a regular plan down the road ( You just won’t be able to contribute to it any further. ). Another awesome thing about HSAs is that you can actually invest the money into the marketplace just like you can with an IRA. So for example, if you haven’t used your HSA in a long time and start to have extra money piling up in the account, you can invest a portion of it in different funds depending on your HSA provider. Typical these are investment funds that track things like the S&P 500 similar to what you probably use in your 401k or "TSP" for federal employees. All the money you earn from your investments will be tax free in your HSA account!

The entire point of an HSA account is to help you cover the high cost of your deductible whenever you do have a health-related expense that is not included in the basic portion of your high deductible plan. Just like with car insurance there are certain things where your deductible applies and certain things where it doesn’t. For example, with some car insurance you can get your cracked windshield repaired and they cover it completely and your deductible does not apply. However, if you get in an accident you will have to pay your $500 or $1,000 deductible up front and then insurance will cover the rest. Imagine if you had a tax-free savings account that allowed you to save money for that deductible expense whenever you needed it. That’s essentially what an HSA does for you.

How HSA's are Funded

Now you might be asking yourself where does the money in the HSA come from? This is the part of HSAs that most people don’t fully understand and miss out on the benefits. Obviously, you can elect to put your own money into your HSA up to the government max of $4,150 for singles per year ( this is the 2024 limit ). Generally, this should be the amount you would have otherwise spent on a regular insurance plan. For example, let's say that selecting a High Deductible Insurance Plan saves you $150 per month; then at a minimum , you should place this $150 into your HSA each month! This is the part that takes a bit of self discipline.

But wait! What if I told you that there was a High Deductible Health Insurance Plan that would take a portion of your bi-weekly insurance premiums that come out of your paycheck and also deposit that amount into your HSA for you every month! Remember before, when I stated that Blue Cross would cost you $207.44-$326.71 per month coming out of your paycheck for self-only coverage. As we all know, you never get that money back from a normal health insurance plan EVER; even if you never see the inside of a doctors office for 5 years straight. That money essentially keeps going down the drain. Now some might say that is what insurance is for but if there was a way to get some of that money back then why not take advantage of it?

High deductible plans are not only cheaper than PPO plans like Blue Cross but some of them will actually give you back some of your bi-weekly premium and put that money into your HSA. Reviewing health plan brochures during open season is a pain and not exciting. They also do not make it clear how this process works. To be even more confusing, not all high deductible plans give you back a portion of your premiums, and the amounts vary. When I first found this out, I thought it was too good to be true until that first month’s deposit was made into my HSA from my biweekly premium. Like anything in life, it just involves a bit of research.

When I initially researched high deductible plans, I found that the one that gave you the most money back into your HSA was a plan called the MHBP Consumer Option (HDHP, High Deductible Health Plan). MHBP stands for Mail Handlers Benefit Plan. Since you are a highly trained criminal investigator you can probably tell from the name that this was originally for mail handlers, however it is now available to all federal employees. By the way, part of choosing this plan means that you also must sign up for the MHBP association which currently costs $52 a year. (They will send you a reminder after you elect your health plan). Currently if you sign up for the MHBP Consumer Option for self only the 2024 bi-weekly premium is only $78.69 or $170.50 per month. Remember that high deductible plans are cheaper because you have to pay for that deductible before full coverage kicks in. However, for a self only plan, MHBP will take $100 from that $170.50 and give it back to you in your HSA. That means you are really only paying $70.50 per month for health coverage and at the end of one year you will have $1,200 saved in your HSA. This will go a long way towards paying the $2,000 deductible for the MHBP self only plan.

If I had signed up for this plan when first hired, I would have likely had thousands of dollars saved by the time I was ready to get married and start having kids. If I had done this and ALSO contributed an extra $100 per month and invested that money into the market with my HSA, I would have even more available today.

Remember you always have the choice to switch back to a traditional plan during open season ( or other qualifying life event ) if you find that your health needs change and it no longer makes sense for you to be on a High Deductible Plan. When compared to the common choice of Blue Cross, MHBP will save you more than %50 per month and provide you with a second pre-tax vehicle to build long term wealth. In general, this is very valuable for younger employees that don't make as much during the beginning of their careers.

Other HSA Benefits

An HSA isn't simply to pay deductibles and can additionally be used to cover many routine medical expenses. Medical related products such eye drops and cold medicine are authorized expenses for the HSA ( The HSA Account typically comes with a credit card that can be used for such expenses. ). Most HSA providers provide a comprehensive list but they should all be relatively similar. You can reference an example list here . Additionally, many online platforms now mark certain items as "HSA eligible" to help make selections but you should always double check to make sure.

The most important thing to remember when you switch to an HSA eligible health plan is that it takes time for that money to build up in your respective HSA account. If you foresee additional medical services that would apply to your deductible, then it might not be a good time to switch. Additionally, when you first sign up it would be a good idea to fund the account with some of your own money up front to get things started. Additionally, you should also regularly contribute additional money on top of the amount that is refunded by the insurance company from the bi-weekly premium. Ideally this routine amount should be the savings you are making by switching to this High Deductible Plan (i.e. $100).

For all the above reasons, this is exactly why the High Deductible Plan and associated Health Savings Account is a good plan for young single agents who are in great physical shape. However, it does take fiscal discipline and a little bit of planning to ensure success.

HSA Setup Example

Getting things started with a high deductible plan can be a little confusing at first. For something like the MHBP Plan, it would typically involve the following steps:

Pick your plan and sign up as directed by your federal HR department. It will vary slightly depending on what system is in use.

You will receive information from MHBP regarding how to sign up for your HSA. As an example MHBP uses payflex for their HSA servicing.

Go back to your HR department system and set up additional HSA allotments if you would like to contribute more than the money that MHBP puts in there automatically.
Just like a checking or savings account there will be an account and routing number associated with your HSA to establish this allotment.

MHBP will send you an initial and follow on annual reminder to send in your $52 annual membership fee.

Your HSA account will send you a debit card that you can use to pay for things at the doctors or for HSA eligible expenses at the pharmacy or even on Amazon! Instead of using the card you can also submit a receipt and get refunded from your HSA. Your HSA will also sync with your insurance online and show you all your insurance related bills that are eligible for reimbursement ( Note: They will still show up even if you already paid for them using your HSA debit card so don’t be surprised by this common quirk .). I usually just keep a mental note of which expenses I have already paid for but there is a feature to track expenses and mark expenses as paid.

MHBP is serviced through Aetna so don’t be surprised when you have to login via the Aetna portal or when Doctors offices act like you have Aetna. MHBP is not super common so it's often easier to just say you have Aetna when you go in for visits.

Conclusion

This definitely might not be the best health plan for everyone’s situation but it’s something that I personally wish that I had learned about much earlier in my career. Plans like the MHBP HDHP are often overlooked because they are not as well known and can be slightly more confusing than your average health plan ( which is likely already confusing enough as it is ). Take charge of your finances early in life and educate yourself as much as possible about all the different options available for federal employees. It’s easy to ignore these types of things in your 20’s when retirement seems so far away but if you start planning now, your future self will thank you. Additionally, the more you get into it, the more fun it can be and when you maximize your finances with a bit of planning, you will save yourself quite a bit of stress down the road.

Stay safe and healthy out there!

References:

MHBP HDHP Website

Blue Cross Basic and Standard

HSA Eligible Expenses

MHBP

A Well-Equipped G-Ride

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 21:14:14 GMT

A Well Equipped G-Ride

September 11, 2023

The "G-Ride"

Most 1811/Special Agent positions include take home cars, commonly referred to as a "g-ride," which is simply short for a "government" owned vehicle. These assigned vehicles are unmarked law enforcement vehicles with very low profile emergency light packages, sirens, PA system, and a government radio. Some will have additional equipment depending on the position ( i.e. SWAT Team, Evidence Team ) and it’s common to have a lock box for temporary equipment storage. An assigned take-home care is sometimes viewed as one of the perks of the job, as it saves money on gas for a daily commute, not to to mention avoiding the wear and tear on a personally owned vehicle. In reality the dedicated G-Car comes in exchange for 24-hour availability and response, early hour operations, investigative work, meeting court requirements and required training. A G-Car is indeed vital to the core operations of an 1811 agency and provides critical law enforcement capability, especially since Special Agents often cover multiple counties. For these reasons, it is crucially important to make sure that a G-Car is properly and minimally equipped for response to a variety of situations that Special Agents encounter on the job.

Like many jobs ( especially government positions ), Special Agents are usually given the minimum amount of equipment needed for the position. Like most people, I similarly hate spending personal funds on work equipment but, sometimes it is necessary for one's own safety and ability to do the job well. Safety is always a good first consideration, especially in the law enforcement profession. Having a good basic first aid kit along with a trauma kit is a must. Most Special Agents from major agencies will probably be issued a trauma kit for their duty rig upon completion of the academy. At the very least, Special Agents should also have a basic first aid kit in their G-Car, along with some extra tourniquets or a second spare trauma kit. Having some sort of vehicle extrication device near your front seat is also a good idea (i.e. window breakers). Many G-Rides already come equipped with a basic emergency kit but don't wait until you need it to find out what’s inside; meaning dig through the gear and organize it in a way that would make sense to you in an emergency.

Your available medical equipment will likely be the difference in the unlikely event of a critical incident ( i.e., search warrant shooting ). However, it will more than likely be used during a traffic accident . Due to the large number of miles that Criminal Investigators routinely traverse in their G-Rides, it is not uncommon for Special Agents to provide assistance during major traffic accidents they simply come upon. Proper medical kits in G-Rides have likely saved countless lives during these critical incidents, since average civilians are generally unprepared.

Depending on the size of your G-Ride it is generally a good idea to have additional equipment that might be needed. This will vary depending on the type of 1811 / Special Agent position that you currently occupy but here are some basic recommendations for success.

Basic Surveillance Equipment

Binoculars ( must have )
Camera
Front Window Shade
Small notebook & Pens
Simple disguises for ruses (i.e., orange vest)
Change of clothes, deodorant, toiletries

Having a decent set of binoculars is always a good thing to have since surveillance is a routinely basic task for most Criminal Investigator positions. Having a high-quality camera is a luxury that every agent might not have but it can definitely come in handy ( i.e. during undercover operations ). Cellphones are indeed fairly good these days, however, it’s hard to beat the image quality of a real camera with a lense. A window shade can be critical in concealing your activities (r emember, if you can see suspects, they can likely see you! ) along with keeping a car cool if you can’t keep it running for some reason ( i.e. too close to suspect activity ). Having some sort of basic disguise like a vest that you can throw on can also help 1811's gather all sorts of information ( if you’re not afraid to be creative ) and provide a simple cover for action ( hard hats are also a great idea ). Having a change of clothes might not be required for everyone but if you work in a narcotics group or regularly track load vehicles coming across the border, it is definitely something to consider. These types of operations can regularly end up taking a long time and sometimes land far away from home ( potentially requiring an unplanned overnight stay ).

Tactical Equipment

Vest ( MANDATORY )
Duty Belt ( MANDATORY )
Extra handcuffs
Belly chain and leg irons
Range bag, extra ammo , extra mags
Tactical boots/shoes
Extra Flashlight/batteries
Extra issued firearm (rifle, shotgun)
Radio charger/extra batteries

It should go without saying that the issued Bullet Resistant Vest and Duty Belt must be kept in the G-Car at all times for emergent situations. There are no exceptions to this basic requirement and anyone concerned with theft should immediately get a lockbox. Both the Vest and Duty belt should have all required equipment properly attached and setup in a "grab-and-go" configuration. Although it is recognized that Special Agents are not generally first responders, there will likely be a few situations in your career where being properly ready allows you to take action appropriately ( i.e., conduct a high risk car stop during surveillance, support a last minute arrest warrant operation, substitute another agent on the Cover Team ). Having these two basic items prepared will ensure an 1811 is ready for most likely and random scenarios ( including active shooters ).

It is generally a good idea to have a backup for most of the gear you carry on your person during an enforcement action. Inevitably, there will be times ( usually during a pre-operational briefing ) when you or a fellow agent notices missing equipment and right before a search warrant is not the time to be looking furiously for that missing handcuff. Having an easily accessible/organized backup stash is always a quick solution, especially since someone always seems to forget a flashlight or needs extra batteries. Additionally, keeping your rifle in the car during the day can also be a good idea, especially if you work in an active group that routinely encounters last minute operations (i.e. gangs task force). Of course, keeping rifles in a G-Car requires proper storage lockers and must be allowed by agency policy. On a side note, extra portable radio batteries are always a smart move and Special Agents should always upload the updated encryption keys prior to an operation.

Special Agents that participate in operations on a regular basis or know they are going to assigned to transport, should have their own set of belly chains and leg irons. This might seem like overkill to the casual observer but unmarked law enforcement vehicles do not have cages that separate the arrestee from the Special Agent, which is a huge point of vulnerability. Not only are belly chains and leg irons more secure, they are also much more comfortable for the person being arrested ( especially during those often long rides to federal facilities ). The belly chain allows for Special Agents to handcuff the subject in the front so that their hands are not jammed behind their back ( which can be incredibly uncomfortable ). Depending on the reason for transport, this is also a good opportunity to start building rapport. It is generally good practice to make arrestees comfortable, offer them water, and conduct professional/courteous interactions; while simultaneously having a recording device readily available in case they decide to start making unsolicited and incriminating statements ( Miranda only applies if you ask the questions ).

Search Warrant Equipment

Basic evidence kit
DNA buccal swab kit
Vehicle power inverter, extension cord
Basic tool kit: Hammer, nails, flat pry bar...
Recording device
Shield, ram / breaching tools
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray

At some point in their career, virtually every Special Agent will participate in a search warrant. Some agencies much more than others, but this is a regular investigative action for most criminal investigators. Always having a G-Car stocked and ready to go will save 1811's a great deal of preparation time the night before a search warrant. Keeping an individually assigned evidence kit is nice for obvious reasons and even if it isn’t your warrant, it is not uncommon for the case agent to forget to bring a box of rubber gloves or extra bags. You can usually build your own evidence kit with items from your office supply closet and evidence room; and an old roller travel bag can easily be repurposed as an evidence kit. Having a couple of buccal swab kits in your car never hurts for an unexpected arrest or when someone just forgets to bring one. A vehicle power inverter can be a huge help and is definitely needed if you do any sort of on-scene computer forensic work. A basic tool kit can help with breaking into a safe or with minimal repairs to a door after breaching. It is required for law enforcement to secure an unoccupied home at the end of enforcement activity ( Meaning: If no one’s home, you can’t just break the door and leave it open .). Having a hammer and a couple of nails can be the quick fix needed to secure the front door.

Most offices or investigative groups will usually share breaching tools and a shield. However, if they have enough funding or an agent wants to spend their own money, it’s always nice to have a personal set readily available. Obviously, this depends on the size of an assigned G-Ride, since bulky equipment requires more trunk space. Finally, after handling random people and searching through their homes, make sure you have hand sanitizer readily available! Upon leaving some search warrant sites, you might even want to have some disinfectant spray or bug spray as many locations can be infected with all sorts of pests ( which you do not want to inadvertently bring home ).

Additional Suggestions

Case of water bottles/Gatorade or two…
Some sort of food/snacks
Sunflower seeds (or dip)
Small Notebook

When Special Agents are on the go and don’t have time to stop, it’s always nice to have extra water and snacks in the car. At a minimum, water bottles in the back seat and a couple of protein bars in the glove box will keep you going. Having a whole case of water bottles in the trunk additionally makes it easy to share because invariably someone won’t have their own water supply at a search warrant. Sunflower seeds make a great snack, last forever sitting in the car, and can also help keep you awake trying to get those darn seeds out of the shell. If you’re a dipper, then you probably don’t have to be reminded to have an extra can since it also helps keep you awake ( disclaimer: I am not encouraging tobacco chew products! ).

If you are prepping for a surveillance operation during the summer, then pick up a couple of large Gatorade bottles to go with the water. The electrolytes don’t hurt, and the wide mouth opening makes for a great urine bottle in an emergency. Having a sturdy plastic bottle with an accompanying solid screw top is a good idea for obvious reasons. This is not a glamorous suggestion but such scenarios are reality for certain types of operations.

Not everyone is going to need all the equipment in this article but at a minimum I always have the required gear to jump into a stack and conduct search warrant on short notice. Your agency policy might not require it, but having your vest and duty belt ( or whatever you need to make entry ) is always a must in my opinion. I treat these items like my gun and badge. If I’m on duty, then I have my prepped vest and duty belt with me locked in the vehicle safe. If you jump into another Special Agent's vehicle for transport or for a knock and talk, then at a minimum, take your prepped vest with you and throw it in their trunk , even if you don’t plan on using it. This is just good practice and ensures you can quickly go from a plainclothes agent with minimal equipment ( likely only firearm and cuffs ) to a decently equipped agent ( vest carrier should have proper markings, extra magazines, flashlight, cuffs ) that is now able to quickly deal with more complex situations.

Like everything in life there are always exceptions and depending on where you work/live it might not be a good idea to keep some sensitive items in your vehicle. Most offices have secure parking, but if you don’t live in the best area and your neighbors learn what you do, don’t be an easy target. Be extremely mindful of how you carry your equipment into the house. Don’t advertise what you do by carrying easily recognizable law enforcement gear to the front door every day. Unmarked law enforcement vehicles are routinely targeted by criminals for the gear!

G-Car Abuse

Unfortunately, one of the most common ways for Special Agents to get into serious trouble is by abusing their G-Cars. Although many local law enforcement agencies allow several provisions for personal use, the federal government's policies are generally much more rigid and severely penalize any deviation. Although, some agencies have limited exceptions for Special Agents assigned to austere or international locations, for the most part, personal use of a G-Car is simply not allowed and any uncovered violations will typically result in an automatic 30-day non-negotiable suspension.

Although it can be tempting to pick up children from school or a pet from the veterinarian on your way home, doing so can result in dire consequences to a Special Agent's career. Both of these aforementioned scenarios are common ways for new Special Agents to get into administrative trouble and should be avoided at all costs. Relatedly, using a G-Car at the end of a day to stop by for a happy hour or give a non-government employee a ride are similarly not permitted. Although all of these scenarios are heavily covered at the basic academy, I have seen good Special Agents routinely commit such bonehead moves and get into an incredible amount of administrative trouble ( some have even been fired ). As a rule of thumb, always* have a justifiable reason when using your assigned G-Car and simply plan ahead if you need to conduct personal errands ( i.e. drive your personal car that day ). Problem solved.

G-Car Maintenance

The G-Car is one of your most important work tools and keeping it in good shape is vital to an agents success and even personal safety. No administrative clerk cares more about your G-Car than you. For this reason, it is imperative that 1811s conduct all preventive maintenance on time, quickly fix any defects ( i.e., broken siren ) and ensure vital safety components are in excellent working order ( i.e., tires ). I have encountered more than one buffoonish Agent in my career who dismisses such advice on the account that it is the "government's" car and responsibility; not taking into account that it is in fact the Special Agent's life and success on the line. Over my career, my properly maintained car has given me a tactical advantage on several occasions ( i.e., high risk surveillance, emergent response ). All Special Agents should diligently take care of their assigned vehicles, if only for the fact it might be the only vehicle assigned to them for years!

Stay safe out there and remember that your future g-ride is a vital tool. It’s not “your” car, nor is it a reward. Take care of it and don’t abuse it!

Good Agents Answer Their Phone

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 15:40:45 GMT

Good Agents Answer Their Phone

July 27, 2023

I’ve always believed that one indication

of a good agent is how often he or she answers their phone. Obviously, there are exceptions, but generally speaking good agents will answer their phone when you call. There are many additional traits that a good Special Agent will typically possess but like in any career, reliability is key and being constantly available is a big part of that equation for success.

-Detective James Mcnulty from HBO's The Wire

Look, as stated above, there are exceptions to this general rule of thumb. Agents go on vacation, can get sick, travel domestically and internationally for work or they can be in court, in an interview, or in the middle of a search warrant. But most of these scenarios can be remedied with a prompt call back or text message explaining the delay ( which is exactly what good agents typically do ). This is crucially important when a new professional contact is made because like all relationships, good and bad first impressions can be difficult change. Being extra attentive in the beginning of the professional work relationship can help cut you a little slack down the road, whether it’s with your boss, a partner agency, or other professional contact. This is especially important when dealing with local law enforcement agencies that feds typically support and want to partner with for joint investigations.

Although not typically taught in the basic 1811 academies, a large part of a Special Agent's job is being a good salesman. People outside of law enforcement probably don’t realize how many federal cases start at the local law enforcement level. Good liaison relationships with state and local law enforcement partners will ensure those quality investigative referrals are promptly sent to the Special Agent that appears constantly ready and willing to provide assistance. Depending on your viewpoint the average or lazy Special Agents will sit in their cubicle, work the minimal assigned cases, and simply go home and ignore their work cell phones (aka "g-phone"). Their work on these cases might even be excellent and sometimes a career making case will drop in their lap giving them the internal recognition and opportunity to quickly promote out of case work. In reality and based on years of experience, good agents and good criminal cases are usually developed by maintaining a close working relationship with your local law enforcement partners.

Federal law enforcement exists, in part, to fill the gaps between local law enforcement jurisdiction and to provide assistance when local law enforcement might not be fully equipped, staffed or funded for a case or lack the appropriate penalties for the crime. Consequently, supporting state and local partners in any way possible is a critical part of a Special Agent's job description. This might involve taking a case federal ( i.e. charging a career criminal with a federal felon y) or simply running a last-minute federal database check during dinner time on a Sunday afternoon. Additionally, depending on what part of the country you work in Special Agents might find local law enforcement is either excited to work with the feds, indifferent, completely against it, cooperate only as a last resort or when it works to their advantage. Regardless of a local jurisdiction's attitude toward the feds, it’s a Criminal Investigators job to be the "friendly neighborhood federal agent" who can navigate politics at the higher level while making sure the local detective knows them, considers him/her as a professional peer and is assured the agent will be available when assistance is needed. In essence, "you" as the federal criminal investigator need to sell them on your abilities and what your agency can offer organizationally.

For example, explaining the benefits

of asset forfeiture sharing or federal funding through mechanisms such as the Task Force Officer program can go a long way with state and local management but “real police” ( i.e. street level investigators and officers ) simply want the best outcome for their cases, regardless of who can assist. If Special Agents successfully demonstrate to those "true detectives" that they are willing and capable, then those state and local partners will gladly bring them cases, so long as they reliably believe there is a better result at the federal level ( i.e. stiffer penalties ). Eventually, those State and Local

-Detective Bunk Moreland from HBO's The Wire

partners will develop a level of trust and probably offer more work than you can handle ( which is a good problem to have! ). Since State and Locals work at all hours, the overwhelming majority of those referrals initially reach the Special Agents during phone calls, with the expectation that he/she will answer and possibly even respond to the field. This is why a good agents phone regularly rings and that of an average or bad agent is routinely silent. A true Special Agent is aware he or she must always follow through on their promises to partner agencies, otherwise those partnership can abruptly come to an unceremonious end.

Another extremely important relationship is the one you have with your local Assistant United States Attorney or AUSA; otherwise known as the federal prosecutor who actually charges and helps convict the people you arrest. It doesn’t matter how good of an investigator you are if you can’t get anyone to actually prosecute your cases. Not being available when an AUSA calls or needs you is a quick way to permanently ensure their lack of interest in future cases. Again, most outside of law enforcement are not generally aware that Special Agents need to similarly "sell" themselves and their cases to the AUSA's Office. Once a good working relationship has been established, AUSA's will gladly take legally sufficient cases that offer another reliable conviction statistic. Because of this crucial organizational dependence, Special Agents should prioritize a phone call from an AUSA over almost anything else and especially when they are in trial preparation.

Like most places of employment and especially the federal government, the majority of employees are average at best. This generic assessment also generally holds true for Special Agents ( and even AUSA’s ). If you are minimally competent at your job as a criminal investigator, you honestly don’t have to try very hard to stand out as a Special Agent. For that reason, I suggest that if you get a phone call or email from an AUSA with a list of questions or requests, you should immediately respond back with the requested information or the status and estimated timeline. Even if I am not in front of my computer, I will try to answer their immediate questions over the phone if possible or let them know when they can reasonably expect an answer ( i.e. within an hour or after lunch ). If you are busy at the time of the call and unable to pick up, a simple text message letting them know that you received their email/saw their missed call and that you will respond shortly, should suffice. Working Special Agents should be prepared for early morning or late evening phone calls, especially leading up to trial or the day before an important hearing. Many AUSA’s will also prefer to communicate over the phone to avoid the possibility of creating Jencks material. A good agent will be aware of this and an AUSA will generally appreciate you are thinking about things that could negatively impact their ability to prosecute.

If you are looking for a 9 - 5 job where you don’t get bothered after hours, then the Criminal Investigation career field is not suitable for you. Special Agents (1811s) do not usually get paid straight overtime for the extra hours they work during irregular circumstances. Instead, they receive compensation in the form of a flat increase in salary of 25% called law enforcement availability pay (LEAP) . This premium pay is supposed to encompass an additional average of two hours of availability per day on top of the normal eight-hour workday. Even though this has been around for many years you will still find less than intelligent or poorly trained managers who are often confused by the statutory guidance governing LEAP. LEAP premium pay is there to ensure you are compensated for additional work outside your normal workday when needed, like on a long day at a search warrant. It does not mean you must actually work 10 hours every single day, but rather that you are available to work it when needed. ( It’s literally in the title of the pay act. ) This encompasses situations like answering your phone outside of normal business hours.

Most people we work with know that our normal schedule is regular business hours Monday-Friday. But answering your phone when it rings occasionally after hours, on the weekends, or when you are on vacation goes a long way towards letting law enforcement partners know that you can be counted on to provide assistance. Saying something to the effect of “sorry I’m actually out of the office on leave today but is there something I can help with?” only takes a couple of minutes and usually results in reciprocal apologies and follow up emails you can handle upon return to the office. However, in the rare circumstance that it is an emergency, they know they can rely on your professionalism and willingness to literally "answer the call." Build a reputation for being the agent that is always available and you won’t have to worry about the rare occasion when you are not. Like I stated at the beginning, " Good agents answer their phone."

So you want to be an IRS Special Agent?

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 22:24:07 GMT

So you want to be an IRS Special Agent?

July 16, 2023

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Criminal Investigation (CI)

Criminal Investigation (CI) is a federal law enforcement agency created within the IRS in 1919 and is primarily composed of approximately 2,000+ Criminal Investigators. The Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Criminal Investigation (CI) are a small and elite cadre of series 1811 Criminal Investigators that have specialized skills pertaining to financial investigations. CI Special Agents primarily focus on tax evasion type crimes, however, they also have a prominent role in tackling money laundering, fraud schemes and supporting other federal investigations with their unique financial analysis resources.

Addressing Inaccurate Media Portrayal

Over the past few years, a number of media outlets have purposefully and confusingly mixed the role of "IRS Auditor" with "IRS Special Agent." Some of these sensational articles have inaccurately claimed or insinuated that the IRS is trying to arm their audit personnel. Although both positions are often referred to as "IRS Agents" in common parlance, there are night and day differences between the two job series. Below is a quick explanation of the critical distinctions:

IRS Auditors (Series 0512): This is an administrative civil service position located within the IRS. These auditors typically review tax returns and look for indications of tax evasion during formal audits. Auditors will often impose civil penalties on tax scofflaws and monitor compliance on an ongoing basis. IRS Auditors are not law enforcement officers and have no ability to make arrests or conducts searches. The majority of IRS personnel are these civilian Auditors and they will never have the authority to carry firearms.

IRS Special Agents (Series 1811): This is a federal law enforcement position located within IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) . IRS Special Agents focus on "criminal investigations," for that reason they must all be law enforcement officers by law and carry firearms. IRS Special Agents must complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the follow-on IRS Investigative Techniques Program. The IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent position is the same as that found within the DEA , FBI , ATF , and HSI .

All prospective candidates must critically understand the difference between these above two positions and not be mislead by inaccurate media reporting.

Reality of IRS CI

Criminal Investigation is hyper-focused and spends 100% of its investigative efforts on financial related investigations. In FY 2022, IRS CI proudly identified more than $31 billion in tax fraud and financial crimes, in addition to seizing $7.1 billion in assets from criminals. Their specialized focus comes with a commendable conviction rate of 90%.

The typical IRS Case Categories include the following:

Tax Crimes: General Tax Fraud, Refund Fraud, Employment Tax Fraud ( Largest Case Category )
Non-Tax Financial Crimes: Money Laundering, Public Corruption, Corporate Fraud, General Fraud
Other: Cyber Crimes, Narcotics, National Security

Note: The overwhelming majority of non-tax related investigations ( i.e., narcotics, corruption ) are typically conducted in close coordination with partner agencies (i.e. FBI , HSI , DEA ).

In addition to the above criminal investigations, IRS CI maintains a full time Protective Service Detail for the IRS Commissioner. IRS CI additionally has a small cadre of overseas Special Agents filling Attache positions in 11 different countries.

Like comparable 1811 Agencies, IRS CI also provides its Special Agents with a Take Home Vehicle, opportunities to travel, advancement to the GS-13 pay grade and advanced training regarding financial investigative techniques.

It should be noted that in 2015, Criminal Investigations personnel worked with the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) to request a permanent transfer of Criminal Investigation out of IRS and under the direct umbrella of the Department of Treasury as an independent agency. This effort was ultimately unsuccessful but reveals the deep seated problems that the investigative workforce of CI is routinely having with IRS oversight ( which is non-law enforcement trained or oriented ).

The above referenced investigative portfolio readily demonstrates that IRS CI Special Agents should primarily expect a career in detail oriented and painstaking financial investigations. Although obtaining minimal tactical proficiency is a requirement to graduate form the academy, applicants should know that IRS Special Agents rarely engage in high risk tactical operations as they are typically unnecessary to support the primary financial investigative mission.

To learn more, I encourage prospective applicants to read the IRS Criminal Investigation Annual Reports .

Getting Hired by IRS CI

Starting in 2023, CI has started to post extended entry level Special Agent vacancy announcements on USA Jobs that accepts applications for the majority of the year. It must be noted that CI has a very specific financial education requirement, which is necessary to pass the follow-on Special Agent Investigative Techniques Program .

Applicants that do not have prior experience as Criminal Investigators or specialized work experience in Accounting or Auditing must typically have the following education in order to be minimally qualified:

One full year of graduate level education which included or was supplemented by at least 15 semester/23 quarter hours in accounting plus an additional 9 semester/14 quarter hours from among the following fields: business law, economics, finance, tax law or money and banking.

Superior Academic Achievement - A bachelor's degree, with one of the following: A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last 2 years of study, or a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all courses in the major field of study or those courses in the major completed in the last 2 years of study, or rank in the upper one third of the class in the college, university, or major subdivision, or membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

Prospective IRS Special Agent candidates typically* need a financial background or aptitude in order to successfully pass the full IRS Criminal Investigator Training Program.

In Conclusion

Although Criminal Investigation is a relatively unknown investigative agency and often confused with "Big IRS," CI is an excellent place to embark on a career in federal law enforcement, especially for those applicants that possess the requisite financial aptitude, skills and education. The financial specialization offered by IRS CI often makes it a very desirable federal partner for large scale investigations and investigators can routinely expect joint cases with other agencies.

Review my detailed IRS Criminal Investigation Profile Page to learn more!

So you want to be a Diplomatic Security Service Agent?

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 19:52:01 GMT

So you want to be a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent?

February 20, 2023

Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the premier international federal law enforcement security service for the U.S. Government and has primary responsibility for the safety and security of diplomatic facilities located abroad, in addition to maintaining a full time protective detail for the Secretary of State. DSS Special Agents must also coordinate visiting heads of states, manage security arrangements for foreign diplomatic facilities in the United States, and investigate visa & passport fraud. DSS is truly global in nature, with the largest presence of federal agents posted in overseas locations.

Reality of DSS

Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is primarily oriented towards protection and international security responsibilities, both of which can be extremely high profile in nature. A new DSS special agent will likely travel extensively all over the world in support of various operations. DSS special agents also typically follow a career-path that includes a domestic assignment, a likely rotation to the Secretary of State Detail ( Washington, DC ) and an international assignment ( U.S. Consulate or Embassy ). Consequently, DSS Special Agents should expect multiple geographical transfers throughout the duration of their career.

It cannot be understated that DSS Special Agents are routinely called upon to successfully manage dangerous situations at diplomatic facilities. Some news articles below have captured the myriad of relatively unknown events that threatened U.S. personnel abroad, in addition to highlighting new challenges:

2019 Iraq Embassy Attack
2022 Kazakhstan Evacuation
DSS Road Ahead

Domestic Investigations vs. International Operations

Due to the relatively low key nature of the investigative portfolio, DSS Special Agents assigned to domestic offices typically conduct investigations that are limited to visa and passport fraud. Additionally, more often than not, domestic agents are tapped to support short term temporary duty assignments wherever there is a need or in support of major diplomatic events ( i.e. United Nations General Assembly ). Although there are various task force opportunities ( i.e. with FBI and HSI ), the majority of domestic based DSS special agents stay focused on their assigned investigative area and use this opportunity to "re-charge" after international assignments.

The international operations portfolio managed by DSS is like nothing else within the special agent community and is the ladre cadre of federal agents abroad. DSS Special Agents posted overseas are known as " Regional Security Officers " or "RSOs" and are located in every* country that has a U.S. government diplomatic facility. RSOs have primary responsibility for all security at a consulate or embassy, have operational control of Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachments and run a number of programmatic areas. This includes formal programs such as the Rewards for Justice , the International Law Enforcement Academies , and security for US teams at major international events (i.e. Olympics, World Cup). DSS Special Agents must also manage the day to day safety of diplomatic personnel, visiting government employees, and are regularly called upon to facilitate the rescue of U.S. citizens abroad. The depth and breadth of DSS overseas responsibilities are truly staggering and they are considered the final word on all matters of security. More often than not, DSS is the first call that diplomats make when they find themselves in unfortunate situations or detained by host nation security forces.

Other Things about the Diplomatic Security Service

The majority of the DSS Offices are located overseas, however, they maintain regional offices in most major U.S. Cities. A few things the prospective applicant should note:

DSS is very unique in its mission and responsibilities when compared to any other 1811 organization. No other federal law enforcement agency has the comprehensive overseas security portfolio like DSS. This also includes:
Running a protective service detail for the U.S. Ambassador or Consulate Chief of Mission.
Maintaining a contract security guard force and host nation investigators.
Approving all inbound travel and approving "no/no-go" locations for diplomatic personnel.
Education and Training Diplomatic Personnel on basic security procedures.
Responsibility for running an effective counter-intelligence program to defend against foreign intelligence services and terrorist groups.
Maintaining the Mobile Security Deployment (MSD) to respond to a worldwide crisis.
Managing various joint foreign training programs.
Responding to diplomats or U.S. facilities in distress.
Like comparable 1811 agencies, all DSS Special Agents are assigned a take-home vehicle, both domestically and at overseas locations.
Mandatory and short notice temporary duties are a frequent occurrence throughout a DSS career.
DSS Special Agents should expect at least one assignment in a third world or dangerous country.
All DSS trainees must complete the basic Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and a follow-on DSS Specific Course. The follow-on course focuses heavily on protection and tactical skills for survival in hostile overseas location. Additionally, as of 2023, new DSS Special Agents must complete the 11-week Advanced Tactics, Leadership, and Skills Course within one year of appointment.

Getting Hired with the Diplomatic Security Service

An appointment with DSS also means joining the Foreign Service of the U.S. State Department. This is fairly uncommon within the 1811 community but naturally results in a different hiring process. DSS Special Agents must routinely operate in foreign environments without any "formal" legal authority, consequently, they must rely upon their "soft" or "diplomatic" skills.
DSS Requires an extensive "Personal Narrative" that brings attention to core resume skills, in addition to a "Statement of Interest" that outlines the motivation for joining the Foreign Service.
The DSS interview process includes a non-law enforcement representative from the Foreign Service.

The 2023 DSS Brochure does a great job of outline some of the basic functions and job responsibilities.

Although a bit dated, this 2011 GAO Report on DSS gives a fantastic insider perspective on the myriad of programs, responsibilities and training facilities operated by DSS.

DSS is very security conscious due to the high foreign intelligence threat posed by foreign adversaries. Serious applicants should start taking their personal digital security seriously. Read my blog " Basic Online Security for Special Agents. "

Former DSS Special Agent Cody Perron maintains an excellent YouTube site where he addresses the hiring process, details of training, the assignment bidding process, career development and day to day operations. It is a must visit resource for prospective applicants.

In Conclusion

Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) offers a rewarding federal law enforcement career with the foreign service and the opportunity to concurrently serve as a foreign based diplomat. The protective and security responsibilities are vital to our national interest and the foreign travel is truly for the adventurous.

Review my comprehensive Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Profile Page to learn more.

True North Concepts Modular Holster Adaptor

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 03:57:49 GMT

Battle Belt Holster Adaptor

November 22, 2022

I recently wrote an article about law enforcement “battle belts” and specifically the new Kore Essentials Battle Belt, with its one-of-a-kind micro adjustable feature. I am still loving the Kore Essentials belt and it makes a great duty belt for many different reasons as previously discussed here . One of the benefits of a MOLLE style duty belt with an inner Velcro belt is avoiding the need for belt keepers. No belt keepers mean more space on your belt and the MOLLE system means none of your gear covers up the Velcro by sliding over it. After making the transition, all my gear was mounted to the MOLLE system except for my Safariland Automatic Locking System (ALS) holster. The polymer holster belt loops still had to slide over the duty belt covering up part of the Velcro and causing a slight bulge between the inner and outer belt.

Ultimately, I wanted everything mounted to the outside of the belt so I began the search for a holster mount system that would work with my Safariland ALS. I was surprised to learn that Safariland did not have an adaptor made for the battle belt. They had an adaptor made for the MOLLE system on a vest, but it is clearly not intended for the MOLLE system on a slim duty belt. Almost every holster mounting system I came across appeared to overlap the velcro on the belt. During my search, I finally came across the Modular Holster Adaptor from True North Concepts . Immediately I could tell that this was exactly what I was looking for. It appeared to be simple, as most good solutions are, and it was made from aluminum so it would be thin and light.

True North Concepts Modular Holster Adaptor

The Modular Holster Adaptor (MHA) from True North Concepts (TNC) was made to support the use of many commonly used quick detach holster systems such as the QLS, MLS, ELS, and others. Most importantly for me it would work with the very popular Safariland ALS holster Quick Locking System (QLS). As I said before, the TNC MHA is a very simple design with two aluminum bars that slide through the MOLLE system and screw into the adaptor. The MHA comes with all the screws and hardware you will need and even has extra in case you are missing some of the parts for your Safariland QLS. I was able to quickly mount it on my belt and the longest part was taking my belt apart one last time to slide off my old belt loop style holster mount.

I was originally concerned with the MOLLE system not being strong enough to securely mount a holster. However, my concerns were immediately put at ease when I saw how secure the TNC MHA was. If you have a laser cut style MOLLE belt and are concerned with the strength of the MOLLE, you can still mount it in the traditional manner over the entire belt. The design of the TNC MHA kept the holster adaptor closely affixed to the MOLLE system allowing for almost no movement at all, unlike the belt loop style that is loosely mounted. The width of the TNC adaptor is also much narrower than other mounts, which means your belt can more easily conform to the curves of your waist. This is specifically a benefit for people with smaller waists.

The MHA can be mounted at different heights and comes with a leg strap kit for additional security if you would like. Personally, I have never liked wearing a leg strap and I found that I was able to mount it at the perfect height without needing one. Regarding the price it does seem a little expensive for a simple adaptor and I did find a few similar options on Amazon and cheap Chinese websites. But I would rather purchase a product that comes with a lifetime guarantee and know that they stand by their product.

Currently there is a black Friday discount available and if you use the code blackfriday2022 you will receive 15% off your order storewide and free shipping with no minimum order amount! You can order the holster adaptor now on their website at https://truenorth-usa.com/store/ . It comes in three different colors and will be a valuable addition to any battle belt setup.

Clear as mud!

Background Investigation

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:50:35 GMT

Top Secret Background Investigation

1811 Special Agent Position

September 1, 2022

Introduction

The federal background investigation process is among the most misunderstood and talked about topic by potential applicants. Adding to the confusion are the legions of armchair warriors, inaccurate forums, commercial sites and rejected candidates that further obfuscate the process. The below post outlines the general background process for Special Agent candidates and hopefully takes away some of the confusion. Like most things in the federal government, the background investigation is governed by a bureaucratic process and understanding the sequence will help take away the anxiety.

The full background investigation is typically initiated AFTER a tentative selection offer is given to the applicant. This means that once applicants complete the applicable tests and interviews, they will be given a tentative job offer contingent upon the successful completion of the background investigation, medical exams and final selection review.

Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)

The federal government has three basic level of clearances, namely CONFIDENTIAL , SECRET and TOP SECRET . With limited exceptions, most 1811 Criminal Investigative services now require all Special Agents to be eligible for a TOP SECRET Clearance. This requires the completion of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI). A person with a TOP SECRET clearance is also able to access the lower level SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL level information. Based on the agency and the access needed, some Special Agents will also have to get the Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) endorsement. Each clearance level has varying requirements and timeframes for background completion, as well as ongoing responsibilities for the clearance holder ( i.e. reporting foreign travel ).

The Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is reserved for employees requiring a TOP SECRET security clearance and access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI). Once the federal government completes the SSBI, the completed case is referred to an adjudicator for review. A successful adjudication will then typically result in a TOP SECRET clearance. The level of scrutiny involved in an SSBI makes it one of the most time consuming and detailed investigations.

The scope of the SSBI investigation typically goes back 10 years for general information concerning finances, education, personal and professional activities. The investigators will also check personal information such as relationships and character references. Some of the investigative techniques involve running checks to verify:

The date & place of birth
National Agency Check into the Department of Defense agencies, FBI, and other databases to see if any derogatory information exists.
Spouse or cohabitant check to determine allegiance, associations and other factors that a close relationship might bring.
Credit checks provide more information about the applicant. This query into the major credit trackers can verify residences, identity, financial situations, relationships, patterns and much more.
Local law enforcement check to identify any arrests or activities involving law enforcement.
Public records verification to determine associations and activities the applicant may be or has been involved in.
Citizenship verification to ensure applicant is a US citizen and eligible for a security clearance.
Written Inquiries are provided to education and employment institutions and references to verify education level and employment.
Interviews are conducted based on references provided by the applicant. These interviews include neighbors, former spouses and the actual applicant.

In order to get applicants into an academy class quicker, it is not uncommon for agencies grant "Interim" clearances to Special Agent candidates. This is typically done after basic criminal checks and personal history checks ( i.e. credit, education, citizenship ). However, a favorable final adjudication is required and candidates must pass final adjudication in order to retain their position.

The SF 86 - Questionnaire for National Security Positions

The foundation of the background investigation is the SF 86 Form, which is completed by the Special Agent applicant. This is an exhaustive form that requires an incredible amount of detail, to include family history, past residences, associations, and workplaces. This form should be carefully and COMPLETELY filled out as any mistakes or omissions will result in additional delays and possible rejections.

Once the form is completed by the applicant, it eventually makes its way to background investigators in the field. These federal background investigators will use the SF-86 as a roadmap to verify and further explore an applicant's history. Most of the background investigators are either retired law enforcement or future law enforcement candidates. These field investigators are also responsible for completing the required in-person applicant background interview. I encourage all applicants to be extremel y responsive to their assigned background investigator's request for information and to always be professional during interactions.

I also suggest all Special Agent applicants review the SF-86 form and start collecting the information ASAP. Some of the required information may take time to obtain. Many agencies have now transitioned to an online portal, however, using this form as a benchmark will significantly help with completion.

Example SF-86 Form

Additional Components of the Background Investigation

It is not uncommon for most 1811 federal law enforcement agencies to also require the below additional screening for their law enforcement positions. The rules and requirements may vary but applicants should be prepared to pass all the phases below:

Drug Screening

The ongoing or recent abuse of both legal and illegal narcotics will likely be an instant disqualifier. Additionally, ongoing use of marijuana ( i.e. within 2 years ) is typically not looked upon favorably, regardless of its legal status in your state. The best advice for serious candidates is to avoid this lifestyle and/or stop immediately if want to have a shot at a federal law enforcement career. The use of adderall or ecstasy has become a common disqualifier for college students. In general, the longer time has passed, the more likely an applicant may be able to "explain away" this issue.

For example, if a 30-year-old applicant reports that he/she used marijuana during high school and tried out ecstasy once during a party in college, this could potentially still lead to a favorable adjudication due to the significant amount of time passed. However, if the same applicant reported both ongoing marijuana and ecstasy use, that candidate will likely be rejected immediately.

The likelihood of favorable adjudication depends on the facts and circumstances of the events. Consequently, this issue is endlessly debated on online forums without a clear understanding of the methodology. In reality, an agency adjudicator must review the applicant and determine if he/she is suitable to hold a security clearance in the present ; which informs their willingness to accept candidates with drug use history.

Polygraph

The polygraph examination is simply a tool to gauge your honesty and suitability as an adult applicant. It is designed to verify the background investigation and catch any issues that were omitted ( i.e. unreported major criminal conduct ). It is also a subjective process so mistakes can happen. I would advise all applicants to be well rested before the polygraph interview and answer all questions truthfully ( yes, it is that simple ). Do NOT read about how to cheat the poly or attempt to use any deception techniques as it will negatively impact your results. In general, as long as you have not lied on your application, are not a spy or criminal, you should be ok. In many instances, you are given a second chance and worst case scenario, you can re-apply and/or apply to another agency without prejudice. I am constantly amazed at the misinformation and rumor that is endlessly debated on various forums.

The below diagram is a good visual representation of the security clearance process:

Automatic Disqualifying Issues

It is important for all applicants to understand that there are some automatic disqualifiers that cannot be rectified. Some agencies have now smartly incorporated basic screening questions at the start of their application process to weed out such ineligible applicants. In general, the below will permanently disqualify one from obtaining a Special Agent position:

Inability to maintain a valid driver's license: Since all Special Agents must be able to drive a government vehicle, this requirement is non-negotiable.

Conviction of a felony, sex crime and/or a domestic violence misdemeanor: Applicants for a Special Agent position must not have been convicted of any felony charge, which results in firearms ineligibility. In accordance with the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act, a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not possess a firearm. Applicants must be able to certify that they have not been convicted of any such violation, and that they are not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms.

Lying or omitting critical facts during background Investigation: If at any point during the application process an applicant is caught being untruthful, this will result in immediate disqualification. Many applicants have been disqualified in this manner. Be truthful. If you foresee problems that may arise during the background process, your best option is to be forthcoming and honest. Candor is indeed your best friend and only hope of success in this situation! I cannot stress this enough! Any revealed attempts to conceal negative information will likely result in dismissal from the application process.

Other Potential Disqualifiers

If any of these below issues are in an applicant's background and remain unresolved, they will likely or potentially result in a background failure. Candidates with these issues must fix them prior to the final adjudication process in order to receive a favorable adjudication.

Default on a federally insured student loan
Failure to file income tax returns
Failure to register for the Selective Service (male applicants)
Criminal associations
Offensive social media posts
Excessive debt or bankruptcy issues
History of civil lawsuits
History of mishandling classified material

Other Background Investigation Failures

It is standard procedure for background investigators to get a copy of all other previous security clearance investigations, regardless of originating agency. Be prepared to truthfully answer the issues that came up and likely resulted in a clearance denial. As long as you are honest, you have a *chance* in passing. Additionally, if you fixed the past issue ( i.e. poor credit history ) then it is logical and likely that you will pass the background process.

Keep in mind that the focus on the background issues can vary depending on the agency. IRS Criminal Investigation has a low tolerance for anyone who fails to file tax returns, whereas that may be an easily fixable issue for a DEA applicant. Conversely, excessive debt is not acceptable for FBI or NCIS applicants due to their high risk of blackmail by foreign counterintelligence agencies. Relatedly, HSI applicants are heavily screened for criminal cartel associations due to their mission, whereas that is not typically a concern for OIG applicants.

The below "Anatomy of a Background Investigation" is a good analogy for the detailed process used by the federal government:

Addressing Issues

Depending on the issue, most agencies will initially ask an applicant to further explain a potential anomaly during the background or adjudication process. For example, if you reported a default on a bankruptcy, the adjudication office may ask you to further explain the circumstances and current status. Once an applicant provides a response, it is taken under further consideration. However, I would highly encourage applicants to provide this additional detail from the onset. A detailed and early disclosure of such issues will demonstrate candor and show a candidate has moved past the problem, thereby demonstrating current suitability for a clearance. It will also help avoid any delays in the background investigation process. Candor is your friend!

Adjudication Process

Adjudication refers to the final review decisions regarding eligibility for access to classified information and the process to assess a candidate’s trustworthiness. The adjudication examines a sufficient period of the candidate’s life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk; the number of years in the candidate’s life covered by an investigation increases as the position’s level of security increases. The assessment considers factors that could cause a conflict of interest and place a person in a position of having to choose between commitment to the United States, including commitment to protect classified information, and another compelling loyalty. The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the standard 1811 clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.

Various reasons exist why someone may be denied a final security clearance. Some of the most important factors in an investigation are the individual’s honesty, candor, and thoroughness in the completion of their security forms. There are 13 adjudicative guidelines that have been established for making these individual assessments under 5 CFR 731.202 (b). The guidelines include allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, sexual behavior, personal conduct, financial considerations, alcohol consumption, drug involvement, psychological conditions, criminal conduct, security violations, outside activities, and misuse of information technology systems.

Under 5 CFR 721.202 (c), the process is an evaluation of the whole person, weighing a number of variables and taking into consideration mitigating factors, such as whether the candidate voluntarily reported the information, sought assistance with the matter, resolved the security concern, or demonstrated positive changes in behavior. As a result, negative information about one area of concern may not be sufficient for an unfavorable determination. Despite this approach, a security clearance will likely be denied if the information available shows a recent or recurring pattern of dishonesty, questionable judgment, irresponsible behavior, emotional/mental instability, or association with undesirable persons.

Formal Appeals

If an applicant is *formally* denied a security clearance, he/she will likely need to hire a specialized lawyer to further appeal the issue. This should only be done if the denial was an obvious error or violation of law/policy. This is a costly and uphill battle and expect the process to take a 2+ years.

Top Initial Background Investigation Disqualifiers

Based on a review of 2021 Security Clearance Denial Appeals , the following issues were the top reasons for background investigation failures reported by the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals. This heavily involves military candidates but gives an overview of typical failures.

Financial Considerations
Personal Conduct
Drug Involvement
Foreign Influence
Criminal Conduct
Alcohol Involvement

Continuous Vetting Process

The federal government has now implemented a Continuous Vetting process for clearance holders in sensitive positions. This is designed to quickly detect potential vulnerabilities more efficiently than the traditional re-investigation process. Read More about Trusted Workforce 2.0 and Continuous Vetting.

Security Clearance Agencies

Prior to 2019, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), through its National Background Investigations Bureau, was responsible for performing the majority of background checks and overseeing 90% of the federal government’s investigations. Pursuant to an April 2019 Executive Order, the responsibility for conducting background checks was transferred from OPM to the Department of Defense (DOD). DOD created a new agency called the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) to conduct these investigations, which has been operational since the end of 2019. This change was made in an effort to address the huge backlog of cases that was causing very long wait times and was not intended to affect the requirements of the background check process. As of October 2020, a significant percentage of the backlog has been cleared and processing time has decreased, although it is still wise to complete the necessary paperwork as quickly as possible. While DCSA is now the primary office conducting background suitability investigations for positions within the Executive Branch, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence is in charge of security investigations for access to classified information and for sensitive positions.

Investigations that require record checks, reference interviews, or subject interviews are usually conducted by the field investigators, either federal agents or contract investigators. Some 1811 agencies have still retained jurisdiction to conduct their own investigations.

Advanced Polygraphs

There are some highly sensitive positions that require what is known as a Counterintelligence and/or Lifestyle Polygraph . These typically apply to extremely sensitive positions within the intelligence community and are not routinely applicable to new special agent candidates. However, if a Special Agent was assigned to a sensitive counterintelligence investigation during their career, a Counterintelligence or Lifestyle Polygraph would not be unusual.

Conclusion

Applicants should NOT be concerned about the "insider baseball" stuff about what agency completes the background or how to best "game" the process. Most of the online forums and commercial sites are a colossal waste of time. Additionally, each circumstance is unique and can result in a different response. Finally, applicants are not doing themselves any favors by attempting to seek answers regarding their personal situation from on open source forum full of applicant rejects and trolls.

If you read and comprehend everything in this post, then you have all the tools needed to understand and successfully navigate the federal background investigation. Additionally, each agency varies in their process but most are now following guidance set by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) .

Below are a few online resources that can better help you understand the Top Secret federal background investigation process:

The Kore Essentials Battle Belt

Sat, 20 Aug 2022 14:36:47 GMT

Kore Essentials Battle Belt

August 20, 2022

The first micro adjustable battle belt by

Kore Essentials

What is a Battle Belt?

A Battle Belt is a heavy duty style of duty belt, similar to what you see most uniform police officers wearing, however it uses the MOLLE system. In the Special Agent community a tactical belt like this is not worn all the time but is typically used during enforcement operations ( i.e. search warrants ). It is advised that all criminal investigators have a properly fitted and equipped Battle Belt ready for enforcement operations.

There are many different Battle Belts on the market right now with slight variations in design and quality. There is the older style MOLLE battle belt with a padded system that either has a sticky rubber type backing or a Velcro inner belt. Then there are the new style 1.75-inch MOLLE Battle Belts that have become more popular recently, which are more like a standard law enforcement duty belt but with MOLLE features. You will end up spending anywhere from $40 for a cheap version on Amazon or between $150-$200 for a Blue Alpha or Ronin belt. Here are some of the overall benefits to this style of belt.

No belt keepers required so you have more space for pouches and gear
Pouches can be replaced without having to slide everything off of your belt
MOLLE system does not add thickness to your belt or cover up VELCRO on the inner belt

Adjustability

One of the primary problems with this style of belt is that they have not always been easy to adjust in size. This might not be a big problem if you always wear your belt in the same duty uniform with the same setup. But in the 1811/Special Agent community, we put our belts on for many different types of operations while usually wearing plain clothes or semi tactical type clothing. Different clothes sit on your hips differently so there can be a slight variation in belt sizing or maybe you had a little too much to eat or drink the day before and things just are not fitting the same. For whatever the reason, I think we can all agree that having the ability to make easy micro adjustments to your belt is a very nice feature to have. The everyday carry (EDC) community is filled with different types of micro adjustable belts for exactly these reasons ( Kore Essentials has these as well ). So it should be no surprise that someone has finally invented a similar style micro adjustable Battle Belt.

Best Type of Belt

I have been on the fence about buying a Battle Belt for quite some time. Primarily because I don't like buying new gear when I have issued gear that works well enough, but also because I haven't been able to decide which Battle Belt I wanted to try out. They are already a bit expensive and even more so if you start trying different belts and decide that you don't like them. I used to think that having the padded battle belt with the sticky inner surface would be nice because you could throw it on over whatever belt you are wearing, and not have to put on some special inner Velcro belt. Depending on your job this still might be a good option if you are regularly having to throw your belt on for emergent situations. For myself, even for last minute operations I usually have enough time to throw on my belt and get ready, consequently I chose to avoid that option. Additionally, although I have heard that those belts grip fairly well, I would rather go with the more secure option of the Velcro inner belt.

Another common issue concerning Battle Belts is that they can be slightly more difficult to adjust on the fly. Consequently, when Kore Essentials came out with the world's first micro adjustable Battle Belt, I felt like I had to give it a try and am very happy that I did.

The Kore Essentials Battle Belt

So far, I could not be more pleased with the quality and functionality of the Kore Battle Belt. Only time will tell regarding the durability, but so far it seems to be of excellent quality materials. The belt has a reinforced "power-core" center that Kore claims is stronger than any steel core. The outer nylon webbing and MOLLE is rated to 500 Ibs, which is more than sufficient for a typical law enforcement load out. The Kore battle buckle is made of a zinc alloy and is powder coated black. It may look different but functions essentially the same as Kore's other EDC belts with a touch and release tab. I was initially concerned that an accidental bump to this release tab in a fight could cause the belt to come loose or undone. However, I quickly realized that this would not be a problem. The patented spring system that locks the belt in place, and the weight of the belt on the locking mechanism seems to make it very secure. It's not as quick and easy to remove as the popular Cobra belt design and might take a couple of seconds longer to remove but I like knowing that it won't come undone unless purposefully manipulated.

A truly awesome feature of the Kore essentials Battle Belt is that you don't have to worry about picking the right size. The belt is "one-size-fits-all" and you will cut and size the belt to your own specifications, like many other slide style belts. You do need some heavy-duty scissors to cut the belt and should make sure to error on the side of caution when trimming. Additionally, it is recommended that you always start larger and work your way down in sizing. It's a little more time consuming but you don't want to be stuck with a non-returnable belt that doesn't fit you because it was cut too short. The instructions are easy to follow and cutting is not difficult at all. Personally, I found that it was easiest to start with the sizing on the inner Velcro belt by making sure that you didn't have any Velcro showing behind the hex portion when wearing it, and then size up the appropriate amount according to the instructions for the Battle Belt. Again, I still went larger than the instructions said at first to make sure I had plenty of wiggle room to adjust and additionally trim if needed. After properly sizing the belt, it was fairly simple to attach the buckle.

This brings us to another new and truly awesome feature that is unique to the Kore Battle Belt. The inner belt hex material. All previous duty belts have had the same problem when it comes to the buckle. The buckle is thicker than the rest of the belt and sticks out when pressed up against the inner belt. This causes added bulk to the front of your belt. The Kore inner belt has a thin but strong hex material as seen in the picture below. This means that the inner belt doesn't push out your buckle and it can also collapse on itself, allowing for more adjustability before you even adjust the main belt. I fitted my inner belt to the lowest part of my hips because some pants sit lower on the hips, whereas others fit higher depending on the rise.

With everything there is always a give and take. Having the ability to adjust the belt means that you give up a little bit of real estate on the belt. I tried to trim mine to leave a little bit of room to make small adjustments without leaving excessive material, so that the end of the belt doesn't cover up space on the MOLLE system. Most Battle Belts have a D-ring on the belt anyways, so I figured I was just trading the never used D-ring for the ability to make adjustments. The D-ring design originated from the military style rigger belt that has been popular for many years. The idea behind it is that you can use it to rappel. However, you will find that almost no one uses it for this purpose and it is primarily something that you can use to clip keys to, or more often than not, a waste of space that makes a belt look tactical. If you rappel regularly then you are probably SWAT/SRT or in some Tier 1 organization, and will probably be using a proper harness anyways. I doubt the average cop or Special Agent will ever find themselves in a situation where he/she needs to rappel.

Overall, I would highly recommend this belt! Considering the quality and unique features, it is very well priced when compared to other high-quality belts. I also like that you don't have to worry about sizes when ordering and being able to make small adjustments easily makes it standout. The belt always feels like it fits perfectly, no matter what I am wearing. If you are looking to upgrade your duty gear, you can't go wrong with this choice. Use the code SpecialAgent at checkout to receive 10% off your order of any gear at Kore Essentials

Pathways Internship

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 04:10:45 GMT

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

Pathways Internship Program

July 22, 2022

The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Pathways Internship Program is among the smartest ways to become a Special Agent. It specifically targets college students, offers them an internship and subsequently converts them non-competitively to Special Agent Trainees upon satisfactory performance. This program is similar to the Secret Service Pathways Internship Program.

For those of you that may have trouble understanding what I wrote above, let me explain in layman terms. If you get the internship and do a good job, then you automatically become a Special Agent trainee! Those very same college students would likely find themselves ineligible for any other vacancy announcement. The Pathways Internship Program is a great way for agencies to get motivated young talent into their workforce, however it is a limited opportunity that rewards the "go-getters."

Some Additional Information

The Pathways Internship is a pilot program which allows undergraduate college students ( Series 1899-Student Trainee ) the opportunity to intern for select pilot HSI offices, and non-competitively convert into Special Agents (1811) pending satisfactory performance and eligibilit y. Below is a tentative summary of the program.

Tentative Pathways Launch Time Frame:

September/October 2022. Please keep in mind this timeframe may change depending on the hiring priorities of HSI.
Application will be launched on USAJobs Website.

Uniqueness of Pathways Internship:

Paid flexible internship for students to non-competitively convert into Special Agents.
Offices are encouraged to recruit locally within their AOR and may see this as an opportunity to address specific talent needs (STEM degrees, foreign language skills, non-traditional students, etc…).

Tentative Pathways Eligibility:

Series/Grade: 1899 (GS 3, 4, or 5)
Academic Eligibility: Undergraduate Juniors or Seniors enrolled at a qualified institution on at least a half-time basis.
Minimum GPA: 2.3
Location: Applicant will select one SAC Office when applying. Upon selection, interns can be placed in any office within the SAC.
Prospective Interns should be aware of the Special Agent job eligibility requirements ( fitness test, drug test, polygraph, etc… ) as an intern who does not meet these requirements would not be an ideal target for the program.

2022 Pilot Locations ( Note: These are high cost of living areas and will likely always be in demand ).

SAC San Francisco
SAC Seattle
SAC Phoenix
SAC Detroit
SAC Boston
SAC New York
SAC Washington DC
SAC San Juan
SAC Honolulu

Review this Pathways Flyer to learn more. Additionally, you can send an email to " HSIPathwaysInternship@hsi.dhs.gov " for all additional questions.

Good luck with your applications!

Special Agent Fitness

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 22:47:58 GMT

Special Agent Fitness

March 12, 2022

Hard Truth : If you do not have a personal commitment to physical fitness, it is unlikely that you will ever be able to successfully complete the selection process for the major federal criminal investigative services ( i.e. FBI , HSI , DEA , Secret Service , ATF , etc. ).

Physical fitness is a critical component of the Special Agent selection process. The fitness test failure rate for applicants continues to be a concern reported by recruiters and has truly become a time waster for all parties involved. If an applicant made it to the fitness test, it means he/she had received a tentative selection letter and simply needed a passing score to advance within the screening process. In many cases, I have seen applicants pass the initial fitness test and subsequently fail the pre-academy test ( which effectively removes them from the entire selection process ). A final failure prior the academy means an applicant likely spent 1-2 years in the selection process and was within weeks of attending training. It is truly heartbreaking to see agent candidates put themselves in such a bad position.

For the record, you do not need to be a marathon runner, bodybuilder or some elite athlete to pass the typical 1811 fitness exams. Unfortunately, sometimes even relatively fit candidates fail the fitness test because they make the same common errors . Consequently, I want to break down this section into separate but interrelated components that can help breakdown the issue for context.

Physically Unfit Candidates : If you have never or rarely worked out, regularly eat poorly, have a Body Mass Index that is obviously high or think your charming intellect alone will get you a job as a Special Agent, then you likely fall into this "Physically Unfit" category. Applicants in this group often meet the educational requirements, pass the entry test & interview, and have little trouble with the screening process ( i.e. drug test, background, polygraph, etc .); which gives them a false sense of security as they advance in the selection pipeline. Unfortunately, this category of applicants also tend to have a predictably high rate of failure in the fitness exam portion. Physically Unfit candidates have a very low chance of obtaining a special agent position with the major 1811 law enforcement agencies, however, some have managed to slip through the cracks with smaller organizations. In general, Physically Unfit candidates are not desirable applicants for federal law enforcement agencies due to their propensity to have workplace injuries, physical limitations and high failure rates at the academy. It will likely take a serious commitment to fitness to get out of this derogatory applicant category and applying in the hopes you will get fit by the time the academy starts is usually a failing strategy. Get fit first, then apply to become a Special Agent.

Generally Physically Fit Candidates : This is the majority of our candidates. These "General Fitness" candidates work out regularly ( i.e. weights, cross-fit ), incorporate cardiovascular routines ( i.e. running, biking ) and engage in an active lifestyle. Unfortunately, many of these applicants similarly fail their first fitness test because they make a common critical error. They fail to regularly practice the required test components , even though they are generally fit. Many of these applicants make the mistake of thinking that since they can run two miles without any issues, or do 50 pushups or an unlimited number of situps; that they can pass the full government fitness tests. As simple as it sounds, many of this "General Fitness" applicants simply do not practice taking the entire fitness test prior to their arrival.
For example, the DEA Fitness test requires sit-ups, a 300 meter sprint, pushups and a 1.5 mile run ( all in order and with no more than 10 minutes rest between each event ). Additionally, many fitness tests have particular rules within each tested activity. For example, the DEA test does not allow candidates to rest during the sit-ups portion and has a very rigid set of rules for the pushups.

Elite Fitness Candidates : As strange as it may sound, sometimes even the Elite Fitness candidates ( i.e. bodybuilder, ultra-marathon runner ) fail the fitness tests, which can cause confusion for average applicants that hear about such events. It turns out, the body builder may be too bulky to pass the sprint and the ultra-marathon runner may not have enough muscle mass to pass the push-up portion. This failure is often a shock to these elite athletes but proper preparation could have avoided bad outcomes. In general, the failure rate for these types of candidates is usually low as most come prepared.

Some tips for success from personal experience:

Unfortunately, the Internet is full of doom and gloom stories from a cross-section of applicants that fail the fitness test. Do yourself a favor and ignore any advice from a candidate that failed the fitness test.

The reality is that applicants need to read the specific instructions for each agencies fitness test and regularly incorporate the full test into their routines. Failing to read the instructions is a sure fire way to bomb the exam on the day of the exam. Yes, the instructions are detailed. Yes, they make not always make sense. However, you must do it the "government way" or you will be failed. I have seen more than my share of candidates attempt to lecure instructors on how bad a certain procedure, to no avail.
If the instructions say put your hands behind your head for the situps, do it. In one instance a candidate objected stating the medical reasons it was bad to perform this aforementioned technique and tried to convince instructors to use the cross arm method of sit ups, only to be escorted off the field. For the uninitiated, the fitness exams and instructions are approved by HQ after careful review by lawyers and must be uniform throughout the country to avoid lawsuits; deviations in the field are simply not authorized.

Here is a simple example weekly routine a good candidate should perform to prepare themselves for success:
Monday - Weights or Gym Workout
Tue - Running/Biking
Wed - Pushups/Situps
Thurs - Rest
Friday - Full Fitness Test (record results to document progress)

Another common mistake is for applicants to think they can simply do the minimum in each fitness category and will pass the test. For example, if you do the minimum 38 sit-ups during the DE A Test, it will only give you one overall "point." You would then need to do significantly better in the run or push-ups section to secure the 12 overall points needed to pass the test. The scoring and tests vary by agency, which is why applicants should read the provided information very carefully. Either way, always do your best and don't be that applicant that tries to "game" the exam.

It should go without saying but excessive alcohol use and/or smoking will not improve your chances of passing a fitness test.

As a general rule, a truly marketable candidate should be able to pass the DEA Fitness Test. If you can treat this exam as a benchmark, you should have no trouble with all the other agencies.

As it so happens, the FBI has developed their own FBI Fitness Application . This is a helpful aid to have on your phone.

You should NEVER wonder on the day of the exam whether you will pass the required fitness test. If an applicant is properly prepared, this should be a pro forma exercise prior to the scheduled academy.

I do caution applicants to be very careful when using supplements to avoid anything that could be illegal and/or cause a drug test failure.

Warning: Many agencies also require a fitness test within the first day or two at the academy. Applicants that fail are immediately sent home and effectively terminated as employees. Please don't let this happen to you.

Fitness as a Lifestyle for 1811s

The truly successful Special Agents incorporate fitness into their lifestyle for the duration of his/her careers.

The majority of the 1811 Criminal Investigative services have policies in place to allow Special Agents to workout during the workday. This is to facilitate a healthy workforce.

Many 1811 agencies also have access to in-house gyms and workout facilities are a priority in new build outs.

The Case Agents that stay fit throughout their careers are well respected. Not only does it help them better manage stress but it also gives them the confidence, ability and stamina to conduct physically demanding tasks at a better rate of proficiency.
Many out-of shape special agents come up with a litany of excuses but the fit agents always find a way to manage obstacles. I have seen fit agents run marathons with their children, incorporate an active lifestyle with their spouses and *make* the time to work out.

There is an unspoken but very important truth in law enforcement. Physically unfit Special Agents are not as respected . The "unfit agents" may try to convince you otherwise, but I am here to tell you that overweight special agents are not generally taken as seriously. There is a saying about first impressions.
Ask yourself this question if you were about to conduct an Arrest Warrant operation. Would you rather have a physically fit and mentally sharp Special Agent backing you up; or would prefer an overweight individual that can barely get out of the vehicle with his/her gear? Strive to be the former, it will serve you well throughout a career.

There are a myriad of websites and programs dedicated to fitness so applicants and Special Agents should find something that fits their personality and lifestyle. I have found Barbend to be an easy to use site that offers tips on virtually everything I need to stay fit ( i.e. Crossfit, Weightlifting ).

I hope this post is helpful in getting you to the fitness levels needed to succeed as an applicant and Special Agent. Good luck to you all.

Myths About Law Enforcement

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 04:40:13 GMT

Common Law Enforcement Myths

February 26, 2022

There are some inaccurate perceptions and myths the public unfortunately extrapolates from television shows and movies. Some of these myths are understandable to the law enforcement community, whereas others can border the preposterous. Allow me to clarify some of our mutual misunderstandings.

Myth - Law Enforcement Officers must read a suspect their rights upon arrest.
Fact: Police do NOT have to read a suspect their Miranda Rights upon arrest . However, they must inform a suspect of their Miranda Rights prior to questioning that can be potentially incriminating of a crime .

Myth - Undercover Officers must admit they are law enforcement if confronted.
Fact: This is comically false. Undercover law enforcement officers have no obligation or legal requirement to disclose their true status.

Myth - Law Enforcement Need Probable Cause or a Warrant to Search a Person.
Fact: A law enforcement officer must have Reasonable Suspicion in order to conduct a pat-down search of a person. If an arrest is subsequently made, the search can be more thorough. However, more intrusive body searches ( i.e. for DNA or Blood ) will likely require a warrant; although there are still available 4th Amendment exceptions.

Myth - Federal Law Enforcement Officers ( i.e. Special Agents ) have more authority than state and local police officers.
Fact: The majority of laws in the United States are at the State & Local level. A police officer can make an arrest for a litany of state charges ranging from traffic misdemeanor to felony assaults. Most federal law enforcement officers have jurisdiction over a comparatively limited set of federal violations. In general, State & Local officers can make arrests for a litany of laws in their limited jurisdictions. Conversely, federal agents can make arrests for fewer violations but throughout the United States. Most importantly, both federal agents and State/Local officers can arrest each other for violations within their respective jurisdictions.

Myth - Law Enforcement Officers shoot their guns all the time.
Fact: It is statistically unlikely that an individual law enforcement officer will discharge his/her firearm in the course of their career. However , a law enforcement officer must routinely use their firearm for inherently dangerous operations (i.e., search warrant, arrests). A partial 2019 FBI study revealed the following additional information:
Based on reporting from just under half the state/local agencies in the U.S., there were approximately 56,000 assaults reported that resulted in 17K+ officer injuries. Approximately 2,240 incidents involved firearms by suspects (Remember, this is a poll of only half the agencies so it is underreported.).
The same study documented that 2,136 federal law enforcement officers were assaulted, resulting in 372 injuries. 180 of the assaults involved firearms, which caused 20 injuries.

Verdict: Law enforcement as a whole is still a very dangerous profession with inherent risks of injury and violent death. Those officers that stay proficient with their firearms will likely be able to better deal with violent suspects.

Myth - The FBI is the "Top" law enforcement agency in the country and can "take over" a case.
Fact: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is admittedly the largest 1811 criminal investigator agency in the country. However, there is no formal hierarchy among investigative services. The FBI has its own unique jurisdiction as do agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Service and Homeland Security Investigations (2nd largest). Additionally, several other 1811 agencies are much older than the FBI. In the event there are jurisdictional or case related disputes among the agencies, the United States Attorney's Office is often the informal arbitor.

Myth - Everything that federal agents do is "secret" and they are always "undercover."
Fact: Confidentiality is vital to the work of law enforcement in general and is especially important in regards to classified matters. The majority of 1811 Special Agents are simply plain clothed investigators. A small cadre of criminal investigators engage in undercover work, which requires more extensive operational security measures.

Myth - Police Officers and Federal Agents don't like each other and often get into professional conflicts.
Fact: Officers and Special Agents routinely work together on joint task forces. The law enforcement profession is generally very supportive of each other due to the hazards inherent in the profession.

Basic Security Tips for ALL Special Agents

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 04:34:47 GMT

Basic Online Security for Special Agents

December 27, 2021

There will always be a need to balance convenience with security countermeasures. Here are a few practical tips that I recommend for all past, present and future law enforcement officers. Folks in this profession should take the protection of their personal data very seriously, as identity theft, defendants, private investigators, defense attorneys, and foreign intelligence services routinely seek this information to investigate law enforcement personnel. I personally employ every single one of the below countermeasures as I believe they are basic steps in furtherance of my personal security. Nothing listed below is *foolproof* but it does help you get one step ahead. Companies collect so much data that it has become almost impossible to hide from their collection efforts, however, you can confuse them by taking some calculated steps and cause misdirection for any bad actors seeking to locate your personal information.

It is highly recommended that everyone freeze their credit profiles. Credit card companies collect the most up-to-date address information and a freeze will help limit this exposure. This credit freeze is now a FREE service that is provided by all three major credit bureaus. The additional benefit of a credit freeze is that your identity cannot be stolen and maliciously used to obtain credit cards (which is often the primary purpose of stealing identities). The major credit bureaus rarely share this tidbit and instead try to push various "credit monitoring" services, which offer some value, but are *after-the-fact* tools (not to mention costly over time). In my opinion, if you freeze your identity, you don't need to pay for credit monitoring as this freeze is a preventative measure. When you need to have a credit check run by a third party (i.e. auto-loan), you simply login and "unfreeze" your credit for the required number of days. I have used the credit freeze system for over 18+ years and it has been the most effective preventative tool in my arsenal.
Experian Security Freeze Center Direct Link
Equifax Security Freeze Center Direct Link
Transunion Security Freeze Center Direct Link

The data gathered by *private* companies is among your biggest security vulnerability. One of the most lucrative and commonly sold data points are your physical and mailing addresses. For that reason, I strongly advise you to use a virtual mailbox that receives your routine mail, opens it, and sends a PDF scan to your email address. You can then choose to either have it shredded or forwarded to your actual address. This is another way to help confuse the digital bots and avoid having junk mail sent to your home.
I have personally been using Traveling Mailbox for over 5+ years. It is fairly affordable with three price points based on volume (lowest starts at $15 monthly). I chose a *Premium Address* near my actual physical address for a few bucks more a month. The provided address also looks like an apartment number so it is accepted by all companies. Virtually 90% of my mail is shredded and does not need to be forwarded.
I have NEVER given my personal address to any corporation and instead refer them to this Traveling Mailbox. My bank accounts, mortgage & car loans, credit cards and even utilities all list this mailing address. Over time, I noticed that this mailing address now shows up as my most current address on common Internet searches and even in Tier One commercial databases (i.e. Lexis/Nexis).
Even my driver's license and car registrations are sent to this address.

You should never give out your actual personal email account for purchases. Instead, I recommend you generate and use "Email Aliases" for various functions. For example, an email alias such as "bobsreceipts@live.com" could be used for all purchases, which is then automatically forwarded to your personal email account. Similarly, a separate alias should be used for utilities, job applications and medical records. You can have multiple email aliases for most accounts.

If at all possible, I would place all utilities (including cell phone) in your spouse's name, with no association to your own last name. Utilities (especially gas & electric) are usually an accurate source of location information. By using your spouse's name (especially a maiden name), it further puts "digital distance" between you and your physical address.

Everybody has an Amazon account in the 21st Century, which is connected to your physical address. If possible, use a profile linked to your spouse OR if that is not an available option; always send packages to a "3rd Party Profile Address." For example, you can create a profile address for "Bob Smith" at your actual physical address (i.e., 489 Dodge Way, New York, NY) and still have all your regular packages sent to your home. This way your true name is not regularly linked to your physical address. Remember, Amazon sells this address data, just like all the other companies!

The two primary First Tier data aggregators are Lexis/Nexis and Thomas Reuter s . These collect the most high quality data from several sources ( i.e. credit bureaus ) and sell it to various customers, such as landlords and private investigators ( which are used by defendants and criminal organizations ). I would recommend that you go to their Opt Out sections and ask to be removed ( Note: Above links will take you directly to their Opt Out pages ).
There are several second tier data aggregators ( i.e. Intelius, Spokeo, Peek You, etc. ) that similarly collect data, but not from as many sources as the Tier One companies. Either way, sometimes their data can be spot on as well and needs to be removed. I recommend that you attempt to "opt out" of their sites as a general precaution.
Intelius Opt Out
Archives Opt Out
Been Verified Opt Out
PeekYou Opt Out
Radaris Opt Out
Spokeo Opt Out

There are numerous additional online data collectors/brokers ( i.e. Sply Fly, White Pages, US Phone ) that also collect your personal information. My advice would be to do a Google Search on yourself, see what pops up, and then go to their various Opt Out pages to remove the sensitive information.

Social media ( i.e., LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram ) are rich sources of information. All of these sites have convoluted privacy settings but it is definitely worth taking the time to figure them out. One of your most important devices to check are the privacy settings on your personal cell phone ( i.e. installed applications ).

If you are a current federal law enforcement officer, I encourage you to read the Digital Exhaust Opt Out Guide - Online Lin k , which was posted on the open web by an unknown person. This is an exhaustive guide developed by FBI to protect law enforcement officers and their families; and is geared towards extreme counterintelligence measures. Take the precautions you believe are necessary for your situation.

Opt Out Prescreen is the official Consumer Credit Reporting Industry site and allows you to opt out of pre-approved offers. This will help reduce junk mail and avoid re-circulation of your address data.

National Do Not Call Registr y is another Opt Out option which helps take your personal phone number out of regular circulation. This does not mean that it will stop all ( or even most ) spam calls, instead, it takes your phone number out of commission from the legitimate telemarketing companies ( which also sell that data point to third parties ).

I would also note certain agencies that routinely deal with classified information and/or work in the counterintelligence realm (i.e FBI, DSS, OSI, NCIS, etc.) face a significantly higher online security threat. Applicants to those agencies should pay more attention to the above referenced Digital Exhaust Guide.

The above tips are by no means exhaustive but merely some basic steps you can take to get semi-serious about your personal data security. Ideally, you don't want a criminal or foreign intelligence service to simply do a Google search and find your current home address. An adversary should be thoroughly confused as to your true whereabouts and need to spend significant time, money and effort to physically locate you and your family members. This severely helps limit your true exposure and is well worth the attention.

You are welcome to share any additional tips below. Thank you again for taking the time to read this post.

So you want to be a Secret Service agent?

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 20:53:56 GMT

So you want to be a Secret Service agent?

December 11, 2021

U.S. Secret Service Overview

The United States Secret Service (USSS) has primarily transitioned to a protective service organization with secondary involvement in investigative work. Originally established as a law enforcement agency in 1865, it is now the world's premier protective service organization with unparalleled capabilities to safeguard our nation's most important executive officers. The Secret Service is an umbrella law enforcement organization that contains both an investigative and uniform division. Note that Secret Service Special Agents ( 1811 Criminal Investigator s) are routinely confused by the public with Secret Service Officers ( 1801 Uniformed Division ) as both are Secret Service law enforcement officers.

Reality of Secret Service

A Secret Service Special Agent must be prepared to travel extensively throughout his or her career. This makes it an ideal workplace for younger applicants. Special Agents will likely start off working any number of support roles ( i.e. driving the limo or standing post ) and eventually be assigned leadership responsibilities for operations ( i.e. advance site lead or shift lead ). The Secret Service has a "zero-fail" protective mission, which means protective operations will always take priority over general investigative work ( with the exception of protective threat investigations ). Special Agents assigned to the field can expect to regularly support temporary duty assignments concerning a number of protectees. The Secret Service protection portfolio extends well beyond the President & Vice-President and includes former presidents, visiting heads of state and national security events.

The Secret Service also has a formal rotation program that rotates Special Agents from a Field Assignment, to a Protective Assignment, to a subsequent Post-Protection Field Office or HQ location. This is part of the traditional career-path.

The upside of Secret Service is that a new Special Agent will be able to travel all over the world, make a ton of extra money in overtime ( which is fairly uncommon among other 1811 positions ) and participate in events of major national significance ( i.e. international treaty conferences, elections, UN General Assembly ). The Secret Service also maintains a number of assets that are of national significance (i .e. Air Force One, White House ) with corresponding specialty units and receives nearly endless support for its Presidential Mission. The downside is that constant travel can take a toll on personal relationships and family responsibilities. Additionally, post standing work can require long hours of standing and potentially uneventful duties ( there is a reason USSS Special Agents have the most comfortable shoes ).

Other Things about the Secret Service

The Secret Service is a relatively larger organization and comparative to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) in size. A few things prospective applicants should note:

All field level Special Agents are assigned a take-home vehicle.
Mandatory and short notice temporary duties are a frequent occurrence.
USSS has a number of specialty positions available to experienced special agents (i.e. SWAT or CAT, Cyber, Polygraph).
Advanced academic and career development programs are available to senior agents.
Generally, Special Agents have top notch issued gear, radio equipment and facilities.
Regular access to military, federal, state and local resources in support of protective mission.
Counterfeit investigations generally do not result in federal charges due to low loss amount.
The protection mission will always take priority over investigations. In general, Secret Service Special Agents conduct investigative work on the side only if time permits. In FY 2020, Secret Service had 41 full time protectees, completed 4,244 protectee visits ( 185 foreign ) and documented 2,301 protective intelligence investigations. Protection is now the primary purpose of the Secret Service.
Secret Service Special Agents are constantly in visible public roles and around the watchful eye of the media; which can result in unwanted media attention for relatively trivial events. This can also result in very severe disciplinary actions ( i.e. terminations ) for conduct the agency deems embarrassing.
The Secret Service is actively working to mitigate the impact of operations on Special Agents. This includes child care and potentially a supplemental retirement program in the near future.
Secret Service trainees initially complete the joint Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), which makes transitioning to other federal agencies later in their careers a viable option.

Getting Hired with the U.S. Secret Service

Like many other 1811 agencies, the U.S. Secret Service has a very extensive and stringent hiring standard. However, given the physical demands of its protective mission, the Secret Service appears willing to entertain younger applicants. A few things to note:

All potential applicants should read the new " Become a Secret Service Special Agent " brochure.
Possessing or being within nine-months of graduating with a master's degree will get your foot in the door as a young applicant, however, they must also meet all required standards.
The Secret Service is extremely stringent on drug abuse ( both prescription & over the counter drugs ) and this has been noted as a major challenge for recent college graduates.
The Secret Service requires an exhaustive tax review for all applicants.
The Special Agent Entrance Exam is a high barrier to entry for some applicants and requires a commitment to study. Read my Special Agent Test Prep Blog to learn more and prepare yourself.
In order to prepare for the Pre-Employment Interview and formal Special Agent Review Panel, I encourage all applicants to review my Secret Service Profile Page .
The Secret Service does have a fitness requirement and recurring fitness program throughout the lifetime of an agent's career. All applicants should have a continued commitment to fitness.
Start taking your personal digital security seriously. Read my blog " Basic Online Security for Special Agents. "

In Conclusion

The United States Secret Service (USSS) is a vital national institution with a historical legacy and unrivaled public recognition as an 1811 agency. The USSS Special Agent position requires a range of skills from diplomacy and discipline, to firearms tactics and organizational skills. The USSS offers an amazing career to adventurous applicants and truly is a service to the American public. The Protective Mission is their speciality and the USSS truly does it like no other.

Review my detailed U.S. Secret Service Profile Page to learn more!

Advice for Junior Agents

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 21:57:04 GMT

Some Advice for Junior Special Agents

November 23, 2021

I decided to write about this particular topic at the request of a reader and because I wished somebody had told me these things when I was a young Special Agent. Take it for what it's worth and I will wholeheartedly admit that I continue to learn things on the job. This advice comes from 18+ years in Federal Law Enforcement, which includes time as a Field Training Officer. It is based on personal observations and truly comes from a good place.

If your agency offers the good fortune of on-boarding you as a pre-academy trainee, understand how rare and awesome that is compared to other organizations. You will likely get close to your full salary, possibly be assigned a spare vehicle and given little to no responsibilities. I suggest you use this time to workout, read policies & case law and complete every assigned task to the best of your ability (regardless of how menial). Above all, keep your opinions to yourself and don't bother working Criminal Investigators. Remember, you have not even passed the minimum academy but are making a salary that counts towards your retirement. Unfortunately, I have seen many a pre-academy trainee "talk* themselves out of the job and get walked out of the office. They forget trainees are *always* being evaluated and can be fired without cause.

The academy's are government run training facilities with very specific rules, many of which can be silly. However, break those rules at your o wn peril (See my Academy Experience Post for details).

Start taking your personal digital security seriously. Read my blog " Basic Online Security for Special Agents."

Your personal reputation in law enforcement is vital to one's success and I cannot stress this enough. If you cultivate your reputation as a professional, hard working, and self-motivated Special Agent; the opportunities will come flying to your doorstep. Conversely, if you are the lazy, excuse filled loudmouth know-it-all that never successfully completes a case; no one will call. It really is that simple.

Relatedly, crappy agents will gravitate towards bad trainees and high performing agents will lend their advice and expertise to promising criminal investigators. Take a good look at your company. Avoid the obnoxious trainee or the disgruntled agent. Both of these archetypes are not good company for new Special Agents trying to start a career.

The online forums (Delphi/Officer/FedSoup) are in fact well known to the managers of virtually every 1811 agency. If you post confidential information and/or engage in outrageous unprofessional posts, expect to eventually get a knock on the door from the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR); and yes, it has happened! These posts can also come up during your background investigation (as will all of your social media accounts) and they could be part of mandatory disclosures during trial preparation. These are all potentially career killing mistakes and truly avoidable. My advice is to avoid posting on these forums until you are off probation and become a senior Special Agent. Even then, be aware that virtually everything you post can be brought into court proceedings to attack your credibility. All it takes is a simple administrative subpoena to obtain the identity of any user on a website.

As a new Special Agent, you should always volunteer for search/arrest warrants, surveillance, interviews or buy walk/bust operations. Each of these operations are an opportunity for a new agent to learn so he/she can properly plan their own investigation when the time comes.

On a related topic, social media has become a career killer. Everything you have on your Facebook/Instagram/Youtube/Snapchat/Linkedin accounts can and will be used against you by defense attorneys (To this day, I do not have a single personal social media account.). Also, be advised social media will put a full stop on any ambitions to become an undercover operative. Relatedly, foreign intelligence services have & will actively try to locate and target special agents due to their Top Secret security clearances.

Attend the funerals of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Help organizations that support fallen officers. One day this could be you or one of your co-workers.

The job does not end at 5PM. If you are on leave and the phone rings, pick up. If you are at dinner and the phone rings, pick up. If you are at a ball-game and the phone rings, pick up. The true case agents answer every call, respond to every email and assist every time they are asked. They are consummate professionals who attract similar people into their orbit. Be one of those people.

There is literally nothing worse than a newbie agent showing up at an office and start complaining. A new agent is always welcome to help improve the situation by rolling up their sleeves but complaints are generally unwelcome. A good rule of thumb is that if the new agent is doing all the talking, the senior agents are taking mental notes.

Do not misuse your Government Vehicle as this is a mandatory suspension ( often 1 month ). This means, don't take your G-Car to pickup groceries, drop off the kids or hit a bar on your way home. It will eventually catch up to you and I have seen more than one new special agent busted for this infraction. It is also one of the dumbest ways to ruin your own career. To this day, I simply bring my personal car if I want to grab beers with co-workers at the end of the day....it is not worth the risk and the odds over a 20 year career are not in your favor.

Be receptive to advice that comes from a good place. Trainees that tend to get defensive will soon find themselves isolated and alone. Conversely, new investigators that embrace and use constructive criticism to their advantage will succeed quickly.

The G-Car is vital to your success. Always have it properly equipped with the correct equipment ( i.e. vest, magazines, radio ) and supplies ( water, change of clothes,forms ). Be ready to respond to any type of crime within your agency's investigative portfolio. Additionally, ensure that your tires, brakes and emergency equipment work properly.

As a new Special Agent, you may be excited to carry your gun everywhere...but remember this also comes with "great responsibility." It's fine if you want to carry your gun to dinner/concert/bar/theater but remember that means you also cannot simultaneously consume alcohol. *If* you ever do get into an Officer Involved Shooting, your judgment will be immediately be questioned if drinking was involved.

Make your maximum contribution to the Thrift Savings Program (TSP). Do this and it would not be unusual to have $2Million+ in your retirement account when you punch out. Put in about a third and you can expect perhaps $300-$500K in retirement. The decision is yours but obviously it would be nice to retire with a chunk of change (Note: This would be in addition to your Pension and Social Security).

Become a member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) and obtain your own liability insurance ( Read my post about Liability Insurance ). This is vital to protect your personal and financial freedoms. Frankly, only a fool would do the job without at least one type of legal shield.

Only use your work phone for professional communications. Do NOT share unnecessary jokes, memes, links on your Government Phone as it can be subpoenaed at anytime for a myriad of reasons. If you have a close group of friends among your co-workers, conduct those communications on your personal phones. Similarly, never never never conduct, discuss or share official business on your personal phone.

Take some time to invest in your personal operational security. I recommend that you freeze all of your credit accounts, submit request to online aggregators to remove personal information and use an online mail service ( they receive your mail, scan and email it to you ). Use a bogus address for useless stuff ( i.e. rewards memberships ) and aliases for your email account ( i.e. use one email for shopping and another for utilities ). It is difficult to hide data in the modern age but if you put out enough misleading data, it will make it harder for the average person to find your residence ( i.e. defendants ).

Every interaction with an outside law enforcement agency is vital to your success as a Criminal Investigator. The good case agents have a rolodex of contacts, the bad ones have no one to call for help. Similarly, never disparage another law enforcement agency in public; word travels fast in law enforcement and is rarely forgotten.

As a new Criminal Investigator, there are a few things you can do case-wise to make your job easier:
Be hyper organized with your case file and investigation. This is the most surefire way to determine investigative sufficiency and avoid a trial.
Always dress professionally regardless of your attire type.
Be aware prosecutors are vital to your success and that of your agency.
Find a senior Special Agent that always seems to make the biggest cases and work with them on an investigation. You will be amazed at what can be learned.
Treat every investigative lead with importance and ensure you do your due diligence. More than one innocuous lead has turned into a major case. Conversely, bad karma always catches up to sloppy investigative work.
A true Special Agent writes affidavits, complaints and detailed reports of investigations. These activities lead to indictments and arrests. Do not be content with being a "helper" agent that simply assists but never leads their own case.
Develop a digital case file as you progress in an investigation. This means you should scan *every* piece of paper (i.e. notes). Upon completion, you can simply upload the digital case file for Discovery for access by a prosecutor.

Learn the basics of the criminal investigator profession before taking on a specialty assignment (i.e. Undercover/Special Response/Forensics). Inexperienced case agents generally develop bad habits.

Stay in shape both physically and mentally. You have embarked on a marathon career that will require stamina and good decision making skills. Take the time to work out and positively interact with your family (I would advise against over-sharing your work with family members.). Learn the balance between career and home life. Both require your time and attention to be successful.

These are just some of the things I think are valuable for new Special Agents. I reserve the right to edit and improve as time passes. Good luck to you all and welcome!

High School to Special Agent

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 23:15:32 GMT

From High School to Special Agent

October 11, 2021

I often get approached by High School students that ask about the Special Agent/Criminal Investigator profession. Here are a few pieces of advice that I routinely share:

Show me your friends and I'll show you your future: Associating with the "right" crowd is key to avoiding trouble during your youth. If you make critical errors in judgment during high school ( i.e. shoplifting, expulsions, drug use ), you will end up permanently disqualifying yourself for the Special Agent position.

Start taking your personal digital security seriously. Read my blog " Basic Online Security for Special Agents. "

High School Internship Program: I highly encourage participation in ANY federal internship programs. For example, the FBI has a Teen Leadership Academy at select field locations. There are also various internship programs offered by government agencies (i.e. NSA High School Internshi p ) that can offer vital exposure to government work and will look great on a resume. If there are no federal internships in your area, I encourage to you find an internship at a state or local police department.

Avoid ALL drug use ( including Marijuana! ): Habitual drug use leads to bad situations and decisions. Relatedly, NEVER take prescription drugs ( i.e. adderall ) without the proper doctor's note. If you open the door to drugs then you are likely closing the door on federal law enforcement.

Avoid underage drinking: Getting cited as a minor or involved in a DUI is often another deal breaker for law enforcement positions.

Participate in a team activity or sport: Learning to routinely work well with other students will help develop your "soft communication" skills and is a critical component of law enforcement.

Develop your writing skills: Criminal Investigators must have above average writing skills. The best way to hone this skill is to constantly read books and pay attention to grammar rules. Your English class matters more than you can imagine.

Learn a foreign language: The federal government will always have an interest in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Russian. If any of these languages are available at your school, I would encourage you to take the classes. Applicants with these skills are in high demand and they usually require an early start for proficiency.

Stay physically fit: Virtually all entry level federal law enforcement positions require a fitness test. Stay in shape while you are young and make fitness a part of your lifestyle.

Online Presence: Limit your online presence and avoid making any provocative or embarrassing statements and/or posting contact that can reflect poorly on your judgment and character. A background investigation will reveal your entire online history and any such posts could result in your disqualification. Also, as a future federal law enforcement officer, you want to start working on keeping a low online profile from this point forward.

Have a plan after high school. Some routes that can lead to federal law enforcement:

College: A college degree is needed to become a competitive applicant and most federal agencies have made this a minimum requirement. Any accredited and reputable college is an excellent place to start. In terms of degrees, I would highly encourage prospective applicants to look into computer related, finance, or specialized language majors. Regarding the federal law enforcement selection process, note that a degree from Harvard (expensive private college) is weighted the same as a degree from UC Davis (government college). I would however, strongly caution against for-profit colleges as they have reputations as "diploma mills." It is also worthwhile to note that starting at a community college and then transferring to a four-year College is also an excellent way to save money. Read my post for College Students to learn more.

Military: There are two distinct ways to join the military. Both offer great benefits. However, they are two drastically different experiences.
Enlist: If you are not truly ready for college, then Enlisting right out of high school will get you into the workforce, offer some great training and result in amazing lifetime benefits (i.e. VA loans, GI Bill for College, etc.). After completing the service commitment, you would then still need to go to college and obtain a degree to become a truly competitive applicant. The benefit of this path is that the GI Bill benefits would pay for the majority of college expenses.
Officer Commission: In order to become an officer, you must complete a commissioning program and concurrently obtain a college degree. The most common programs are the military service academies (i.e. Air Force Academy, West Point, Naval Academy) or the Reserve Officer Training Programs (ROTC) which are located at most colleges. The service academies are fully funded by the government and the ROTC programs offer scholarships. Upon completing the training program and obtaining a degree, you are then commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant/Ensign in the military.

Americorps or Peace Corps: These are federal volunteer programs that can offer great experience and help potential applicants mature. Upon completing these programs, you can get some application preference (though not always guaranteed) but you would still need to go to college and obtain a degree.

Enter the Workforce: Entering the workforce directly after college is another option. I would highly recommend that you look for an entry level job in a federal law enforcement agency (i.e. cadet, clerk, administrative support, surveillance team). This will help you get your "foot in the door" with an organization and take advantage of available opportunities.

Once you obtain a college degree and possess one or two years of relevant experience, then you are a competitive applicant for the Special Agent/Criminal Investigator position. However, at this stage in your life, focus on staying out of trouble, staying physically fit and planning your next step after graduation.

So you want to be an HSI Agent?

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:23:14 GMT

So you want to be an HSI Special Agent?

September 20, 2021

HSI Overview

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the primary investigative service within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the second largest 1811 criminal investigative service within the United States. HSI's customs & immigration origins date back to 1789 ( See post: Which is truly the oldest federal agency ?) and following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, it was reorganized as comprehensive and major investigative force within Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). Unfortunately, due to this ICE Umbrella, HSI is also constantly confused with Enforcement & Removal Operations (ERO ) , whose officers are tasked with the primary enforcement of Civil Immigration laws.

It is important for all serious candidates to understand that HSI's contributions to " homeland security " come in the form of combating transnational crime and "border" related investigative activities. This can encompass a wide range of programmatic areas and include child pornography, human smuggling & trafficking, intellectual property theft, financial fraud and scams, identity and benefit fraud, narcotics smuggling, export enforcement violations, money laundering, and transnational gang activity. These aforementioned violations cover a wide range of both illicit activity and criminal charges. HSI does contribute vital assets to various national security initiatives ( i.e. Joint Terrorism Task Force ), however, those assets are a limited number of assigned special agents, even though they have an oversized impact. HSI is primarily a federal criminal investigative service that places emphasis on arrests, indictments and convictions to measure its effectiveness.

Reality of HSI

Although relatively large in size, HSI has a fairly low profile in public. HSI Special Agents enjoy a wide latitude in running their own criminal cases and can expect a more "cop-like" office culture. HSI routinely works joint investigations with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and have a management culture that encourages information sharing and inter-agency collaboration. HSI Special Agents regularly lead criminal investigations, however, they are just as comfortable as support agents helping a detective in a state level child sexual abuse case. For HSI management, providing this type of investigative support to State & Local law enforcement agencies is a vital part of the federal law enforcement mission and has resulted in much goodwill throughout the law enforcement community. In reality, HSI will do whatever it takes to help put criminals in jail, whether it is offering air surveillance services, cyber forensic support or helping dismantle a transnational gang in a jurisdiction.

The day to day of an HSI special agent can vary drastically based on geographic location and group assignment:

The U.S./Mexico border is the front lines for many new HSI Special Agents and a reality that is unknown to most in the country. A typical duty day can involve massive seizures of narcotics, responses to stash houses where illegal migrants are held hostage, or apprehensions of violent cartel members. Many of these offices are also managing complex wire-tap operations, actively working informants and conducting dangerous search warrant or buy/bust operations on a daily basis.
The major U.S. cities with the highest cost of living are also a common place for new special agents, who are typically assigned to an Airport Group or Child Exploitation unit. The Airport Group traditionally focuses on narcotics interdiction and money laundering activities. The Child Exploitation unit often targets child pornography suspect and runs stings focused on phedophiles.
Seasoned special agents in major offices tend to gravitate towards Commercial Fraud ( i.e. intellectual property rights, duties evasion/smuggling of goods, cultural property ), Gangs ( often in junction with local detectives ), Counterproliferation ( i.e. target foreign governments trying to illegally procure our weapons ) and Financial Fraud ( i.e. scams, money laundering ).
Experienced special agents are often assigned to various task forces ( i.e. Joint Terrorism Task Force, County Narcotics Task Forces, Liaison Positions ).
Certain HSI led task forces such as the Border Enforcement Task Security Task Force (which focuses on interdiction cases) and Document Benefit Fraud Task Force (which is a joint program with Diplomatic Security Service ) have their own focused mission.

What are the major differences between FBI and HSI?

The FBI has lead jurisdiction in regards to Counterterrorism, Intelligence, Fraud and Public Corruption. Additionally, the hyper-organized FBI has a massive support bureaucracy that runs a number of administrative programs ( i.e. NCIC Database, National Police Chief's Academy, Community Outreach ). The FBI has unparalleled capability in crime scene response, forensics and intelligence analysis. The FBI is also a government entity that protects its "brand" ferociously and routinely cautions its workforce to "Never embarrass the Bureau." Read my post titled So you want to be an FBI Agent to learn more?

HSI does not have a support apparatus that deals with various administrative type programs and is much more lean in terms of administrative staff. Additionally HSI appears to be hyper focused on proactive investigations which involves disrupting criminal activity in progress . HSI Special Agents rarely conduct crime scene investigations which is why the public does not routinely see HSI "jackets" after major events ( i.e. mass shootings ). More often than not, HSI personnel execute search warrants and tend to use the following investigative methods:

Border Search: HSI Special Agents are the only criminal investigators that have routine use of this vital authority. This allows HSI criminal investigators to intercept criminal syndicates operating on the border or exploiting our international airports. As shown on the To Catch a Smuggler series, HSI Special Agents routinely identify major drug shipments crossing the border, follow smugglers to their destination and then conduct high risk raids to apprehend dangerous criminals. This is truly ninja work.
Controlled Deliveries: Dangerous package shipments containing contraband ( i.e. fentanyl, silencers, counterfeit medications ) are routinely intercepted by U.S. authorities. These packages are then turned over to HSI criminal investigators who then *deliver* such packages under watchful surveillance. Once accepted, HSI Special Agents will execute search warrants and apprehend the suspects. This is one of the most efficient tools to capture smugglers and career criminals.
Immigration Authority: Although comically misunderstood and vilified, the use of immigration authority is vital to HSI's mission. Special Agents routinely use this authority to track dangerous suspects, elicit cooperation from apprehended criminals and provide legal shields to victims and witnesses. This is a common tool in human smuggling, terrorism (JTTF) and human rights investigations.
Surveillance & Car Stops: HSI special agents tend to conduct aggressive surveillance and partner with local law enforcement officers to conduct targeted felony car stops of suspected criminals. This often leads to the discovery of vital evidence and quick apprehension of suspects.
Field Interviews ( aka "knock & talks" ): Talking to people who can help you solve crimes is a vital part of the job. This "soft skill" is critical at HSI and law enforcement in general.
Confidential Informants and Undercover Operations: HSI is very aggressive is using these legally approved techniques to help gather evidence against criminal organizations.

Culturally, HSI is truly at the opposite end of the FBI. HSI managers pride themselves in trusting their supervisors so they can empower their special agents. Starting from the academy, HSI managers rarely talk ( if ever ) about their i mage but rather focus on creating a workforce comprised of talented, motivated and effective federal law enforcement professionals that " make cases ." HSI likes to hire seasoned law enforcement professionals and gives their criminal investigators wide latitude in disrupting crime, but expects results in return for this trust. Some of this latitude is necessary due to the exigent and unpredictable mission area ( i.e. border searches, controlled deliveries ). Even a brand new special agent out of the academy can end up with the most important case in the office; that is just how it is done at HSI and in part a carryover from its legacy heritage. It is a bit of "sink or swim" but those trainees with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn will be able to tap an unbelievable cadre of experienced GS-13 special agents that are more than happy to help and elevate a "newbie" agent. A new HSI special agent can easily participate in more arrests, search warrants and field operations than a typical FBI special agent will do in his/her entire career ( Note: This is due to their varying mission as HSI does not have primarily responsibility for counterintelligence or terrorism; which are manpower intensive ).

Other Things About HSI

There are a few things that vary based on an agencies size and resources. HSI is a relatively larger agency that does offer a few benefits, career variety and important responsibilities:

All criminal investigators are assigned a take-home vehicle.
Temporary duty assignments are frequently available (both domestically and overseas).
HSI Special Agents can specialize in collateral assignments such as Special Response Team (aka SWAT), Cyber Forensics, Undercover, and Rapid Response Team (disaster response).
Virtually all investigative groups have access to at least one intelligence research specialist for investigative support.
Advanced academic and career development programs.
Overseas assignments for senior special agents.
Top notch issued gear, radio equipment and national communications center.
Annual protective service details at UNGA and support to Secret Service during election cycles.
Regular access to aviation assets.
HQ assignment opportunities.
Case variety: HSI has broad jurisdiction that covers several kinds of criminal activity.

Getting Hired with HSI

HSI now has a number of hiring programs that focus on acquiring a varying number of skills among its workforce. Prospective candidates must be willing to continuously check USA Jobs for various openings. Below are some of the vacancy announcements recently used:

General Vacancy Program: This is a general hiring announcement open to all members of the public that meet the minimum requirements. It typically starts in the GS 7-9 range and usually gets the most number of applicants. Veterans preference is usually offered and those with previous law enforcement experience and degree often do well.
Lateral Program: This program is targeted towards current criminal investigators and ranges from GS 12-13. Only currently 1811 Special Agents are eligible (No exceptions).
Specialized Skills or Background: At times, HSI has posted specialized hiring announcements that target computer skills, females and DHS employees.
Direct Hire Program: This is another unique authority that allows offices to interview and hire preferred candidates. These applicants often tend to be task force officers or other law enforcement personnel that have worked joint cases with HSI.
Pathways Program: This is a student internship program that can lead to a special agent trainee slot. Read more about it on my HSI profile page.

Keep in mind that if you are a current federal employee, your pay band is not guaranteed to transfer over to an 1811 position.

Upon completing the entire General Vacancy selection process, HR will contact those on the final "cleared list" to put together an academy class of 24. Each class gets offered a variety of locations that are available (i .e. Dallas, NYC, Miami, San Diego, etc. ). However, if there are only two slots in Dallas and the first two people on the "cleared list" select those offices, then those locations will be struck from the available list. The third person will then have to choose between NYC, Miami and San Diego ( hypothetical examples ). I advise applicants to make the decision immediately. Even waiting 20 minutes to think it over could result in the next person on the list taking your preferred location. If you decided that none of the available offices suit your fancy, you are effectively declining the Final Job Offer and will be permanently removed from that announcement. A applicant that declines this Final Job Offer will have to re-apply and again pass the entire selection process to have a chance at a different location. Word to the wise, it is a bad idea to decline a Final Job Offer due to location ( most have regretted this decision ).

The most surefire way to be aware of all these types of announcements is to contact your local HSI recruiter, repeatedly check the HSI website and constantly review the USA Jobs 1811 vacancies. Be professional at all times as rude, unorganized & overbearing applicants are always remembered by administrative staff.

A few additional tips to help you succeed:

Any HSI test failures will result in a two-year moratorium before candidates can re-apply. Consequently, I urge all potential candidates to review my Test Prep Blog .
HSI requires detailed resumes to ensure candidates are qualified. Read my Resume Failures Blog post to learn more.
Start taking your personal digital security seriously. Read my blog " Basic Online Security for Special Agents. "

Depending on your background and type of announcement, the HSI application process can take anywhere from seven months to two years. Upon selection, all trainees must complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program and HSI Special Agent Training (Read my Academy Experience Blog Post to learn more.).

In Conclusion

HSI is first and foremost, a federal criminal investigative agency. Expect to conduct surveillance, write warrant affidavits, execute arrests and move at a fairly fast pace with a cadre of aggressive law enforcement officers. Although it is the second largest 1811 agency in the United States, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is still relatively unknown to the public and most of its workforce is comfortable with being silent public servants. Consequently, if name recognition is truly important to you then this is definitely not a suitable home for your personality. Conversely, if you want to be a true criminal investigator, work amazing pro-active cases and make a difference, I encourage you to consider HSI as your premier federal law enforcement agency of choice.

Read my exhaustive HSI Profile Page to learn more!

Why I became a Special Agent?

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 23:04:01 GMT

Why I became a Special Agent?

August 28, 2021

I became a Special Agent for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to make a difference.

I have never been "money-motivated" and always aspired to be in an exciting career field that gave me the freedom to use my skills in service of the public good. Luckily the Special Agent position has been everything that I had imagined. During my tenure at HSI, I have arrested narcotics traffickers, infiltrated criminal organizations, rescued child victims, disrupted black market syndicates, traveled overseas and even met world leaders. I have seized millions of dollars from criminals, testified in vital court proceedings, written affidavits that took away freedoms from dirtbags and provided aid to my fellow citizens during natural disasters. This is not simply a job, it is a higher calling.

I know that the my next warrant could be my last. I know that flying in helicopters for high risk operations or driving at excessive speeds to surveil suspects is inherently dangerous. I also know there are many other professions that pay more money, offer a better quality of life and are much more prestigious. I don't care.

Above all, I routinely get to work with people who are honest, fearless, independent and carry a patriotic sense of duty ( I doubt such a description could be applied to the Apple or HP workforce ). These criminal investigators, analysts and support staff routinely work against all odds, to make things happen.

I am a Special Agent and a federal public servant. This is my chosen vocation, mission and opportunity to make a difference with my life. I am literally entrusted by my fellow citizens with a "badge & gun" and actively encouraged to "fight crime" on behalf of the public good. As former ATF Special Agent Jay Dobyns often states, one cannot think of a higher honor.

As a Special Agent, one should always be willing to run towards the sound of gunfire, to give their life for a complete stranger and to be content with exiting this world with little to no fanfare; all in the service of their country.

As the famous lore goes in Ernest Shackleton's unbelievable expedition:

Men wanted for hazardous journey.

Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness.

Safe return doubtful.

Honour and recognition in event of success.

If any of the above piques your interest, then I highly encourage you to apply for a criminal investigator position within the United States government. Conversely, if you are simply obsessed with the job title, are only doing this for the pension or are a certified "slacker," then I encourage you to move along as this is definitely not the job for you.

If you are truly interested in a career as a Special Agent, next start by reading one of my Agency Profiles and the following Blog Posts to learn more on how to prepare for this career:

Read my blog " Basic Online Security for Special Agents . "
Read my blog " Special Agent Test Prep ."

So you want to be an FBI Agent?

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 22:05:43 GMT

So you want to be an FBI Special Agent?

July 18, 2021

FBI Overview

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is among the most publicised and well known criminal investigative services in the United States. Although with more recent historical origins compared to the legacy agencies ( i.e. Secret Service, US Postal Inspectors, ATF, HSI, US Marshals, etc .), the FBI is now undeniably the largest 1811 federal law enforcement agency and has the most number of Special Agents (14K+) & support staff (20K). By all accounts, this is a massive federal law enforcement bureaucracy with a whole array of important investigative responsibilities, an amazing support apparatus and an envious budget.

Most applicants get their first and often only glimpse of the FBI from TV shows and movies. In fact, current FBI Special Agents will often reveal they too first became interested in the FBI at a relatively young age after watching a television program featuring the "Bureau." It is likely that most non-law enforcement members of the public have never met an FBI Special Agent, so you should feel right at home if this fits your experience. Regardless of your exposure to or previous knowledge of the FBI, this blog is designed to help you better understand the FBI organization, whether a Special Agent position is right for you, and how to go about securing a coveted Criminal Investigator trainee slot.

FBI Mission

It is crucially important to know the primary FBI Mission involves some of the following areas:

Protect the U.S. from Terrorist Attack: Contrary to popular belief, terrorism investigations are typically extremely lengthy, manpower intensive and more often than not, do NOT result in arrests. However, this is a high profile mission that usually involves close coordination with Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI led Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Protect the U.S. against foreign intelligence, espionage, and cyber operations: Counterintelligence operations and investigations require *intense* surveillance of foreign operatives and also do not typically involve arrests. However, this is a vital mission to our overall national security.

Combat Public Corruption: This involves everything from corruption, bribery, fraud to bid rigging by government officials ( Local, State & Federal ).

Protect Civil Rights: Although highly publicized this is a very narrow and limited mission \that involves only a handful of successful cases annually.

Combat Transnational Criminal Enterprises: Narcotics investigations often fall into this category.

Combat Significant White Collar Crime: The FBI is the leader in White Collar Fraud, which includes ponzi schemes, health care fraud, SEC violations, etc. These are very complex and paper-intensive cases.

Combat Significant Violent Crime: The FBI still has jurisdiction over bank robberies and leads a number of Gang Task Forces across the country.

Each of the above missions can be personally fulfilling ( arrests, indictments, victim rescue ) and exciting ( search warrants, surveillance, travel, etc. ) while simultaneously involve copious amounts of boredom and mind number paperwork ( reports, administrative work, subpoena reviews, etc .). I write this so you have a realistic understanding of the work that is done by an FBI Special Agent, which also involves extensive writing. For example, working counterintelligence involves tracking down foreign intelligence officers and their "spies" in the United States, however, it also requires virtually endless hours of electronic and physical surveillance, which can be monotonous. Similarly, a terrorism case may give you the opportunity to travel to a foreign country but most of the time you will shift through intelligence reporting and hope your suspect makes a mistake that can result in criminal charges. Additionally, a new Special Agent Trainee has little to no control as to what mission area they are assigned, so be ready to work fraud cases for five years even if your heart was set on gang investigations. This contradiction and bureaucracy is inherent in ALL criminal investigator positions in all 1811 Federal Law Enforcement agencies .

Since you now know the FBI Mission, perhaps it is a good time to determine if the FBI is still the right fit for you. If you prefer international travel, then Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is likely a better choice. If street level crimes are your style, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is a fantastic organization. If commercial fraud or transnational crime is your primary interest, then Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is likely a better fit. If you prefer narcotics investigations, then the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is ideal. If protection service operations peak your interest, then the U.S. Secret Servic e is perhaps better suited to your career goals ( and so ). The FBI does a bit of all these mission areas but in terms of actual case numbers and specialization, they truly are the " terrorism, counterintelligence & fraud " agency.

Details About the FBI Organization

Each federal agency has their own unique culture, pros/cons and career paths; and the FBI is no exception. Since it is free and readily available on this website, you should read the entire Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Profil e on this Special Agents Blog Website. This profile page is designed to help you understand the requirements and determine if you are even minimally qualified. To even be eligible to apply, you need a college degree and relevant work experience, must meet the age requirement ( between ages 23 - 36 ) and be a U.S. Citizen ( no exceptions ). Additionally, once you start the screening process, all applicants must pass a stringent fitness test, polygraph examination, drug test and background investigation. Before candidates endure the application process, they should honestly ask themselves if he/she can meet these requirements. In reality, most applicants are unable to do a realistic self assessment and are likely to be disappointed with the results.

There is no better modern source of information about the FBI then former Special Agent Vincent Sellers. His Former FBI Special Agent YouTube Channe l has numerous videos that painstakingly go through the hiring process and the day to day realities of being an FBI Special Agent. Additionally, his book " Eyes Pried Ope n " is a great addition to your knowledge base and will offer invaluable insight. At the very least, before you even consider applying, you need to thoroughly research whether the FBI Special Agent position is the right fit for you. It may sound "cool" to be an FBI Special Agent but are you truly prepared for the realities, the job responsibilities and burdens that come with being a federal public servant? One of the great things about Seller's story is that after working two years as an FBI Special Agent, he looked inwards and decided that this was definitely not the career field for him. Consequently, his experience and insights are invaluable. Episode 10 is particularly relevant to this blog post.

Become a Competitive Applicant

If you have the "right stuff" and still think the FBI is the ideal place for your career, then by all means start getting ready and move forward. I highly encourage you to put real thought into the skills, education and experience that will make someone the most valuable candidate for selection. The FBI receives thousands upon thousands of applications and their selection process is designed to have a multi-talented workforce. The reality is that the most number of applicants come from local/state law enforcement agencies, military services, or are recent college graduates. These are over-saturated general applicant categories and competitive applicants must possess a specialized skill to have a better than average chance of selection.

For example, if you have a college degree & three years of felony level investigative experience ( i.e. homicide detective, fraud investigator ), are a Certified Public Accountant or lawyer, possess an engineering or computer forensics/IT background, explosives ordnance experience, have intelligence training and work history, earn a specific master's degree (i.e. forensics, biology, chemistry, etc .), have aviation experience, or are fluent in their specified foreign languages; you will get moved to the front of the line and process significantly quicker than all other applicants . This above information is incredibly invaluable in helping you select the training, courses, college majors and skills needed to become a competitive applicant and dramatically improve your chances of being selected. Read my Hiring Advice section to learn more about the skills and programs that will help you become a competitive applicant.

I am constantly amazed when applicants keep reapplying and complain about their rejection notices, when it is clear they did not possess a single critical skill in their resume or work experience. Also notice how the FBI needed skills match up to their mission areas! This is not some big mystery. Having a critical skill that the FBI needs is a surefire way to getting hired, it truly is that simple.

FBI Exam Preparation

The Entry Level FBI exam continues to be a barrier to entry for thousands of applicants each year. Additionally, it usually takes 6-8 months after the initial application to get scheduled for a test and a failure will often result in a minimum one year moratorium to re-apply. This means that a test failure can cost an applicant almost two years in lost time! At this point, one of the best test prep guides appear to be the Sgt. Godoy Test Prep Packet . It has one of the highest online ratings that I have seen to date and provides genuine value to applicants. The included prep material about the interview and psych exam is also helpful to newbie candidates. There are obviously other guides out there and I encourage you to similarly vet before purchasing. Either way, some sort of test prep guide is recommended since this is too important a test to fail. Read my blog on Special Agent Test Prep to learn more.

In Conclusion

The overall FBI application process will take approximately two years and without specialized skills your chances of selection are truly remote. Additionally, upon final selection, new trainees are sent to a six-month live-in academy in Quantico, Virgina, which they must pass before issuance of formal credentials. This academy is where you will learn all the skills needed to become a Special Agent for the United States Government.

I will also encourage you to read my FBI Profiler Blog Post and the I am NOT an FBI AGENT blog post to learn more about the federal law enforcement landscape.

I would additionally advise all potential applicants to start taking reasonable online security measures in order to prepare for the counterintelligence threat posed to FBI Special Agents. It should be noted the foreign intelligence service threat to FBI personnel is extremely HIGH. Start taking your personal digital security seriously. Read my blog " Basic Online Security for Special Agents " to learn more.

I sincerely hope this post offers you some useful guidance on your path to becoming a special agent. As you will notice, none of this is superficial or canned advice often found in commercial career sites peddling garbage level nonsense . Good luck to you and keep checking the Special Agents Blog for updates about the 1811 Criminal Investigator profession.

Read my exhaustive FBI Profile Page to learn more!

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Why You Should Join your Special Agent Association

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 02:29:24 GMT

Why You Should Join Your Special Agent Association

July 10, 2021

If you are a current or former Special Agent from an 1811 federal law enforcement agency, then you are probably familiar with the various alumni type associations that you can join as a member ( i.e Association of Former Agents of the Secret Service or US Marshals Service Association ). These associations are typically nonprofit entities that provide a way for retired Criminal Investigators to maintain relationships, camaraderie, and networks with fellow Special Agents. Some of these associations also routinely collect donations to help support the families of fallen agents.

If you are like me, you probably did not feel inclined to join these associations when you were a newbie agent. These types of organizations always seemed to be geared towards retired agents who still wanted to be connected to the community in some way. It's easy to think, " Why would you want to pay a yearly fee to be a member of something when you already have the relationships, camaraderie and networking capabilities of an active Agent in the field? " Especially when you probably already pay to be a member of FLEOA and have to additionally pay for personal liability insurance. Who wants one more annual fee when that can go towards a Netflix subscription?

Well unbeknownst to me, and I assume to many other special agents as well, there are other fairly cool benefits and reasons to join your respective association. Like most alumni entities, these groups are looking for ways to encourage members to sign up. One of the most common ways is by offering benefits or discounts to active members. Unfortunately, it is hard to get these discounts and benefits when your nonprofit group is relatively small, like many of the 1811 law enforcement associations; especially when you are seeking benefits analogous to ones offered by major corporate entities such as the AAA.

Fortunately, retired NCIS Special Agent Joe Orrigo had a great idea. What if all these associations joined together to pool their members in a massive 1811 law enforcement network that would give them the ability to obtain benefits that they could not obtain on their own? Many of the associations loved this idea and it resulted in the forming of the National Association of Federal Law Enforcement Officers (NAFLEO). You have probably never heard of this particular association because it exists only as an internal network for other associations to join and is not a public facing group for individual membership.

I wanted to highlight some of the benefits you get by joining a Special Agent association that is part of the NAFLEO. After we go over the benefits there will be a list of the Special Agent Associations that are a part of the NAFLEO. I will also provide contact information for the NAFLEO if you manage a current Special Agent Association and would like to become a member, thereby extending your membership benefits!

The NAFLEO uses its collective membership strength to obtain great benefits from a vendor group and legal benefits from Legal Shield. NAFLEO is nothing more than a shell organization that was solely established to obtain benefits for each respective agency organization. Interested parties should contact their respective agency and upon membership to their organization will obtain the links to these below standard benefits.

The Benefits:

Hotel Links - Include best in class rates for over 150,000 worldwide hotels.

Entertainment Program - provides savings of up to 40% off theme parks, movies, sporting events, shows and more. It also provides exclusive discounts and special offers and access to preferred seating and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows and special events from concerts to Disney to Las Vegas to NY Broadway shows to Cirque du Soleil. It also provides exclusive discounts, special offers and access to preferred seating and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets and much more not available to the public.

The Entertainment Program Includes:

• Top Theme Parks Nationwide

• Movie Tickets Nationwide

• Top Las Vegas & New York Broadway Show Tickets

• Great Savings on Disney & Universal Studios Tickets

• Savings of up to 25% on major Rental Cars

Legal Services - Legal Shield, is a nationwide legal service company that provides large discounted legal assistance rates to members who elect to avail themselves of the services. There are no monthly fees until used. There are no costs to the agency or other members. The discounted fees apply only to the member that utilizes the service.

All these aforementioned benefits are currently available to members of the following Special Agent Associations:

If your Special Agent Association is NOT a part of the NAFLEO then you should encourage their executive management team to immediately join by contacting Retired Special Agent Joe Orrigo, President of the NCISA and of the NAFLEO at jmorrigo@aol.co m . If you are the current president of a Special Agent Association, then Joe would love to hear from you and explain the benefits of joining the NAFLEO in more detail.

For everyone else reading this blog, consider joining these organizations not only for these discounts, but also to continuously invigorate them with new ideas, activities and new members.

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Officer to Special Agent

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 20:38:32 GMT

Transitioning from Police Officer to Special Agent

July 8, 2021

When working with State & Local law enforcement agencies, I am often approached by uniformed officers who are interested in the federal law enforcement profession. Here are a few points I would offer for those police officers considering the transition:

Decide Early

Make the move to the federal law enforcement EARLY ! There are two important reasons for this advice.

First, you cannot be above the age of 37 when starting any federal law enforcement position ( Note: Only military gets certain exceptions ). In practicality, many agencies will cut off the applicants between ages 35-36 since it can take upto two years for the selection process to finish. This mandatory cutoff is written in statute since all 1811 Special Agents must retire at age 57. Since you need 20 years of covered service to be eligible for our pension, that 37 maximum age of entry has become a hard deck for entry.
The law enforcement Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) does not offer any reciprocity to State and Local pension systems. Depending on the system in your State and your years of service, you may or may not be "vested;" which means once you transfer to the FEDS you may immediately lose those accrued years of service. Obviously, if you left at three years of service it is not a big thing but imagine leaving at nine years of service and losing that annuity. Always worth thinking about.

The Pay Issue

The Pay Question: In general, the starting pay for 1811 Special Agents is competitive and varies by region. Check out my Lifestyle & Benefits Sectio n to learn what the starting pay would be in your area. Also, although Special Agents generally earn a solid middle class income, their potential for working overtime is severely limited ( Secret Service is an exception ).

In general, compared to the East Coast Police Departments, the pay for Special Agents can be double that of the State & Local Departments. Conversely, compared to many major California police departments, the federal starting pay is well under the going rate but catches up after 3+ years. What I see often is that most uniformed officers have to work overtime in order to make the same amount of money as Special Agents. Officers also have the option of working unlimited number of extra hours and exceeding the pay of even senior 1811s. Conversely, all Special Agents receive something called Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) which is a 25% premium built into their salaries to cover the unscheduled nature of their job ( i.e. surveillance or warrant runs late ). That is the standard compensation for 1811s and overtime opportunities can be exceedingly rare. Research the locality pay for your region in ADVANCE of your application and determine early on if this is something that works for your situation.

Experience to be a Competitive Applicant

Most competitive service Special Agent vacancy announcements want three years of investigative experience and will often explicitly state that patrol work does NOT qualify. The best way to overcome this obstacle as a patrol officer is to obtain a four year college degree. A college degree paired with three years of substantive work experience ( patrol would qualify with this combination ) would then make a patrol officer a competitive candidate. Conversely, a detective would automatically qualify for many 1811 positions (i.e DEA, ATF, HSI, Secret Service, US Marshals), however, your chances of selection may also depend on the type of hiring announcement. Under a general vacancy announcement, the applicant with a computer science masters degree will likely bump a detective. Conversely, a detective who applies under the Direct Hire announcement will likely be the preferred candidate as the local office has probably seen his/her work and wants those investigative skills. To make things even more confusing, some federal agencies use the Excepted Service hiring model which requires a college degree at a minimum, regardless of your experience level (i.e. FBI).

If you have the opportunity, get on a federal task force ( either full time or part time )! Most federal law enforcement agencies go out of their way to hire their task force officers as they are vetted candidates. Agencies such as ATF and HSI will frequently conduct a direct hire program and move their task force officers to the front of the hiring line. This is the ultimate back door route to a Special Agent position and is an incredibly advantageous process for current State/Local officers or detectives.

Selecting the Agency that Fits Your Skills & Personality

Selectively choose the agency that will best value your law enforcement experience. Virtually all local law enforcement officers aspiring to be specials agents apply to the FBI and most are rejected. Unfortunately, many candidates do not understand that the FBI intentionally limits law enforcement applicants in order to diversify their workforce with graduate degrees, teachers, foreign languages, aviation, CPAs, engineers, etc. Worse yet, the FBI places all their military AND law enforcement candidates in one group; which means a police officer would have to compete for the same limited slots with a Navy Seal or Intelligence Officer! Conversely, police officers who apply with the DEA, ATF, and HSI are placed in the same general applicant pool, which favors all candidates with law enforcement experience. Additionally, if you have a degree, your chances of making it into agencies such as the Secret Service or Diplomatic Security Service is significantly better than the FBI. I don't want to kill anybody's dream of joining the FBI and if you are committed to them then just realize you need to do something different . One of the easiest ways to get hired as an FBI Special Agent is to learn a critical foreign language, possess aviation experience or earn a relevant advanced degree (CPA or Forensics). Those skills tend to be among the fewest applicants in that category vs. the general law enforcement group (which is likely in the thousands).

Federal Academies

All 1811 federal law enforcement agencies require you to attend their full-time live-in academies. The feds pay for your full salary while at these academies. There is no option to "pay-your-way" in an academy and try to get hired afterwards. You must be hired by a federal agency first. Additionally, you are not allowed to bring your family to the academy and anyone caught living off-campus is usually terminated onsite. Additionally, if you attend the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), which is used by many agencies ( i.e. ATF, US Marshals, HSI, DSS Secret Service, OIGs, etc .) you are able to "lateral" over to those agencies later in your career and go straight to their follow-on course. Conversely, if you attend the stand alone academies ( US Postal Service, FBI, DEA ) and for example want to join DSS later in your career, you will likely be required to attend CITP ( although every agency is constantly modifying their exceptions ).

Relocation & Mobility

Many 1811 agencies are now offering the available locations at the onset of the job offer in order to reduce declinations. This means that if you live in Seattle and want to stay in the *area,* there may be a good chance you can get the downtown Seattle or Tacoma office. However, you must still be willing to relocate to within 50 miles of the office since this is a GSA rule that applies to your take-home vehicle. Conversely, you may also get offered Alaska, Hawaii or even New York City. In general, the high cost of living and austere areas are hard to fill and consequently get the most new special agents so the experienced criminal investigators have the opportunity to transfer out. The transfer system within the 1811 agencies varies but you must be realistic and flexible. Let's say you got offered San Francisco and you are originally from Georgia. You would likely be eligible to transfer after three years but trying to specifically get the Charleston Office ( which is very desirable ) could be virtually impossible for at least 10-15 years. Conversely, if you are willing to accept *any* office in Florida or perhaps a teaching assignment at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC); then the chances of you getting a move close to your preferred geographic region goes up dramatically. Unfortunately, the online forums are full of bitter agents holding onto that one hard to get office and have not learned how to use the transfer system to their advantage. Either way, if the 1811 profession is important to you, take the first job offer location and don't look back. You will always regret turning down your first 1811 offer....always. Why? Because another offer may not come your way for another 2-3 years and only after you complete the entire selection process all over again.

On a related point, if you are not ready to potentially move, leave six months for an academy or dramatically change your job responsibilities; do not apply for an 1811 position. I am constantly surprised to hear from workforce management that many police officers turn down the final job offers due to a number of reasons they should have figured out in advance (i.e. pay disparity, location, academy length, etc.). You don't want to be that blacklisted candidate.

Other Related Lifestyle & Benefits

Most of the major agencies also have overseas postings. These are typically reserved for senior agents (GS-13 and above). Like anything, the desirable locations are hard to get and the austere locations (typically in third world countries) are often vacant.

Virtually all major agencies assign every special agent an unmarked take-home law enforcement vehicle, commonly referred to as the "G-Ride." All special agents are required to live within 50 miles of their home office.

The amount of travel varies dramatically from agency to agency and your assigned investigative responsibilities. In general, the Secret Service has the most amount of travel. Conversely, if you are a regular criminal investigator within the FBI, DEA, ATF, or HSI, you may not travel very often; unless that is something you are seeking. There are always opportunities for those seeking and interested in Temporary Duty Travel (TDY).

The administrative burden is also higher in the federal system. Be prepared to do monthly reports for your hours and take home car. Also expect to do regular computer based trainings for various Human Resource topics (i.e. Data Privacy, Harassment, Classified Information, etc.). Even our source management systems are paperwork intensive. Yes, this is all beyond annoying but it is a routine part of the federal government. The upside is that the federal government significantly invests in their workforce and typically updates equipment and office space on a much more frequent schedule in comparison to State/Local agencies. My agency has invested in a proprietary communications app, a nationwide upgraded radio system and our own multi-million dollar database; the good comes with a bureaucracy.

A federal law enforcement officer can indeed carry a firearm on any domestic flight at any time either on-duty or on leave. You do NOT need permission from your supervisor or a letter. In the event of a serious in-flight emergency, you are expected to respond.

Federal Cases - A Long Burn

The investigations conducted within the federal law enforcement system are extremely slow and methodical compared to State/Local cases. For example, a typical narcotics case targeting a distribution network can easily take 1 - 2 years and involve copious amounts of research, database checks, surveillance, subpoenas, financial analysis, undercover operations, etc. If you have a disdain for large amounts of investigative work; then the standard criminal investigator position is NOT the job for you (i.e. DEA, HSI, ATF, FBI, OIG, etc.). Someone who has an operations based personality might be a better fit with the US Marshals, Diplomatic Security Service or Secret Service. Many officers have made the transition to the wrong 1811 agency and quit soon afterwards when it is not a fit for their personality or skills.

Be prepared to write extensively. As a true 1811 Criminal Investigator working on federal cases, you are expected to detail and document virtually everything. Your reports will be scrutinized by federal prosecutors and all Special Agents are expected to write at a college level. Most federal reports are longer than state/local reports and federal affidavits are usually three to four times in length compared to State affidavits.

Training and Specialization

Most of the large federal agencies have routine training opportunities. Whether it is a certification course (i.e. SWAT, Undercover, Firearms, Forensics, Polygraph) or an advanced investigative topic (Intelligence, Narcotics, Gangs, Terrorism, Money Laundering); the training opportunities are truly endless. Relatedly, the opportunities to specialize also varies based on the agency. After a few years, most of the agencies allow special agents to choose a collateral duty (i.e. firearms instructor, undercover, SWAT, computer forensics, crime scene, technical operations, etc.). The selection process varies and also depends on the agents skills and reputation. Additionally, there are routinely announcements for temporary duty assignments (ranging from 30 days - 18 months) at headquarters, the training academies and even overseas postings.

The major agencies do allow for 1811s to work in task forces but don't bank on it as it varies dramatically. In general, if you are street oriented and want to work the State/Local task forces; the opportunities are there in gang or narcotics task forces. Your job as the federal representative is typically to look for targets that can be prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorney's Office. One of the most effective things that Special Agents can do is to pick a violent felon and charge them federally for firearms offenses, which often have a mandatory five year minimum sentence!

Expect a ton of discretion in your casework and general 9 - 5 work hours. Obviously this will vary based on circumstances and investigative assignments, however, in most cases the warrants are scheduled and the operations are pre-planned. Unless you are assigned to something like the Gang Unit in HSI or the Bank Robbery Squad at the FBI, you won't be running out the door too often. Again, this can vary depending on your office mission and geographic location.

The "Anti-Police" America

One of the best advantages to being an 1811 Special Agent is that we are less exposed to the public on a day-to-day basis. We often work proactive cases in plainclothes and generally only wear markings when executing search or arrest warrants. In today's "anti-policing" environment, this has become a big advantage and definitely reduces our collective stress level. Additionally, we are covered by federal laws and are not subject to State & Local political winds, which have the added benefit of protecting us from ill-conceived or retaliatory actions. As a civil servant, Special Agents also have incredibly strong job protections and cannot be fired for refusing illegal or unethical directives. Additionally, federal agencies reimburse half of your personal liability insurance, which provides an additional legal safety blanket against frivolous lawsuits. In short, Special Agents can have a law enforcement career without all the negative issues that uniformed agencies must contend with on a day to day basis ( i.e. homeless, mental health, protests, constant video surveillance, local politics, 911 calls, etc .).

Conclusion

The comradery within the federal law enforcement profession does exist but it is typically *not* as strong as that in the uniformed patrol. Although some of the specialty units do become close ( i.e. SWAT or Undercover ), the battlefield like bonds that come with patrol are very unique and as a result of the dangerous and unpredictable patrol mission. Expect a change in this department as most 1811 work is office based ( which is shared with administrative personnel ) and the amount of field work depends on your agency's mission.

Any serious candidate for the Special Agent position should also note the following:

The Special Agent Entrance Exam is a high barrier to entry for some applicants and requires a commitment to study. Read my Special Agent Test Prep Blog to learn more and prepare yourself.
Start taking your personal digital security seriously. Read my blog " Basic Online Security for Special Agents " to learn more.

I believe the 1811 Criminal Investigator position is one of the best law enforcement jobs in the world . You can truly work meaningful cases, enjoy a balanced lifestyle and potentially travel all over the country. I encourage all State/Local law enforcement officers who are interested to check out my agency profiles to learn more. I hope this provides good overview of the differences between State/Local policing and Federal Law Enforcement. Good luck to you all!

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Special Agent Test Prep

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 23:27:04 GMT

Special Agent Test Prep

June 23, 2021

Successfully navigating the various Special Agent exams can be a very tricky process and most agencies have limited or oftentimes outdated guidance available for applicants. Worse yet, many unscrupulous companies have simply reprinted government guides ( which are free for applicants ) in order to make a quick buck.

Conversely, taking the entrance exams with limited preparation is a surefire way to fail and most agencies subsequently require a one to two year waiting period before you are allowed to re-apply. This is a huge mistake for applicants when time is always of the essence due to factors such as retirement contributions, pay progression, minimum entry age, etc. The overall 1811 criminal investigator selection process can easily take an average of two years and failing the initial exams will immediately move you to the back of that dreaded line.

Depending on the agency application process, the consequences of a test failure can be even worse. In some cases, applicants are invited to take the test *after* passing an initial qualifications ( i.e. resume ) review. Not all applicants pass the qualifications review and subsequently failing the standard entry test can result in disastrous delays for someone pursuing a career in federal law enforcement. Add this to the standard delays built within the government bureaucracy, budget fluctuations and spontaneous hiring freezes.

The reality is that after failing the entrance exam, many applicants simply quit the process. Consequently, I encourage every Special Agent Applicant to take the entry level exam process extremely seriously . You should be investing in a significant amount of study time ( rather than posting & reading nonsense on various forums ) and mastering the practice tests. There should be no doubt in your mind before taking the test about your chances of passing.

After much review and research over a period of a year, I have finally located a legitimate, comprehensive and valuable test preparation program for aspiring special agents. The Sgt. Godoy test instruction is high quality, the content is above and beyond what is provided in the free government guides and the costs are very reasonable for such a focused preparation packet. The video based tutorials, practice questions and detailed answers are beyond helpful for 1811 candidates. The test prep packets also includes bonus material that covers the interview process and psych exam.

The below Sgt. Godoy test preparation packets currently cover the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) , Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) , Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) , Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) applicant process. Unbelievably, this test guide currently has a 4.8 rating based on 811 reviews on Shopper Approved (As of 6/23/2021). I noticed that no other 1811 test prep guide comes even close to this approval rating. I will continue watching Sgt. Godoy's site and provide updates if he adds similar guides for other 1811 agencies. Additionally, I will keep a close eye on the aggregate reviews to ensure his rankings are high enough to warrant my continued endorsement.

I again urge you to take this exam process seriously and consider such a test prep program to maximize your chances of success. Remember, every major profession (Medical, Legal, Finance) has these types of entry exams and virtually all serious candidates use test prep services to dramatically improve their likelihood of success. This recommended test prep may not be the right fit for you but I strongly recommend a similar alternative. Your future absolutely depends on it!

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Retirement Financial Questions

Thu, 20 May 2021 19:11:02 GMT

Retirement FAQs

May 20, 2021

Below are answers to common retirement questions. Additionally, I highly endorse the Retirement Guide that is regularly published by Dan Jamison as it is the most informative document available regarding the FERS retirement system.

What Benefits Can I Expect To Receive When I Retire?

The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) replaced the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) in 1984 as our defined-benefit retirement system.

CSRS provides 50% for the first 20 years of service and 2% for each year thereafter.
FERS provides 34% for the first 20 years of service and 1% for each year thereafter.

The basic understanding was that CSRS annuitants would be ineligible for Social Security and FERS employees would be eligible for Social Security. The reality is that many CSRS employees eventually have enough non-federal employment to be eligible for Social Security (albeit potentially reduced for the Windfall Elimination Provision) and therefore most people consider the CSRS program to be called the Clearly Superior Retirement System. (I do!)

FERS is a three-tiered approach which relies upon:

1) A defined-benefit annuity,

2) Social Security benefits, and

3) Employee savings (through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP))

to provide retirement benefits; frequently referred to as the “benefit pyramid.” Although CSRS allows non-matched TSP contributions, the CSRS defined-benefit annuity provided a very comfortable retirement without having to worry about Social Security or investing in the TSP and hoping that the market rewarded your investment decisions. The advent of FERS effectively transferred market risk from the government to the employee.

For example, a 30-year CSRS agent walked away with 70% of their High-3. A 30-year FERS agent walks away with 44% of their High-3, in addition to TSP matching and Social Security.

A law-enforcement/firefighter FERS retirement is comprised of four components:

1) FERS Basic Annuity based upon years of service and High-3 basic pay

2) Special Retirement Supplement (SRS) payable until age 62

3) Social Security (optionally payable at age 62)

4) TSP Funds

What Is The FERS Basic Annuity?

Under the FERS special provisions for law enforcement (since July 6, 2008), you will receive a 1.7% per-year service-credit benefit for the first 20 years of your service and 1% for each year of your service thereafter.

For example, if you worked 26 years under FERS as an agent, you would receive (20 x 1.7%) + (6 x 1%) = 40% of your High-3.

You will receive service credit for each year and each whole month of service from your combined work history, military-time purchase(s), civilian service credit purchase(s) and unused sick leave. Your High-3 includes Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO) and Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) [up to the 25% level] and “locality-based comparability payments” (i.e. locality pay). Locality pay certainly makes your High-3 “higher,” but it has no direct effect on your retirement annuity amount. It’s not like your retirement annuity will be higher just because you retired from Houston or San Francisco. Of course, if you were in one of these high-locality areas for three years, the benefit of the locality pay is already built into your High-3 salary.

All High-3 calculations exclude foreign-post and non-foreign-post differentials, night differential, holiday pay, scheduled overtime, bonus pay, all “allowances” such as the “Danger Pay Allowance” paid pursuant to 5 USC 5928; and just about everything else. The High-3 is a weighted-average calculation. If you were at your highest salary for only one month when you retired, that only counts for 1/36th of the High-3. I can’t stress this enough. The High-3 does not have to be the last 36 months of service. It is a period of 36 consecutive months of service where your pay was the highest. Your High-3 is computed on the pay that you received where a FERS retirement deduction was taken.

Can I Purchase Military Service Credit?

Military Service Deposits: Former honorable military time is creditable under FERS, but a deposit must be made to your agency to “buy” those years of service into FERS. This time counts at the 1% per-year-of service rate. Buying back military-service time into FERS can be a complex task and should be done with the assistance of a human-resources specialist at your agency.

There are two components to this deposit: 1) A fee based upon the percentage of the total military base pay and, 2) An interest charge if the service deposit is made after the three-year grace period.

The cost of buying back the service is a set percentage (usually 3%) multiplied by your base pay earned from your military service. The applicable interest rates vary from year to year and interest charges continue to accrue until the payment is made. For example, if you earned $100,000 in pay from military service, the approximate fee is $3,000 plus the compounded applicable annual interest charge for the years elapsed since the service was completed. If the service-credit deposit is made within two years and 364 days of beginning employment under FERS, there is no interest charge. After retirement, you cannot buy this service credit into FERS – it is forever lost. Bottom line: Do it as soon as possible – it is a great return on a small investment if you have military time. If you buy your military time back and end up separating before you retire, at age 62 (or at your MRA if you had 20 LEO years at separation), when your FERS annuity becomes payable to you, that military time will still be paid to you in your deferred annuity.

What Is The FERS Special Retirement Supplement (SRS)?

The Special Retirement Supplement (SRS) is unique to FERS. It is a payment from OPM in addition to the FERS basic-annuity payment. It is intended as a substitute for the Social Security portion of your complete FERS benefit package, from the date of retirement until the annuitant reaches age 62; the age when the annuitant becomes eligible to apply for Social Security. The SRS stops at age 62 even if the annuitant elects to delay the receipt of Social Security benefits until a later age. The SRS benefit is paid by OPM and receiving this benefit has absolutely no effect on your future Social Security benefit payments. Receiving this benefit is not an election – if the annuitant is eligible to receive it, it will be paid to him/her by OPM. This benefit is combined with the basic FERS annuity payment and deposited into your bank account as a single monthly-benefit payment.

When Am I Eligible to Retire?

Special Provisions employees are eligible to retire at:

1) Any age with 25 years of service in a special-provisions position,

2) At age 50 with 20 years of service in a special-provisions position,

3) And must retire at the end of the month in which they turn 57, unless an extension is granted, or upon accepting a non-special-provisions-covered position.

Keep in mind – I’m talking about “agent time” above. 5 years in a non-agent position and 15 years as an agent is not going to get you retired at age 50. If you retire before age 50, with 25 years or more, things are no different than if you left at age 50. Your annuity starts right away, you get COLAs right away and you can tap into the TSP using the life-expectancy option. There are no drawbacks to retiring before age 50 in regard to any FERS benefit that would not be payable until you were age 50. There are considerable consequences to TSP access if you retire before age 50 under the newly passed H.R. 2146.

Do I Receive Any Credit For My Unused Sick Leave And How Is My Service Credit Calculated?

Since January 1, 2014, FERS annuitants receive a 100% service credit for their unused sick leave. There are 2,087 hours in OPM’s work year. That means if you retire with 2,087 hours of unused sick leave, you will receive an additional year of service credit.

For example, if your High-3 was $120,000 and you worked 30 years under FERS, your FERS basic annuity will be (20 years x 1.7% per year) + (10 years x 1% per year) = 44%) x $120,000 = $52,800.

Tacking on an additional year of service from the sick leave credit would add $1,200 annually to the calculation. You must retire on an immediate annuity (one payable within 30 days of your last day at work) for unused sick leave to be counted for retirement credit. All unused sick leave accumulates at the 1% per-year rate, not 1.7%. Approximately 5.8 hours of unused sick leave equates into one day of calendar-service credit, because service credit is calculated using calendar days, not work days. For example, if you have 174 hours of unused sick leave at retirement; that equates to one additional month of service. When performing this calculation, all months have 30 days for OPM’s purposes.

How Can I Cash Out The Most Unused Annual Leave When I Retire?

At the end of the leave year, most federal employees are allowed to carry over 240 hours of annual leave from one leave year into the next ( Overseas assignments and SES members have higher limits, as do some agencies ). At the 8-hours-per-pay-period accrual rate, a senior employee earns 208 hours of annual leave per year. If you play it right, you could add the 208 earned hours ( theoretical maximum, but less in practice due to end-of-year timing, so plan on 200 ) onto the 240 hours you carried over from the previous year, giving you a potential leave balance of 440 hours by the end of the leave year. As long as you retire before the end of the leave year ( dates vary each year ), you will be paid for all 440 hours - that's more than 11 weeks' pay - not a bad way to start retirement. If you retire at year-end, and there is a pay adjustment in January, your annual leave will be paid out at the higher-adjusted rate as OPM rules require annual leave to be paid out at the rate you would have received on those hours had you stayed in service and taken the leave, including the possible January pay adjustment. Social Security and Medicare taxes are withheld from your annual leave payout. The unused annual leave hours are paid out at the rate you would have earned if you’d taken them, so AUO/LEAP and locality adjustments are included. Most pay systems also withhold taxes at the same rate as an award, approximately 25%. No TSP contribution can be made from your annual leave payout.

Resume Failures

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 02:00:47 GMT

Special Agent Resume Failures

A Reoccurring Failure Point

April 16, 2021

The leading cause of applicant disqualifications in the 1811 special agent hiring process continues to be Resume Failures. Human Resources personnel have reported up to 50% of applicants are immediately disqualified due to critical technical errors in their resume. If you feel that you are more than qualified for an 1811 position, and you have had no success getting an interview, then you are likely making critical errors in your resume submission!

The federal resume cannot be treated like a private sector resume. You must follow ALL the required instructions, otherwise you will be *immediately* disqualified from the process. Unfortunately, most 1811 special agent applicants spend more time posting on crazy forums versus shoring up their resumes to pass muster.

Here are the frequent applicant issues reported by HR dealing with 1811 applicants:

No Name on Resume
No Name on Supporting Documents
Nameless Screenshots of Transcripts
Uploaded documents NOT properly titled
Supporting documents NOT uploaded
"Skinny-Style" Resumes with insufficient detail - MAJOR CAUSE OF DISQUALIFICATION

As you can see from some of the failure points listed above, the Federal HR system is fairly unforgiving in their detailed instructions. The reality is that HR personnel get so many applicants for every vacancy announcement, they simply do not have the time to contact applicants that "forgot to put their name on resumes." HR will simply send out "Thanks but No Thanks" notices, leaving many applicants wondering why they can't get an interview even though they are minimally qualified.

As an example, a recent specialized 5-day HSI vacancy announcement for an 1811 position resulted in 5607 special agent applicants. Off the top, HR ended up immediately disqualifying approximately 2864 applicants due to resume issues. After their review, they forwarded 1,171 as best qualified for further processing. My point is that t hey simply don't have time remedy applicant mistakes.

This brings me to the most important point of this post. The barely two-page resumes will routinely guarantee applicants a pretty rejection letter. I have provided extensive information in the Hiring Advice Section of this website to assist applicants with their resumes. Do yourself a favor and thoroughly read this resume advice and drastically improve your chances of becoming a special agent! The federal 1811 special agent resume *must* be extensively detailed and should be well in excess of two pages. Job responsibilities, successes and awards should be fully explained.

For example, it is simply not enough to state that you were a detective for X amount of years at the Y police department. You should note the estimated number of homicide investigations, interviews, arrests, reports, affidavits and warrants that have been completed during your tenure. You should also highlight at least one or two of your most successful investigations.

It is also important to note HR personnel routinely undergo resume audits and if they fail to properly screen an insufficient resume; they are severely penalized! Consequently, HR personnel will only forward resumes that clearly & convincingly meet the standards for the hiring announcement.

The reality is that if an applicants resume reflects that he/she is truly qualified and clearly meets the minimum qualifications for a General Vacancy Announcement; HR personnel WILL forward said resume to the next stage of the hiring process. They are actually required to move the minimally qualified application forward! (Note: This only applies to General Vacancy Announcements)

In General - Resume "Don'ts"

Do Not list overly personal information (SSN)
Do Not use USAJobs Resume Builder to generate PDF resumes. The final formatting is awkward.
Do Not repeatedly use the word “I”
Do Not spend much space on positions older than 10 years
Do Not exaggerate job titles, accomplishments or anything else; this is illegal for federal applications.
Spell check and grammar check!
Do Not overuse acronyms
Do Not use the same resume for each position or agency*

In General - Resume "Do's"

Plan on a minimum of 10 hours work
Resume aligns with the position/agency for which you are applying
Emphasize relevant and qualified accomplishments
Include relevant awards and training
Describe experience and accomplishments in a clear and organized manner
Examples are clear, easy to follow and well organized
Your accomplishments are quantified (numbers, percentages, and timelines)
Use measurable results
Use action oriented verbs (active voice vs. passive voice)
Do not use the same verbiage in multiple examples
Revisit your resume regularly to edit
Revise your resume as you undertake new initiatives and programs
Follow all formatting instructions
For example: adhere to 1 inch margins, 12pt font, 5 page limit
Include dates and job titles
Resume is visual pleasing
White space
Format is consistent: underlining, bold, spacing
Name on all pages. Number the pages.
Maintain punctuation and capitalization standards
Write in layman’s terms
Spell out and limit the use of Acronyms
Proofread – Proofread - Proofread
Save and submit as a PDF; this has become industry standard.

I will soon write a post about KSAs or Knowledge, Skills & Abilities; which are critical to federal resumes.

Good luck to you!

Professional Liability Insurance

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 03:08:16 GMT

Professional Liability Insurance

FEDS vs. WRIGHT

If you have been in federal law enforcement for more than a day, then you have probably heard of professional liability insurance. Most special agents are familiar with either one of two companies called "FEDS"(FEDS Protection) or "Wright". These are probably the most commonly known liability insurance companies when it comes to federal law enforcement. In this current day & age I don't think we even need to have a discussion about why you should have liability insurance, consequently, we will skip the discussion to focus on which fits your requirements. In general, it is highly recommended for *every* law enforcement officer to purchase liability insurance.

To start off with let me say that currently I use FEDS(Federal Employee Defense Services) . I originally chose FEDS because it seemed like the one that most other federal law enforcement personnel I ran into were already using. It was and still is recommended by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) , so it seemed like a safe and easy choice. I was already familiar with FLEOA and had been a member so I simply decided to go with their recommendation. Also If you are a FLEOA member and choose to work with FLEOA counsel initially, FEDS will not deny your claim due to a delay of reporting. With that being said Starr Wright US A was the very first company to invent and offer federal employee liability insurance. Starr Wright USA has been around a long time, have many law enforcement clients, and are similarly well respected in the industry.

Prices & Coverage Comparison:

There are a few differences between the types of packages that FEDS and Wright offer and they are both eligible for up to 50% agency reimbursement. Both also offer LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act) coverage.

The Wright policy ( $2 Million Liability/LEOSA Coverage/$200K limit on Criminal & Admin legal fees ) has a base cost of $345 annually, including LEOSA coverage. Wright also typically offers a 10% discount if you renew within a certain timeframe.

The FEDS policy ( $2 Million Liability/$200,000 limit on Admin Legal Fees/$100,000 limit on Criminal Legal Fees ) has a base cost of $390 Annually. FEDS also offers a less expensive $1 million policy and a more expensive $3 million policy. FEDS will defend and indemnify up to the full $1, $2, or $3 million limit. LEOSA coverage is an additional $100 or $150 annually*.

*Agencies do not reimburse any LEOSA coverage costs. Also make sure that you read your policy to ensure the LEOSA coverage protects you in two ways:

Fills the LEOSA civil exposure gaps similar to the on-duty civil liability gaps if the agency makes the determination that you were acting outside of agency LEOSA authority.
And also if you were acting within your authority but found outside of scope, and/or outside the interest of the U.S. to defend in a LEOSA situation.

It is imperative that you truly understand scope and interest – how and when it applies, how and who makes these determinations, and how things have changed in the last few years. FEDS Protection will assign counsel PRIOR TO DOJ’s determination. If you are also a FLEOA member, you may use FLEOA legal counsel prior to invoking your FEDS benefits with no denial of reporting issues.

Note: Each agency has their own specific process but typically you submit a reimbursement form with the liability coverage receipt. Once processed, your 50% reimbursement (ie $167) is automatically deposited into your established payroll account

Ownership:

Another thing to consider is who owns these companies. FEDS is a US based and veteran owned liability insurance company. Wright has been around for years and started as a US based company but according to Newsweek was acquired by a Chinese company known as the Fosun Group in 2016 ( Read Articl e ). Most federal law enforcement personnel will understand why this might raise some legitimate security concerns. This review isn't meant to be an in-depth discussion regarding this point but I feel that it is worth noting, especially for special agents actively involved in the counterintelligence realm.

Endorsements:

FEDS

As I already mentioned, FEDS is endorsed by FLEOA. They are also endorsed by the Senior Executives Association, Federal Managers Association, Professional Managers Association, and The Federal Wildland Fire Service Association.*

We at the Special Agents Blog here at www.specialagents.org also highly endorse FEDS!

Wright

The Association of Customs and HSI Special Agents (ACHSIA), Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), Federal Employees Benefit Association (FEBA), National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE), US Marshals Service Association (USMSA), Association of Federal Narcotics Agents (AFNA), Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR).*

* There are other organizations not listed, that encourage their members to sign up for PLI and recommend both companies.

Both are obviously well respected companies that have worked to maintain their endorsements & reputation among this law enforcement community.

Customer Report - Wright Liability Insurance: I recently interviewed a special agent who is an active customer with Star Wright USA. In 2014, his management received a complaint from a third party agency in regards to his attitude; which his supervisor then attempted to include in his annual performance report. This special agent seamlessly filed a claim with his liability insurance, was able to get an attorney assigned within 48 hours and used the legal services to prevent the inclusion of any negative comments in his personnel file. This special agent, who is aware of the possible counterintelligence issues, continues to use Star Wright USA due to his positive experience with the claims process.

These are just a few of the factors to consider and I think either one of these companies will be a good choice. Like I said before, initially I ended up going with FEDS primarily because it seemed like the common choice at the time among the people I knew and respected. Personally, I have chosen to stay with FEDS because I think the FLEOA endorsement is a fairly good indicator of quality and because I think the U.S. ownership of the company is an important factor ( especially in this career field ).

PRO TIP: As an active FLEOA member, you also get basic legal coverage in the event of on-duty incidents ( Ideally, you would want FLEOA council assisting your private insurance attorney during a critical incident. ). FLEOA representation should be seen as a * supplement * not a * substitute * for private insurance.

If you are interested in other options and would like to learn more before making a decision; you can check out this article which mentions another three companies that offer the same product. Top 5 Providers of Professional Liability Insurance for Federal Employees.

Comments

What are your thoughts about professional liability insurance? I encourage active 1811s to share their opinions with potential applicants. ( Note: Guests can comment without a full account ).

The CIA "Agent" Myth

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 04:16:47 GMT

CIA "Agent" Myth

March 19, 2021

The media and public constantly refer to members of the Central Intelligence Agency as "CIA Agents." This is grossly misleading, amateurish and a source of annoyance for those in the profession.

Typically, when people think of the CIA, they are referring to the " Case Officers " of the Clandestine Service. These officers are primarily tasked with the identification & recruitment of foreign sources of information. These CIA " Officers " run clandestine operations to manage confidential sources and obtain valuable information in furtherance of national security objectives. In intelligence parlance, foreign sources of information are called " Agents ."

For obvious reasons highlighted in the aforementioned paragraph, it is highly insulting to call a CIA "Officer" an "Agent." By doing so, you are relegating the government civil service to the status of a foreign confidential informant.

Conversely, the federal law enforcement community ( which is very different than the intelligence apparatus ) is composed of Criminal Investigators that are titled "Special Agents," which at times is shortened to "Agent" in common usage. Referring to a "Special Agent" as an "Officer" is similarly not correct since officers in the federal law enforcement world are a completely different job series (i.e. CBP OFO, ERO, Uniform Division, etc.).

Relatedly, the CIA does indeed have an Office of Inspector General (OIG) that is comprised of a small number of criminal investigators called Special Agents. They have a limited counterintelligence mission and are indeed 1811 Special Agents. However, these agents are NOT involved in covert source operations. The CIA also has uniformed law enforcement positions in the Security Protective Service as a Police Officer. These are uniformed positions that according to the CIA "protect Agency personnel, facilities, and information through the enforcement of Federal laws and Agency Regulations, including making arrests and enforcing traffic laws."

When applying to hiring announcements in these career fields it is very important to understand the differences. Even though there are some similarities in the type of training and experience that is desired, the intelligence community is very different from the law enforcement community. Understanding these differences and knowing what you want out of your career will help you craft your resume and prepare yourself for the right job.

Knowing the different between these terms and their proper usage will serve you well during your interactions with potential employers. Do not be the applicant who makes this "fashion" mistake!

College Students

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 05:02:22 GMT

The path for College Students

I constantly get the same type of emails from various college students interested in a career as 1811 Criminal Investigators so here goes:

Step One : Read the entire page titled: Hiring Advice

Step Two : Read the entire page titled: Lifestyle & Benefits

Step Three : Read my post titled: FED Uniformed Officer Experience

Step Four : Read my post titled: Special Agent vs. Police Detective

Step Five : Read my post titled: Resume Failures

Step Six: Read my post titled: What is a 1811 Special Agent?

Step Seven: Read my post titled: Special Agent Test Prep

Step Eight: Read the full Agency Profile for at least one major agency that interests you (i.e. DEA, HSI, ATF).

Step Nine: Read my post titled: Basic Online Security for Special Agents

I ask you to first read the above material and do the hard work by helping yourself truly understand this profession. The above compilation is the most relevant, concise and organized information you will ever find about the 1811 profession. Skipping over the volumes of valuable information on this site in favor of a quick email response demonstrates poor judgment and laziness; which is not respected by law enforcement professionals of any kind and will be noticed by recruiters ( who constantly complain about this issue ).

Now that you are well on your way to earning a degree, you need to engage in activities that maximize your chances of success and get you started on a path that leads to meaningful work experience . Your combination of degree and relevant experience will make you the ideal candidate.

INTERNSHIPS : As college students, you are encouraged to immediately seek & obtain internships with federal law enforcement agencies. There are a myriad of paid and unpaid internships by most of the 1811 agencies; which I have highlighted on most of my profile pages. It is incumbent on you to "pound the pavement" and get into these internship programs. Many of these law enforcement internships will open the door for little known vacancy announcements which will obviously favor the resourceful candidate. If you are unable to get law enforcement internships, I would urge you to consider other federal government related internship programs (i.e. CIA, DIA, State Dept.); which offer the benefit of having a fantastic internship on your resume and WILL help demonstrate your seriousness as a working government professional. In case you are wondering, high school internships are not applicable BUT they do look good on your resume and demonstrate progressive levels of responsibility.

RESUME : Your resume must be detailed and a minimum of 2-3 pages. List everything you have accomplished to include high school sports/clubs, internships, college activities & awards and jobs. The more detail you give; the more likely your resume will pass the sufficiency needed by HR to forward to agency recruiters.

COLLEGE JOBS : I encourage all college students to seek and obtain college jobs at their State, Local or Federal law enforcement agencies. Getting an entry level job (i .e. community service officer OR student assistant ) with government agencies will go far in building your network, resume and future prospects in law enforcement.

GRADUATE DEGREE : If you have your heart set on a graduate degree and have the finances worked out; then you should do this by all means. It will absolutely help your competitiveness as a future 1811 applicant and there are excellent programs out there (i.e. Forensics, MPA). However, don't do this just to be competitive for a criminal investigator application; do this only because it is something that you personally want for yourself. There are lots of idiots on various forums who advise applicants to "get a law degree" and claim that is the *only* way to get an 1811 job ( which is obviously preposterous ). I bring all of this up because there is a chance that you could apply during your senior undergraduate year for an 1811 job and might get selected OR you could simply get the relevant work experience by obtaining a uniformed position (which will also help you become similarly competitive). Basically, get the master's degree because you want one and yes; it will provide value in the future . Personally, I have a master's degree and it has indeed helped me move to the front of the applicant line.

ENTRY LEVEL 1811 POSITIONS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS : In FY 2021, the United States Secret Service (USSS) is aggressively recruiting college graduates who meet their requirements & selection process. Why you ask? Mostly due to the extensive amount of travel required for continuous protective service operations; which get tiresome for older agents that have families. This gives you, the young college student, a great opportunity. Additionally, there are a plethora of federal agencies that routinely post vacancies geared toward college students ( i.e. "Pathways Program" or "Palace Acquire") or pipelines for college students with high GPAs, Americorps Service or specialized skills (i.e. language, computers). Again, you must put in the work and research to find them. Agencies change their recruiting programs all the time and I encourage you all to routinely visit the agency website that interests you the most to get real-time updates. I am constantly amazed that students go on forums and expect others to send them job announcements; this demonstrates a staggering amount of laziness & those types of applicants likely won't get far.

OTHER LEO OR FEDERAL JOBS : It is always an option (as I have discussed in the posts) to get a job as a uniformed federal law enforcement officer or local/state police officer. There are upsides and downsides for this route. Just remember, it is your COMBINATION of degree and law enforcement experience that will best qualify you for entry level 1811 vacancies. Having the law enforcement experience without the degree will put you at a disadvantage unless you have extensively worked as a detective; which is a position that can take years to obtain. I would also highly encourage college students to check out positions such as the FBI Surveillance Team, Air & Marine Operations - Aviation Enforcement Agents, Federal Air Marshals, U.S. Probation Officer Assistants, Inspection; the possibilities are endless and all will offer fantastic & unique experiences that slightly differ from the uniform law enforcement route (search for these positions in USA Jobs or on agency websites).

Now after reading the information above, if you still truly have questions; please feel free to send me an email and I will do my best to respond in a timely manner. Try demonstrating some of your "soft skills" in your emails; which many of the young applicants seem to lack. Finally, do not compare yourself to anyone else on those crazy forums ( which are full of bitter applicant rejects ); your circumstances & talents are unique and if you work hard; you will become a special agent.

Good luck.

Special Agent Hierarchy

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 18:45:06 GMT

Special Agent Ranks and Hierarchy

March 7, 2021

Like any organization Special Agents have their own organizational hierarchy that might be confusing to those outside of the federal law enforcement community. While the title "Special Agent" exists across the ranks of these organizations, there are titles that signify different positions and supervisory roles. If you are not clear on what exactly a "Special Agent" is within the federal government, you can read about it here .

While there are differences, most 1811 or Special Agent agencies will have a variation of the hierarchy represented below. Unlike the standard police department structure, special agent ranks exhibit a unique hierarchy that reflects the specific demands and complexities of federal law enforcement.

Below is a representation of ranks and typical pay grades:

Special Agent ( GS 5 - GS 13 )

Supervisory Special Agent ( SSA ) or Group Supervisor or Resident Agent in Charge ( GS-14 )

Assistant Special Agent in Charge ( GS-15 )

Deputy Assistant Special Agent in Charge ( GS-15 )

Special Agent in Charge or SAIC/SAC ( GS-15 OR Senior Executive Service )

Special Agents: Every field level criminal investigator, regardless of their years of service, is simply known as a "Special Agent." Whether you are a brand new academy graduate or a senior investigator with 20 years on the job, this basic description is attributed to the working men and women that make cases happen. Special Agents are essentially the street level "detectives" of the federal law enforcement community.

Supervisory Special Agents (SSA) or Group Supervisors (GS) : The first line supervisors are typically in the GS-14 range and have some variety in titles based on their locations. In a typical office with several investigative "Groups" or "Squads" ( FBI ranks specific ), Supervisory Special Agents (SSA) or Group Supervisors (GS) run an investigative unit of 5-10 special agents. When comparing this position to State and Local police departments, the GS-14 is analogous to a "Sergeant." HSI and the FBI now routinely use the SSA management title.

However, at a small office where the first-line supervisor is also the highest ranking manager, they ( GS-14 Supervisors ) are given the title of Resident Agent in Charge ( RAC ); which also comes with more authority and responsibilities ( i.e. analogous to a Lieutenant ). An office run by a RAC is typically called the "RAC Office."

Assistant Special Agent in Charge : The second-line supervisors are known as Assistant Special Agents in Charge (GS-15) or ASAC; and are responsible for managing several groups ( typically 3-5 investigative units ). These ASAC positions are equivalent to Lieutenant and Captain billets within State and Local agencies. An office where the ASAC is the highest ranking manager in charge, is typically called the "ASAC Office."

Deputy Assistant Special Agent in Charge : The third-line supervisor is called a Deputy Assistant Special Agent in Charge (DSAC) and reports directly to the Special Agent in Charge (SAC or SAIC). DSACs ( also typically GS-15 ) are often responsible for enforcing discipline and executing SAC orders. The DSAC is essentially the "Deputy Chief," when compared to State and Locals.

Special Agent in Charge : The highest ranking criminal investigator in each region is the Special Agent in Charge (SAC or SAIC). The SAC is the equivalent to the Chief of Police and runs all the sub-offices in his area. A typical SAC may be in charge of 100-200 personnel within 10+ offices located throughout a wide geographic area ( i.e. 20+ counties ). The "SAC Office" is the controlling location for all sub offices in the assigned geographic region. The SAC reports directly to officials at their respective agencies in Washington DC.

Most large agencies (i.e. DEA , HSI , FBI , ATF , etc.) have some sort of a formal testing, interview and selection process for initial promotions from Special Agent ( Field ) to Supervisory Special Agent ( Management ). The smaller agencies typically only have an interview selection process. FBI Ranks, ASAC DEA, ASAC FBI

"Homeland Security" Agent

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 21:26:53 GMT

"Homeland Security Agent"

March 5, 2021

There are several law enforcement agencies located within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that share branding, which can make identification among the public a bit difficult. This also routinely results in applicants that understandably confuse uniformed officer positions (i.e. 1801) for special agent positions (1811).

Many uniformed law enforcement agencies (ie marked federal police officers) often wear patches or lettering that state "Homeland Security" and are sometimes confusingly referred to by the media as "Homeland Security Agents' since they are indeed "agents" of the federal government. Additionally, 1811's do not exclusively own the term "agent" within the federal law enforcement community and it is entirely appropriate (as well as common practice) for, as an example, federal officers from the United States Probation Office (Judicial Branch) to identify themselves as "federal agents." To make things additionally murky, although Border Patrol Agents are members of a uniform service, they too are "Agents" of the federal government (again, not to be confused with special agents).

The Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) routinely participate in visibility patrols throughout transportation hubs (i.e. airports, train stations, bus stops) and wear branding that states "Department of Homeland Security" & "Police" ( See image above ). The Federal Protective Service (FPS) and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) also have this "DHS" type branding throughout their uniforms. These are not special agents but various types of federal law enforcement officers with DHS.

The primary investigative agency within DHS is Homeland Security Investigations ( HSI ), which is located within Immigration & Customs Enforcement ( See HSI Profile ). HSI is primarily composed of special agents that conduct criminal investigations analogous to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF). The second largest 1811 agency within DHS is the U.S. Secret Service ( See USSS Profile ); which is now primarily focused on Protective Service Operations.

Most of the time , criminal investigations & related arrests featured in the media that involve "Homeland Security Agents" are often a reference to HSI or Homeland Security Investigations. To add to the confusion, many HSI Special Agents routinely wear patches during operations that state "POLICE" & "HSI," in order to ensure they are readily recognized as law enforcement.

Now, if the referenced agency is a uniformed law enforcement entity, it can be any number of agencies (i.e. CBP, FPS, etc.). Figuring out who is who involves knowing their core mission. For example, if the incident involved damage to federal buildings, FPS is likely the "Homeland Security" agency being referenced (since they deal with the security of federal facilities).

Not to make things more confusing, but DHS also has a small number of special agents assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and even Transportation Security Agency (TSA). These agents typically deal with internal employee misconduct and procurement fraud related cases; and are rarely in the public eye.

The most important takeaway is that "Homeland Security" is not actually the name of a specific agency but has rather become a shorthand reference to several different agencies located within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Clear as mud!

Which is truly the "oldest" federal agency?

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 05:54:43 GMT

Which is truly the "oldest" federal agency?

February 14, 2021

The U.S Marshals and Postal Postal Inspectors have both publicly, shamelessly and repeatedly attempted to claim the title of the "oldest" federal agency. Many HSI Special Agents have also been known to similarly throw down in the mix with their own boasts of U.S. Customs historical precedence. Of course it is understandable why all are attempting to claim this trophy as the legacy title helps with their branding, prestige and public awareness campaigns. The reality is a bit more complicated and for the purposes of this analysis I will stick to the 1811 Criminal Investigator agencies.

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) traces its origins to the Judiciary Act of 1789, which created the Federal Judiciary (i.e. Supreme Court), and among other things, the position of United States Marshal for each district. In addition to courts summons, the first deputy U.S. Marshals had a number of odd functions. These early Marshals were entrusted to pay the fees and expenses of the court clerks, U.S. Attorneys, jurors and witnesses. They even rented the courtrooms & jail space and hired the bailiffs & janitors. The modern national USMS as it stands today was constituted in 1969 to provide uniform guidance and assistance to U.S. Marshals throughout the federal judicial districts, and offer a consistent umbrella for the service.

The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) can trace its origins to the establishment of the "Surveyor" position in 1772. Under the colonial postal system, then Postmaster General Benjamin Franklin created the new position of "Surveyor" to handle regulating Post Office and auditing postal accounts. Surveyors became the first Postal Inspectors, and were also required to investigate thefts of mail or postal funds, often committed by a rider, innkeeper, or other person entrusted with the US Mail. On August 7, 1775, Benjamin Franklin authorized a total of $170.00 for to carry out the duties of the first "Surveyors," consequently August 7 is recognized as the "birthday" of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. In 1801, the title of "surveyor" was changed to Special Agent and later rebranded as "U.S. Postal Inspectors."

Relatedly, the Tariff Act of 1789 authorized the collection of duties and imports, and subsequently the United States Customs Service (July 31, 1789). However, the historical record appears unclear as to when exactly U.S. Customs actually began employing federal law enforcement officers. First confirmed indications point to the early 19th century. Over the years, the U.S. Customs Service has undergone a number of changes with the investigative units now merged with legacy Immigration & Naturalization to form Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Out of all three contenders, U.S. Customs ( now HS I ) is clearly in third place. Even though the U.S. Customs Service was technically established before the position of United States Marshal, it is relatively unclear when they began employing investigators. Relatedly, the accomplishments of the U.S. Marshals are legendary and commendable throughout history, however, there is little to no doubt they were established in 1789. By this time, the Postal "Surveyors" were well on their way to investigating and enforcing mail related federal statutes. The United States Postal Inspection Service was formally established by 1775 and has continuously and uniformly operated under that original charter, in contrast to both the U.S. Customs Service and the U.S. Marshals Service.

The verdict is clear. The United States Postal Inspection Service is the oldest continuous 1811 federal law enforcement agency in the USA.

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FBI Profiler

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 03:28:14 GMT

FBI Profiler or Criminal Profiler

January 28, 2021

The media and online landscape is full of utterly fraudulent information about the purported "FBI Profiler" or "Criminal Profiler" position. Since my Special Agent Blog deals with reality and I am trying to provide accurate, realistic and useful information for criminal investigator applicants, I must regretfully inform you of the following hard truth:

There is NO SUCH thing as a criminal profiler per se , even though Hollywood has continued to perpetuate this crazy myth! You can search USA Jobs until you get carpal tunnel syndrome and will never see a vacancy announcement for "FBI Profiler," EVER!! In fact, the most sure-fire way to lose credibility as an applicant is to tell a special agent recruiter that you want to be a "profiler."

There are indeed a limited number of positions within the FBI at the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime ( Behavioral Analysis Uni t) but they are based on statistical research & analysis, not psychic flashes; and often primarily staffed by very senior PHD level federal employees. Additionally, there is a very small cadre of special agents from FBI and ATF that are assigned to the Behavioral Analysis Uni t or BAU to provide national support for investigations involving bombings, arson, mass murders and other unsolved serial cases & even non-violent investigations. These senior level special agent billets reflect the .0001% of the available special agent positions and require extensive career experience prior to consideration for assignment. This unit is the closest thing to the mythical "profiler" but their job is more akin statistical research, training, best policy practices, and case support (does that sound exciting to you?). And oh yeah, your chances of making it there as a special agent are beyond remote.

If you think you can get hired by the FBI and get assigned to the BAU because you are *so* "passionate, qualified, or special," then I must additionally inform you of the following: The FBI is a federal bureaucracy that hires new special agents to be just that: SPECIAL AGENTS . This is a federal law enforcement position that will require you to contribute to the primary mission of the FBI which involves National Security, Counterintelligence, Major Fraud & other General Crimes. As a new FBI Special Agent you would be one of 14,000 special agents and among the most inexperienced. As a special agent trainee, you will likely execute this mission by doing as your told, conducting surveillances, documenting investigative data on reports, drafting and executing search warrants and testifying in court, etc. At this stage in your nascent career, you are more likely to accidentally end up on the International Space Station than at the BAU. Yes, the idea of YOU; Mr/Mrs. Nobody Special Agent ending up as one of the small cadre of experienced special agents at the Behavioral Analysis Unit is that preposterous.

Now, if the career of an FBI Special Agent interests you ( all that federal law enforcement stuff ), you put in your dues for a minimum of 10-15 years; and you are miraculously one of the top criminal investigators in the country with several successful high profile cases, then maybe.. .just maybe , you might have an opportunity to get reassigned to the BAU at Quantico. If after all that hard work you miraculously make it to the BAU at Quantico, your days will involve statistical reviews, case file analysis, revision of training programs and on occasion, field level support . Notice how I did not mention a private jet, psychic flashes or chasing endless serial killers across the country on a moments notice....

Now, there have been a number of trainees who joined the FBI thinking that one day they would "work their way" to becoming "FBI Profilers" at the BAU, only to realize that it was a virtual pipe dream. These folks didn't really like the basic job description of a special agent and only treated it as a means to an end. Additionally, many of these "profiler" wannabes simply did not understand the government bureaucracy. As special agents we see these types of applicants all the time and they are often dismissed as lacking a foundation in reality.

Case in point, Bryanna Fox. She was actually a PHD Graduate that worked as a Visiting Research Fellow at the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit for several years. She went on to join the FBI as a Special Agent and worked as a street agent in Las Vegas, NV, just like any regular probationary agent for the next 14 months. She was likely assigned to Las Vegas, NV, as that was one of the only slots available to her based on her class ranking . Then she simply quit after experimenting as an FBI special agent for 14 months. Even with her PHD credentials and specialized experience at the BAU as a researcher, she did not get assigned to Quantico! At some point she probably realized that nobody was going to tap her on the shoulder and ask her to run off on a private jet with the Deputy Director to solve some mysterious serial killing ( Note: This is pure comedic conjecture on my part as I have no idea what led to her departure from the FBI) . She is now an assistant professor who is routinely marketed by the media as an "FBI Profiler," which is obviously beyond inaccurate; since I just explained to you that there is no such thing as an "FBI Profiler."

Look, I enjoy Hollywood for its entertainment value. However, it must be noted that they take some concepts to the exaggerated extreme which tend to develop inaccurate perceptions of reality among the public. For example, Mindhunters is a fantastically entertaining series on Netflix; but the majority of the depictions are grossly inaccurate; but that is OK since a TV show is meant to entertain not inform. You should not be watching Mindhunters thinking, "thats what its like to be an FBI agent." For accurate information you are welcome to keep researching this blog.

At this point, you must be wondering why then do so many TV shows, movies, internet articles and news reports disproportionately focus on this "mythical" FBI Profiler position. Unfortunately, due to the large amount of public attention that the term "FBI Profiler" has received, many ex-agents peddling books or other commercial services have similarly adopted this phrase, even though it is grossly inaccurate. The simple truth is that they are all making money off of gullible people and this true crime genre. Yes, selling the "FBI Profiler" myth is extremely profitable as it sells ad revenue and generates website traffic. Additionally, many of these career sites are inputting these short BS articles about the "FBI Profiler" position, getting thousands of "hits," and then letting that segway into regurgitated information about the Special Agent application process. This has created the inaccurate perception among applicants who are doing their due diligence research online; that there is indeed such a profiler position available; when in reality that is far from accurate. If you come across a website that markets the position of "FBI Profiler" or "Criminal Profiler," I urge to you leave immediately and never return to that entire site again as they likely peddle in garbage.

If you are truly interested in becoming an 1811 federal law enforcement officer and find all my agency profile pages byond interesting; then you should indeed apply to become a Special Agent for the FBI or any other agency that you find interesting. If however, you want to "get in the mind of a serial killer," go get a PHD in the relevant field, apply to be a researcher at a university and then maybe land a job at the BAU at the FBI. That is much more realistic path than applying to a special agent vacancy in order to become an "FBI Profiler."

I sincerely apologize for killing this Santa Claus.

What is a 1811 Special Agent?

Sat, 23 Jan 2021 23:27:21 GMT

What is a 1811 Special Agent?

January 23, 2021

What is the job series & description of an 1811 Special Agent

An 1811 or special agent is a plain clothed investigator within the U.S. Government. Special Agents have the statutory authority to carry firearms, conduct searches & seizures, and make arrests. 1811s work for a number of federal law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and United States Secret Service (USSS). Even though the hiring preferences and missions vary greatly among these agencies, their 1811 series provides a common framework in training and authorities. In analogous terms, the patrol officer employed by the New York Police Department has similar job responsibilities (i.e. traffic, service calls, medical response) to an officer working for the Waco Police Department; even though their day-to-day environment may vastly differ.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has categorized the criminal investigator job within the 1800 series of the “Administrative Work in the Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance Group” and in typical bureaucratic fashion, assigned it the specific designation “1811” for pay & qualification purposes. Any individual who holds this series position is characteristically referred to as a “Special Agent,” (with limited exceptions) and within the federal law enforcement community, the term “1811” is a common colloquial descriptor. It is extremely important for all hopefuls to become familiar with the phrase “1811” and understand how it relates to their sought-after position.

The basic terminology surrounding the Criminal Investigator (CI) profession is very unique and distinct to other federal law enforcement positions. Confusing a special agent with other federal law enforcement professions is as a rookie mistake and one that is not made among the criminal investigator ranks. Special Agents are acutely aware of the distinctive nature of their position and are proud of their hard-fought status among other federal law enforcement agents. Confusing the two is like confusing a doctor with a physician’s assistant, although both are medical professionals and wear similar white coats, there is a distinct difference in the requirements and internal hierarchy.

The Criminal Investigator position is undoubtedly among the most prestigious and sought-after federal law enforcement occupations within the United States. Federal criminal investigators have been at the forefront of historical events throughout our history and the first Special Agents (SA) can trace their origins to the founding of the constitution. From the devastating to the infamous, special agents have been repeatedly called upon to keep our nation safe, dismantle some of the worst criminal organizations in history and instill our faith in a competent, well-trained and incorruptible workforce of dedicated public servants. Whether it be a terrorist attack at the Oklahoma City federal building, the successful manhunt of cartel leader “El Chapo” Guzman, the uncovering of the infamous swindler Charles Ponzi or the protection of our most important elected officials; special agents of the United States government are expected to perform their duties without fail, day or night. The mythology behind the criminal investigator position has been well exploited by Hollywood, yet few truly understand what it takes to successfully pursue a lifelong career in this unique endeavor. The best criminal investigators are indeed intelligent, relentless and skillful risk-takers who share a common dedication to morality and public service.

The pay for 1811s is determined by the OPM General Series (GS) chart. Entry level criminal investigators can be hired anywhere between the GS 5 – 10 pay band. The pay rate for each band has a built-in geographic variance, meaning a GS-5 in New York city will make significantly more than the same GS-5 stationed in Scottsdale, AZ. What makes the criminal investigator pay so different from every other federal law enforcement occupation in the country is that 1811s receive an additional 25% on top of their salary in order to be available during irregular or unscheduled hours. This premium is known as the Law Enforcement Availability Pay or LEAP. Relatedly, the entry level pay varies from agency to agency and is also dependent on the applicant’s preexisting education and skills. Virtually all special agents have a journeyman pay band of GS-13; which means they can progress to this pay band so long as they continue to meet all requirements. In order to progress beyond GS-13, a special agent must promote to a management position, which typically start at GS-14.

1811 Criminal Investigators are usually but not always referred to as “Special Agents” by the various federal agencies and there can be a significant discrepancy in the actual job title. For example, 1811 Criminal Investigators within the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) refer to themselves as Postal Inspectors. Relatedly, the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) refers to its domestically assigned 1811’s as special agents, however foreign posted criminal investigators are called Regional Security Officers. Even more confusingly, the United States Marshals Service (USMS), which refers to all its law enforcement officers as Deputy U.S. Marshals (DUSM); uniquely hires all new deputies in the “GS-0082” series, however, they are later given the opportunity to convert to the 1811 series. The most important thing to remember is that the “true” criminal investigator is categorized in the 1811 series and is primarily a non-uniformed plain clothes position.

Given the size and visible presence of the uniformed federal law enforcement community, it is common for members of the public to conflate the uniformed series or all federal agents with 1811s. For example, the United States Border Patrol (BP) is primarily a unformed agency composed of Border Patrol Agents (BPA). However, BP does have some plainclothes investigators that further develop cases originating from the patrol division. Although these investigators deal with federal crimes, they are not 1811s but rather uniformed BP Agents (1895 series) working a plainclothes detail. To further complicate things, some agencies have both an 1811 and a uniform (1801) division such as the United States Secret Service (USSS). 1811’s assigned to the investigative & protective units are called special agents, whereas 1801 officers are members of the Uniformed Division. Remember, any federal law enforcement officer is a “federal agent,” however, only 1811s are criminal investigators or special agents.

For those hoping to be 1811s, the list of available agencies is vast and varied. From the famously depicted Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to the relatively obscure Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); there a number of distinct options to choose from, each with its own mission, culture and unique hiring requirements. Applicants should try to match their skills with an agency where they are most likely to succeed. For example, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has a hiring program that allows for applicants with substantial investigative experience to advance as the most qualified and often contains academy classes with predominantly prior law enforcement candidates. In contrast, the FBI has allocated pools of hiring categories (ie. Legal, Accounting, Language) and may limit its law enforcement candidates in order to cultivate a more skills diversified academy class. Consequently, if you are a detective with extensive years of investigative experience, your chances of making it through the hiring process with HSI are significantly better than with the FBI. Conversely, if you speak a fluent foreign language (i.e. Chinese or Russian), you have an above average chance of quickly advancing through the application process with the FBI since they specifically seek out such applicants to help with their counterintelligence mission. The same candidate with this specialized language skills would get no automatic preference with the HSI hiring program.

The two major 1811 federal agencies are the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The next largest comprise of the United States Secret Service (USSS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (CI). The third tier (although not in the pejorative) become more obscure to the public due to their smaller sizes and limited jurisdictions. These organizations typically include the Military Criminal Investigative Services, the various Office of Inspector Generals (OIGs) and a hodgepodge of virtual unknowns such as the Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), U.S. Department of the Interior – Indian Affairs – Office of Justice services, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Office of Law Enforcement.

The job series & description of an 1811 Special Agent references the overall category; however the capabilities, budget, mission and size vary greatly among the various agencies. Each offer unique upsides and drawbacks, lifestyles and career development opportunities. A person with the passion, willingness and skillset to conduct criminal investigations related to narcotics should strongly consider a career with the DEA; just know that they have a difficult fitness test, routinely work irregular hours and are considered among the best in executing wiretap operations. Similarly, if you have an interest in extensive travel, prefer protective service operations over complex investigations and want regular opportunities for overtime pay, consider the U.S. Secret Service; just know that many married USSS special agents find work-life balance difficult in this agency due to their operations centered mission. Conversely, if you want to travel all over the world, Diplomatic Security Service could be the place for you as they have offices in virtually every embassy & consulate in the world. The career & life you will have in each agency is extremely varied in nature, despite the similar 1811 position series. Some folks want to work on an aircraft carrier one day; they should consider a career with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), which offers an agent afloat program. Others get seasick the minute they hit the water and consequently should avoid applying to NCIS at all costs. That is why it is important to learn not only where you can maximize your chances for success but what agency is best suited for your personality, skillset and individual preferences; to avoid being disappointed upon arrival at your first assignment.

My Special Agent Interview Experience

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 03:10:55 GMT

The Interview Experience

January 19, 2021

I applied to several 1811 agencies in order to maximize my chances for success; consequently I completed the Panel Interview process for DEA, DSS, FBI, and HSI. The panel interview process was (and still is) the typical format for most 1811 agencies. Below is a summary of my experiences, keeping in mind confidentiality requirements:

DEA Interview Panel - 2010

I completed my DEA interview at a mid-sized office in a major city. I arrived *exactly* on time as they had requested and wore a neutral colored suit. A few minutes later, my DEA applicant coordinator escorted me to an awaiting panel of three special agents. I greeted all members of the panel and we conducted brief name introductions. The interviewing special agents comprised of an Assistant Special Agent in Charge (GS-15), a Supervisory Special Agent (GS-14) and a Senior Special Agent (GS-13). Once seated, the panel asked a number of open ended questions that you would expect to be asked in a typical interview (i.e., Experience, Motivation for joining Law Enforcement, Problem Solving). Several follow up questions were also asked by the panel in an attempt to further explore my responses. Towards the end, I was given an opportunity to ask my own questions and or disclose any issues relevant to hiring. Based on the panel's questions, it was clear they were interested in my physical fitness, communication skills, professionalism, maturity level, and aptitude for law enforcement work. The interview lasted approximately 45 minutes and upon conclusion, I was asked to wait in the lobby. Approximately five minutes later my applicant coordinator came back to the lobby and informed me I had passed my interview and would be starting the evaluation phase (Polygraph, Background, Fitness Test, etc.). I appreciated the immediate results and promptly exited the building so they could deal with the next candidate.

HSI Interview Panel - 2010

The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) interview was scheduled via email by the local office Human Resources point of contact at a major city office. I arrived at the office in a neutral suit and made contact with the HR representative. After a brief greeting, the HR person escorted me to the interview panel where an Assistant Special Agent (GS-15) and two Supervisory Special Agents (GS-14) were waiting around a conference table. After brief greetings, I was asked to sit down to start the interview. The format was a structured scenario based interview that required no prior knowledge of law enforcement. The interviewers described a number of scenarios and gauged my response to various situations. It was clear they were judging me based on my maturity, critical thinking skills and general aptitude for law enforcement type work. I was not asked any personal or open ended follow up questions. Upon conclusion of the interview, I was escorted back to HR and informed the results would be communicated via email. Approximately two weeks later, I received email notification of a passing score.

FBI Panel - 2010

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) was scheduled by my applicant coordinator and held in a major city outside my state (Note: FBI paid for my flight and hotel). The panel interview was conducted at the same hotel where we were housed. I was escorted by an Human Resources representative to a room that had a panel of three special agents. The agents asked both structured interview and open ended questions. They appeared to be judging me based on my maturity, life experience and critical thinking skills. The interviewers asked several questions about my educational background, specialized skills and work experience. Upon conclusion of the panel, I was escorted out of the room and back to the HR representative. I was informed that I would be notified by my local applicant coordinator sometime later. Approximately two weeks later, my applicant coordinator called and informed me I had passed the interview process.

As you can see from my above described experiences, none of the interviews are particularly complicated, mysterious or even difficult IF you are a PREPARED applicant. They are just like ANY other job interview; your chances of success are entirely dependent on your own preparation, professional demeanor and attitude.

Some Interview Advice from HR

Avoid Rookie Mistakes

Regardless of the agency or the jurisdiction (federal, state, local), the tips to help you succeed in law enforcement interviews are fairly simple & universal. The below advice will help you avoid the typical mistakes made by applicants:

Arrive on time but not too early (Arriving early can cause logistical headaches for HR.).
Expect the possibility that you will be screened for weapons (Some facilities have mandatory screening). Do NOT bring weapons of any kind, even if you are a current law enforcement officer.
Dress in a neutral suit (both in color and design). Law enforcement is a professional and conservative environment.
Do not wear excessive cologne/perfume as this can get annoying for the panel after several interviews.
Be prepared to know the agency's mission, leadership and general history.
Be prepared to answer yes to all mandatory job requirements (i.e. carrying a firearm, mobility).
Fully integrate your education, special skills and work experience into your answers.
Clean/Shine your shoes.
Cover up all tattoos. Similarly, men should remove all distracting jewelry.
Wear your hair in a neutral fashion.
Groom your nails in a presentable manner.
Wear a neutral colored tie.
Listen to the question, think and then answer!
Do NOT attempt to use "law enforcement" lingo in your responses.
Honestly disclose all information when asked.

Before the Interview

Research the organization
Compare your skills and qualifications to the job requirements (Technical Qualifications/KSAs)
Study your application package and know what’s in it
Prepare/practice responding using the Challenge, Context Action Results ( CCAR) method.
Do mock interviews
Know yourself – be prepared to discuss strengths and weakness
Plan what to wear
Plan what to bring (your application; list of accomplishments)

During the Interview

Remain attentive through the process
Maintain proper posture
LISTEN to the question that is being asked
Pause before responding to a question – take the time to organize your thoughts
Remember Challenge-Context-Action-Results
Pay attention to non-verbal communication
Acknowledge all panel members during the interview
Don’t be too familiar with panel members
Monitor your time

Remember, the panel wants you to succeed!

For those that are interested in additional information, I would suggest the below book ( Boost Your Interview IQ ) from a well known industry author. I personally read the book as part of my due diligence review process and can attest that the information is accurate, helpful and informative.

Federal Law Enforcement Acronym Guide

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 02:53:02 GMT

The 1811 Acronym Guide

January 19, 2021

This has been a compilation project. Below is a list of common Acronyms used in discussions related to federal law enforcement and federal employment.

082: Entry-level, non-investigative U.S. Deputy Marshal

083: Uniformed federal LEO job series

171: Standard Form 171 employment application

1801 – General Inspection, Investigation, and Compliance Series (to include FAMs)

1802 – Compliance Inspection and Support Series

1810 – General Investigating Series

1811 – Criminal Investigator Series (often titled “special agent” )

1815 – Air Safety Investigating Series

1816 – Immigration Inspection Series

1822 – Mine Safety and Health Series

1825 – Aviation Safety Series

1850 – Agricultural Commodity Warehouse Examining Series

1854 – Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Inspection Series

1862 – Consumer Safety Inspection Series

1863 – Food Inspection Series

1864 – Public Health Quarantine Inspection Series

1881 – Customs and Border Protection Interdiction Series

1884 – Customs Patrol Officer Series

1889 – Import Specialist Series

1890 – Customs Inspection Series

1894 – Customs Entry and Liquidating Series

1895 – Customs and Border Protection (CBPO) Series

1896 – Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Series

612: Optional Form 612 employment application

6c: Refers to special retirement provisions for federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, air

traffic controllers and military reserve technicians. Also referred to as Public Law 100-238 or

5 U.S.C. 8336(C), as well as 5 USC 8412(d) or 12(d), which extends the special retirement

provisions under 6(c) to folks covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System

(FERS).

AC: Applicant Coordinator

AD: Assistant Director

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act

ADP: Automatic Data Processing

AEO: Aviation Enforcement Officer

AFIS: Automated Fingerprint Identification System

AFOSI: Air Force Office of Special Investigations

AFSD: Assistant Federal Security Director (see FAMS and TSA)

AG: Attorney General

ALI: Automatic Location Indicator

AMO: Office of Air and Marine Operations

AMTRAK: National Railroad Passenger Corporation

ANI: Automatic Number Indicator

AP: Law Enforcement Availability Pay

APP: Employment Application

APPS: Employment Applications

A/RSO-I: Assistant Regional Security Officer – Investigator (DSS)

AS: Assistant Secretary

ASAC/ASAIC: Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge

ASVAB: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

ATF: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives

AT/FP: Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection

ATSAC/ATSAIC: Assistant to the Special Agent-in-Charge

AUO: Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime

AUSA: Assistant United States Attorney

BATF: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (see ATF)

BCBP: Bureau of Customs and Border Protection

BEP: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

BEX: Board of Examiners (see DS)

BI: Background Investigation

BIA: Bureau of Indian Affairs

BICE: Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (see ICE)

BIS: Bureau of Industry and Security (formerly BXA)

BLM: Bureau of Land Management

BOP: Federal Bureau of Prisons

BORSTAR: Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team

BORTAC: Border Patrol Tactical Unit

BP: U.S. Border Patrol

BPA: Border Patrol Agent

BXA: Bureau of Export Administration (See BIS)

CAP: Comprehensive Application Packet

CBP: U.S. Customs & Border Protection

CBPO: Customs & Border Protection Officer

CDD: Career Development Division (Postal Inspection Service)

CFR: Code of Federal Regulations

CFTC: U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission

CGIS: Coast Guard Investigative Service

CI: Criminal Investigator

CI: Counterintelligence

CI: U.S. Customs Inspector

CIA: Central Intelligence Agency

CID: Criminal Investigation Division

CIDC: U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command

CITP: Criminal Investigator Training Program (FLETC)

CONUS: Continental United States

CT: Counterterrorism

CTC: Counterterrorism Center (CIA)

CTR: Currency Transaction Report

DCI: Director of Central Intelligence

DCIA: Defense Logistics Agency Criminal Investigations Activity

DCIS: Defense Criminal Investigative Service

DD: District Director, Deputy Director

DD214: Certification of military discharge/separation

DEA: Drug Enforcement Administration

DEO: Detention Enforcement Officer

DHS: Department of Homeland Security

DIA: Defense Intelligence Agency

DNI: Director of National Intelligence

DOC: U.S. Department of Commerce

DOD: U.S. Department of Defense

DODPI: DOD Polygraph Institute (agency that trains federal polygraphers)

DOE: U.S. Department of Energy

DOI: U.S. Department of the Interior

DOJ: U.S. Department of Justice

DOL: U.S. Department of Labor

DoS: U.S. Department of State

DOT: U.S. Department of Transportation (also see TREAS)

DPS: Defense Protective Service

DQ: Disqualified, Disqualification

DRO: Detention and Removal Operations (ICE)

DS: Bureau of Diplomatic Security (State Dept). See also DSS.

DSS: Diplomatic Security Service (State Dept). See also DS.

DSS: Defense Security Service (Defense Dept.)

DT: Defensive Tactics

DTI: Defensive Tactics Instructor

DUSM: Deputy U.S. Marshal

EEOC: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

FAA: Federal Aviation Administration

FAM: Federal Air Marshal

FAMS: Federal Air Marshals Service

FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation (also referred to as the Bureau for short)

FCI: Foreign Counterintelligence

FCO: Federal Corrections Officer

FDA: Food and Drug Administration

FECA: Federal Employees Compensation Act

FED: Federal, Federal Government, Federal Agent/Officer

Feebs: FBI (or its personnel/agents)

FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency

FI: Field Interview

FINCEN: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

FLE: Federal Law Enforcement

FLEO: Federal Law Enforcement Officer

FLEOA: Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association

FLETC: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

FLSA: Fair Labor Standards Act

FNS: Food and Nutrition Service (USDA)

FOIA: Freedom of Information Act

FPL: Full Performance Level

FPS: Federal Protective Service

FSD: Federal Security Director (FAMS/TSA)

FSI: Foreign Service Institute (Training Location for DoS)

FSIS: Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA)

FWS: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

GAO: U.S. General Accounting Office

GS: General Schedule

GS-0007: Federal Correctional Officer job series

GS-0025: Federal Park Ranger job series

GS-0080: Federal Security Administration job series

GS-0083: Federal Police Officer job series

GS-0132: Federal Intelligence job series

GS-1801: General Inspection/Investigation/Compliance

GS-1802: Federal Compliance Inspection job series

GS-1810: Federal General Investigating job series

GS-1811: Federal Criminal Investigator job series

GS-1812: Federal Game Law Enforcement job series

GS-1816: Federal Immigration Inspector job series

GS-1854: Federal Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms Inspection Series

GS-1890: Federal Customs Inspector job series

GS-1896: Federal Border Patrol Agent job series

GSA: General Services Administration

HHS: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HIDTA: High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

HIFCA: High Intensity Financial Crime Area

HQ: Headquarters

HR: Human Resources

HRT: Hostage Rescue Team (FBI’s national SWAT-like unit)

HUD: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

IA: Investigative Assistant

ICE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

ICTAP: Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program

IEA: Immigration Enforcement Agent

IG: Inspector General / Office of Inspector General (OIG)

IGBTP: Inspector General Basic Training Program

II: Immigration Inspector

IIO: Immigration Information Officer

ILEA: International Law Enforcement Academy

IMF: International Monetary Fund

INS: U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service

INTEL: Intelligence

INTERPOL: International Criminal Police Organization

IOBTC: Immigration Officer Basic Training Program

IRS: Internal Revenue Service

IS: Investigative Specialist (FBI)

JAG: Judge Advocate General

JTTF: Joint Terrorism Task Force (headed by FBI with other agencies/depts.)

KSA: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

LE: Law Enforcement

LEAP: Law Enforcement Availability Pay

My Special Agent Academy Experience

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 02:20:58 GMT

My Academy Experience

January 19, 2021

There is always a certain amount of anxiety when preparing to attend an 1811 academy. That is normal! Preparation for your academy starts with carefully reading the orientation packet. Each agency has different policies & procedures for their trainees.

Overview & Location

Preparation for your academy means carefully reading the orientation packet. Each agency has different policies, orientation procedures and guidelines for their trainees. Virtually every 1811 academy is a live-in training program. Expect to stay at the facility for the entire duration of the academy with regular breaks on weekends and federal holidays. In general, trainees are not allowed to take any leave during the academy, nor are they allowed to depart the commuting area; limited exceptions are only granted in extenuating circumstances (i.e. funeral or immediate family wedding).

Expect to be issued a general uniform, basic training gear, and IT equipment upon arrival at the academy. The locations and accommodations vary by agency and time-frame. The FBI & DEA appear to assign a shared dorm room where-as FLETC CITP based academies typically provide single-occupancy military billeting style rooms; all fully furnished.

Most 1811 agencies (i.e. Secret Service, ATF, DSS, HSI, OIG) are located at Glynco, Georgia and involve the completion of the initial 3 month Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and a respective agency follow-on academy (usually an additional 3 months). Some like HSI & ATF continue their add-on Academy program at FLETC Georgia; whereas others such as the Secret Service and Diplomatic Security Service arrange to complete their follow-on at a facility near Washington, DC. There are a few agencies that run completely in-house academy programs located at Quantico, VA, ( DEA & FBI ) and FLETC Maryland ( USPIS ).

Academy Environment

Good news, the 1811 academy environment is not set up to fail candidates. Remember, the respective agencies have invested a serious amount of time and financial resources to recruit, vet and select a crop of 24-30 special agent trainees, consequently they want candidates to succeed. Having said that, the cadre expect their trainees to be physically fit, professional, apply themselves, learn from the training and pass all required academic & practical exams.

Most 1811 training programs are NOT stress academies (That is not to say they cannot be stressful.) and their training programs mirror their mission areas. In general, you will be given an orientation, issued the required coursework, provided a schedule and expected to give 100% for all activities. The agencies all have some similarities in their curriculum (i.e. firearms, defensive driving, tactics, case law) but the second half typically focuses on their specialized area. For example, expect Secret Service to focus heavily on Protective Service Operations; whereas HSI candidates will begin specializing in Custom & Immigration related criminal laws. Conversely, DEA candidate will extensively train for clandestine drug labs, whereas FBI trainees often focus on counter-intelligence. Again, the respective mission areas provide insight into training focus.

Now some agencies (a minority) still prefer the stress model but it again varies. DEA is likely the most stressful 1811 academy and they keep up the boot camp atmosphere throughout their program. Conversely, DSS tends to step up the stress during their follow on portion as it concerns dangerous overseas environments. Other agencies such as HSI treat their academies as the "big-boy/girl" program throughout the duration. Regardless of the academy model, remember that you are being watched and evaluated by ALL instructors at ALL times both ON and OFF duty.

Pro Tips

Remember, you are at a federal law enforcement academy and must successfully complete all aspects in order to continue your hard-fought employment. Consequently, I would advise all future special agents to stop wasting time developing a checklist of creature comforts (Note: You are not being deployed to a combat zone nor are you held hostage. There is a department store near every single academy.) and instead focus preparation on what is important in your nascent careers. The academy is a government-run training environment; always be mindful of that fact.

First and foremost, ensure you can pass the fitness test with flying colors. Unfortunately, instructors have reported year after year that trainees routinely fail the initial fitness assessment test at the academies; which will usually earn trainees an automatic return ticket home to their old life and a place in the unemployment line (No exceptions). If you come physically prepared with a "warrior mindset," you will be ready for any academy experience.

Secondly, learn from all those before you that have failed. In general the academy "rejects" tend to be those that get in trouble off duty (i.e. DUI, Bar Fights), bomb a practical exam (i.e. firearms test, handcuffing test) or fail an academic or fitness test. The best way to avoid such outcomes is to use your brain and spend your free time studying/practicing your weak areas.

Lastly, academies are all about your attitude. Every academy curriculum is designed for trainees that have ZERO law enforcement experience and are based on the "crawl, walk, run" philosophy. If you come in with a good attitude, are willing to learn and apply yourself; you will be the ideal graduate. Conversely, if you come in as the "know-it-all" blow hard from XYZ police department, military branch or college; expect increased scrutiny from instructors who would rather not have you on their real life arrest team. A nail will always get hammered.

The 1811 academies are designed & structured for success but it is just as easy for the wrong candidates to fail out or get selected for failure.

My Academy Experience

I completed the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the ICE Special Agent Training Program (Now HSI SAT) in early 2010s. This was my second 1811 and third federal law enforcement academy (prior military). I chose HSI because they gave me my preferred location in advance. My class consisted of 80% prior law enforcement candidates and 6 additional prior 1811s (DEA, USPIS, OIG) who had similarly made the switch to HSI. The average starting age was early to mid 30s.

As HSI candidates (class of 24), we arrived a day early at FLETC in order to have the HSI only orientation in full business attire. This basically involved the senior HSI cadre setting their expectations for trainees since they would not see us again until after our completion of CITP (We did however have an assigned HSI mentor throughout the duration, who facilitated administrative issues, schedule changes, gear, etc.). The following day we were introduced to the remaining portion of our CITP class; which included trainees from various OIGs, FDA, BLM and Pentagon Force Protection Agency.

The CITP portion was relatively fast moving and eventually became a grind. A typical day was 10+ hours and often involved firearms, tactics, academics & defensive driving; all back to back with minimum time for lunch. As a prior 1811, I did not find it particularly stressful but the schedule did take up the majority of our time and energy. Eventually, the repetitive sequence of classroom exams, fitness courses, practical tests (ie handcuffing, OC), and final firearms qualifications built up to an exercise; which involved a mock case that required my assigned team to conduct surveillance & an undercover operation; followed by a mock search warrant and subject interview. In general, CITP instructors were detailed from a variety of backgrounds (i.e. HSI, NCIS, DSS, State & Local) and were fully supportive of students in a professional learning environment.

Immediately following completion of CITP, we said goodby to our non-HSI classmates and started our agency add-on (Now called HSI SAT). This portion was staffed exclusively by HSI special agents and focused on HSI standards, procedures, and mission areas. Trainees were now required to learn and pass the HSI firearms and defensive tactics program. Additionally, HSI also mandated regular physical fitness classes (although the official fitness test was not in place at that time). A significant bulk of our time was spent learning about Customs & Immigration related investigations (some of which were incredibly complex), since that is HSI's primary area of expertise. Additionally, HSI cadre constantly watched candidates to evaluate our attitudes and professionalism. Although our entire class graduated, we were made aware early on that three trainees were kicked out of the previous academy; a warning that obviously did not go unheeded. We did have four students that struggled with the firearms qualifications and the required obstacle course; they took the initiative and asked instructors for additional help, which they received and subsequently passed with flying colors.

The FLETC campus in Georgia is by far the largest law enforcement training center (1600 + acres) in the world and is amazing in size and scope. It includes 26+ firearm ranges, 16+ driving courses, a 34 building mock neighborhood (built 2013), and a three acre physical techniques complex (including several fitness facilities). The campus is also shared by numerous non-1811 federal agencies (to include FAMs, ERO, CBP, etc.). It takes a few days to get oriented to FLETC and the *wrong* dorm location can easily cost you an extra 10 minutes of walking time; many chose bikes to get around (I did not).

I did not bring my vehicle and was able to manage just fine by planning my errands and developing good friendships among my classmates. In general, when my classmates with vehicles (typically from the East Coast) went to run errands, they would invite along folks such as myself. Similarly, I always received invites to join others for dinner or drinks on weekends. On a few federal holidays, some of us managed trips to various sites in Florida and South Carolina. All in all, I did not find the need to have a vehicle; especially given the scarce parking and strict rules which prohibit basic trainees from driving to class.

At the end of the six months, I must admit to being thoroughly exhausted by the live-in academy training environment and ready to get back to a normal life. The upside was that I had six months of savings in my pocket, a badge & gun; and the enviable job title of Special Agent. Well worth the trouble.

For those interested in learning more about the differences in the Academy experiences, check out this below YouTube Video.

I am NOT an FBI Agent!

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 03:23:11 GMT

I am NOT an FBI Agent!

January 13, 2021

Although gratuitously covered by the media & Hollywood, few among the general public are aware that the FBI, although the largest, is only one of many federal law enforcement organizations comprised of 1811 Criminal Investigators. Many of these other federal agencies are much older than the FBI and some even date back to the constitution. The FBI itself is an entity that was reorganized, re-named, publicized and zealously guarded by it mercurial first directer, J. Edgar Hoover (Director 1924-1972); a controversial & politically powerful historical figure. Many applicants become infatuated with the FBI due to no other reason other than their oversized presence in movies and television shows.

In reality, if you are interested becoming a Special Agent for the FBI; then you should also consider similar 1811 Special Agent (Criminal Investigator) positions within the ATF, DEA, DSS, HSI, USPIS, OSI, etc.

Think of it this way, if you were interested in becoming a doctor; would you only apply for a position as a doctor with John Hopkins University? Why wouldn't you apply for the same medical job with Stanford, or UCLA, or the Mayo Clinic? When you limit your knowledge & application to the FBI, you are similarly limiting your choices & chances for success .

Since the FBI gets the most press & is the largest 1811 agency, they also tend to get the most number of applicants. Consequently, your chances of obtaining a special agent position are lower due to the increased amount of competition and resultantly will take longer due to the processing time. Now compare the FBI (which has roughly 14K special agents) with the second largest 1811 agency, HSI or Homeland Security Investigations (which has approx. 8,700 special agents). Although HSI is approx. 62% in size; it receives significantly less applicants in comparison due to their low profile with the public. Not only would your chances of getting selected as an HSI Special Agent be higher but, unknown to most, HSI actually has broader authority than the FBI.

The positives and benefits at each federal agency vary due to a number of factors (i.e. lifestyle, jurisdiction). You should carefully research ALL the 1811 agencies and find out what compliments your skills and personal goals. A career with the Secret Service is very different than a career with the DEA or even ATF. Similarly, you should understand the true career path of an FBI special agent; many new special agents routinely quit within the first 2-5 years due to an unrealistic expectation of the organization ( fostered by years hollywood fiction ). Some of these lesser known agencies offer exciting opportunities, immense job satisfaction and much more nimble bureaucratic structures.

There are many advantages to being an 1811 with the FBI, name recognition is chief among them, along with resources & funding. However, ATF special agents are proud of their focus on violent street crime and DEA special agents love their subject matter expertise in narcotics. Many law enforcement officers are uninterested in counterintelligence or fraud (which is a big part of the FBI's investigative portfolio) and perhaps may favor DSS or the Secret Service due to their protective service mission.

In a way, being an FBI special agent vs. an ATF special agent is like comparing a helicopter pilot with a fighter pilot; both are indeed pilots but their jobs junctions and perceived status with the public can vary dramatically.

Do not take this post as an attempt to disparage or diminish the important work of my fellow FBI special agents. I have routinely worked cases with and developed close friendships with FBI special agents; and at the end of day, we are all fellow federal law enforcement officers trying to successfully do a tough job. This is simply an attempt to make applicants aware of all the other options available to them and take advantage of fantastic 1811 opportunities that are relatively hidden to the public. That is why I have spent a significant amount of time creating agency profiles and linking relevant content so everyone can learn about the various agencies that are available to you as career options.

Federal Uniformed Officer Experience

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 00:19:46 GMT

FED Uniformed LEO Experience

January 3, 2021

If you are committed to becoming an 1811 Special Agent AND you are a recent college graduate, you might be wondering why a single federal investigative agency is not giving you an invitation to the interview process. This is likely because you currently lack substantive work experience . There are many ways to obtain that substantive work experience but working a part-time job in retail is not going to contribute towards this goal.

Now I find that topics like this constantly get confused and conflated by various online warriors and rejected applicants who generally have no experience in the matter. I will try to explain as clearly and concisely as possible. As always, I am speaking in generalities and there are always exceptions to the rule or scenario.

If you have NO college degree ( and don't intend to obtain one ) and are trying to qualify as an 1811, then your best shot is to substitute the degree for investigative experience at a State or Local agence (i.e. as a detective). This pathway is allowable for SOME but NOT all federal investigative agencies. Now if you are a veteran and don't have a degree, then you may similarly be able to qualify under a Veterans Hiring Preference Vacancy Announcement for some (but NOT all) agencies, or conversely apply for a military special agent position within your service (i.e. OSI, CGIS, Army CID, etc.). Then there are other candidates who may be able to qualify and quickly get moved to the front of the line based on specialized skills ( i.e. Lawyers, CPAs, Language, Pilots, etc. ).

For all others, who are trying to qualify based on their degree and work experience, you are my target audience for this discussion.

As a college graduate ( who is NOT in any of the specific categories specified above ) who is committed to becoming a special agent, one of the quickest ways to gain substantive experience is to join a uniformed federal law enforcement agency ( i.e. Federal Protective Service, ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations, Customs & Border Protection, Secret Service Uniformed Police, U.S. Park Police, Border Patrol, Bureau of Prisons, etc .) that uses the federal law enforcement retirement system. Here is my rationale for this potential path:

Benefit 1: You instantly stop the clock on the 37 1/2 maximum age ceiling. This may not seem like a big deal if your young but many candidates have been disqualified because they made the 1811 career decision much later in life. As a college graduate, the uniformed services will give you an instant opportunity with many options to advance in pay & responsibilities.

Benefit 2: You instantly start your creditable federal law enforcement years of service towards the 20 year retirement. For example, let's say you started working as a Uniformed Officer for the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) at age 23 and stayed there for five years. Let's then assume that your dream 1811 gig with DEA finally happened and you subsequently started the DEA academy at age 28. This means that you are now eligible to retire at age 48; because with your accumulated 25 years of federal law enforcement service you can retire instantly (Normally, you have to wait until at least age 50 & need a minimum of 20 years of service). Since you started into the federal law enforcement system at a younger age, you will accumulate more years. Let's flip this around a bit (Scenario 2) and say you started with DEA at age 28 with NO prior federal LEO experience; in this second scenario you would only have 20 years of retirement pension coverage at age 48 and would need to wait until age 50 to become retirement eligible. Even then, at age 50 you would only have 22 years of covered service whereas in Scenario 1 you would have accumulated 27 years.

Benefit 3: You get to make early pre-tax contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP); which is analogous to a 401K. Making full TSP contributions are vital to having a future in which you retire with dignity (unless you are independently wealthy). If you make the annual max contribution of approximately $19,000, you would be missing on close to $100k in contributions over five years; which could be close to a half a million in capital gains over your career. As an example, if you put in $400 a month towards the TSP; not only does that reduce your taxable income, the government will match the amount into your retirement account with their own $400 (meaning you get $800 in total contributions).

Benefit 4: You progress in the pay band system which helps increase your starting salary as a new special agent. For example, let's say you worked for the Secret Service Uniformed Division for five years and progressed to GS-10 with a hypothetical salary of 100K. Now let's assume you obtained an entry level 1811 special agent slot with HSI (which range from GS 7-9). You will likely be given a starting pay band of GS-9 and then maxed out (example $90K) to get as close to your original 100K GS-10 pay as possible. This is obviously much better than starting as a GS-7 with a starting pay of $75K (example). Additionally, as a maxed out GS-9 you will get bigger increases in your salary and progress to GS-13 at a quicker rate; and will likely make up that pay difference in a year! This does not routinely happen for State & Locals that become 1811s. Many police detectives often times find it difficult to leave for 1811 positions due the massive pay cut they would need to take; this would not be a major issue for a uniformed federal LEO.

There are obviously some downsides to this option as well. The Uniformed Federal Police agencies generally have limited geographical jurisdictions or authorities, often have routine or unexciting work, have restrictive discretion and very top-heavy management structures. I want to make this clear, with limited exception ( i.e Border Patrol ), most of the unformed police services do not engage in "true" police work in the traditional sense ( i.e. responding to 911 calls ). For example, Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) Officers generally guard the entrances, check IDs, deal with internal calls and conduct limited patrols within areas owned by the Pentagon. This scenario obviously varies among the uniformed services but I just want to dispel the notion that federal uniformed police work is *identical* to State & Local. Anyone who is a uniformed officer ( i.e. Federal Protective Service ) will always have significantly less authority, variety and discretion in comparison to a State or Local law enforcement officer.

There is also the possibility that you may never get offered an 1811 position and are now stuck in your "starter" agency. Just sitting in a uniform agency will not get you a Special Agent slot, you must be willing to get into advanced programmatic areas in order to obtain qualifying experience (i.e. intelligence, investigations, forensics, explosives, etc.). This is the number one mistake that I see among federal uniformed applicants that apply; they often think that a degree and three years of "uniform" experience will be enough. I am here to tell you that this is a surefire method to get a rejection notice.

There is obviously no single way to obtain creditable work experience and everybody has a different personal situation. In general, I find many applicants with degrees that seem to repeatedly post this type of question are not aware of the benefits of starting in the federal system. I hope this post at least clarifies some of the myths about this path.

Here are some of my recommended test prep guides to help you get ready for the different federal uniformed positions. Passing the entry level exam is a crucial first step in your career; take it seriously!

Give the Special Agents Blog a Like on Facebook!

Special Agent vs Police Detective

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 03:22:02 GMT

Special Agent vs. Police Detective

January 1, 2021

The position of Special Agent (Federal 1811 Criminal Investigator) vs. that of a Police Detective (State or Local) are somewhat similar and dissimilar at the same time.

In general, anyone who joins a state or local law enforcement agency (i.e. Sheriffs, Police, State Trooper, etc.) must first put in significant time as a patrol officer or deputy sheriff before they can potentially promote to the position of detective. This means shift work, patrol or jail duty and years of "proving" yourself for a detective position; which are highly coveted and competitive. During this timeframe, you will also likely have to deal with comparatively lower pay in relation to the feds, however, many are able to work overtime to make up the difference. Additionally, the budgets, capabilities and investigative jurisdictions will also impact your experience. A police officer is limited to municipality, a deputy sheriff is limited to a county and a trooper is limited to their state. A large police department (i.e. LAPD or NYPD) is likely to have specialty units and better funded equipment; whereas a smaller department could barely have functioning copy machines. The range is extremely wide and no two departments are identical. Generally, State & Local police departments can arrest people for a litany of crimes within their geographical jurisdictions and typically process their cases much faster. Detectives are experts about their local area and must deal with a wide range of criminal categories in their geographical regions.

Federal law enforcement agencies can similarly vary in size, capabilities and jurisdiction (although in a different way). First of all, the majority of special agents (with limited exceptions) are on a similar pay & retirement system; this means that two GS 13 ATF & FBI special agents assigned to New York get paid exactly the same. Additionally, a special agent starts off in a position that is functionally equivalent to a plainclothes detective; there is no "putting in your dues" in patrol. In terms of jurisdiction, special agents enforce comparatively fewer laws, however, they apply uniformly throughout the United States and their operational mission tends to extend worldwide. The two largest 1811 agencies (FBI & HSI) have significantly more investigators, federal jurisdiction, resources and career opportunities (i.e. temporary duties, educational programs, specialty programs) than the mid-sized agencies (DEA, Secret Service, ATF, UPIS, DEA). Relatedly, the smallest agencies (i.e. FDA OCI, OIGs, BLM) may only consist of a couple hundred agents, narrow jurisdictions (i.e. FDA is somewhat limited to crimes involving pharmaceuticals & food manufacturing), and have severely limited operational funds.

There is no easy answer to this comparison and one is not better than the other; just different. In general, the feds will be better paid, have a lower caseload and more opportunities to travel. Conversely, the State & Locals typically enjoy high levels of esprit-de-corps, investigate more crimes against persons (i.e. homicides, robbery), can regularly earn overtime pay and have to deal with less paperwork.

Hope this helps!

Special Agent 1811 Hiring

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 19:49:22 GMT

1811 Hiring in 2021

December 27, 2020

It has never been a better time to apply for an 1811 Special Agent (SA) vacancy. The major agencies are either continuously hiring or routinely posting vacancy announcements. You can apply to some or all of them; disqualification or lack of a response from one (i.e. ATF) has no bearing on your eligibility to apply to another (i.e. OSI). And oh yeah, TAKE THE FIRST 1811 JOB OFFERED!

Currently, the FBI & Secret Service have moved to a continuous vacancy model on USA Jobs. Others such as HSI, DEA and ATF are also regularly hiring but they require a bit of legwork to navigate the process. Either way, the Internet has now made it more easier than ever to find those postings and apply.

Remember, EVERYBODY applies to the FBI since they are the largest, most visible and well publicized federal agency in the world. Additionally, the FBI uses an Excepted Service hiring process, which they have used to obtain specialized skills (i.e. language, aviation, accounting) and bifurcate the process. Conversely, the second largest 1811 agency is Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a relatively unknown investigative division within Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). If you have the skills to be a competitive applicant with the FBI, then you are similarly competitive with HSI; the difference would be that you are more likely to progress quicker with the latter due to their smaller applicant pool.

Of course, this type of advice is not a science and if you have your hearts set on being an "FBI Agent," then by all means keep trying your " reach " agency. Unfortunately, I have repeatedly met applicants who are waiting for that call from the FBI; not understanding it will never come. Conversely, had they applied to the DEA or ATF, they would likely have already have been successfully employed as Special Agents.

I once had a good personal friend (a cop with masters degree) who was finishing the hiring process with the FBI at age 36. During this timeframe, I encouraged him to simultaneously apply for a Direct Hire announcement with HSI (which offers location at the onset and is a fast tracked process) just in case the FBI did not give him a final offer; he declined. My friend was committed to the idea of becoming an "FBI Agent" and fulfilling a childhood dream; he was convinced that the recruiter would call him any day with an academy date. Unfortunately, a few months before ageing out, the FBI declined to hire him due to a perceived issue with his law enforcement record (which I thought was b.s.). Had my friend concurrently applied to HSI, he would have had a second shot with a completely separate agency. Now that my buddy has aged out (above age 37 1/2) he has no chance of becoming a special agent with ANY federal law enforcement agency and routinely regrets his decision to put all his eggs in one basket.

Most people don't appear to have any idea why they want to become "FBI Agents" other than the fact they have seen the FBI heroically portrayed onscreen over the years (Yes, this branding is intentional & ingenious work by FBI HQ). Applicants often don't appear to understand that Special Agents work for a number of federal agencies with similar opportunities and important investigative missions. Think of it this way: If you want to become a doctor, and did not get a job at Stanford; would you turn down a position at UC Davis? I sincerely hope your answer is in the negative. I myself applied to the FBI, DEA and HSI. I advanced with all three agencies, however, HSI offered me a position and my preferred location one month before I got the call from DEA. I took the academy slot with HSI and was halfway through the academy when FBI called with a final offer; which I politely declined. At that point, I was thankful to HSI for the opportunity, saw their incredible mission and realized it was a great fit for my personality; not to mention I already got my first choice office! To this day, I have never regretted my choice to stick with HSI.

I am also going to let you in on a little secret. Many people employed by the other major federal agencies (i.e. ATF, HSI, Secret Service, DEA) would NEVER leave their respective positions simply to be in the employment of the "FBI." Special Agents from various organizations are just as proud of their own storied histories and accomplishments, and most couldn't care less about the lack of media attention. Undoubtedly , the FBI brand is well developed & recognized, however, it also comes with a number of administrative burdens not carried by other feds.

However , sometimes special agents do voluntarily switch agencies due to family events, personal growth or preferential geographic locations. It is not uncommon for a Secret Service SA to lateral over to HSI; or for an FBI SA to lateral to an Office of Inspector General (OIG) slot. As you get older, your personal life & preferences will become more important than the needs of a faceless government entity or the three letters on your badge. Like a doctor working at several hospitals throughout their career, once you become an 1811, the opportunities to switch agencies will routinely be available to help further your own personal goals.

Legal Update

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 03:00:43 GMT

Legal Update

December 15, 2020

A recent federal court ruling determined 18 U.S.C. - Section 1114, which criminalizes the killing of an officer or employee of the United States, does not apply extraterritorially. With the support of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), H.R.6864 - Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila Federal Law Enforcement Protection Act has been introduced in Congress. Check for updates on the FLEOA or the Official Congress websites.

H.R. 5698 - Protect and Serve Act is still in Congress. This resolution makes it a federal crime to knowingly assault a law enforcement officer causing serious bodily injury. Track its progress here .

H.R. 4540 - Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act. Although a work in progress, one of the established goals is to protect the private information of public employees. Track its progress here .

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Informer Magazine and Georgia LEO are a great resource for updated information pertaining to law enforcement legal issues. I encourage all law enforcement officers to stay current on case law.

Feds in Unmarked Vans

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 03:51:14 GMT

The Unmarked Cars Debate

December 3, 2020

In mid-2020, a number of news outlets made several sensational accusations related to the use of unmarked police vehicles by federal law enforcement officers. In one particular occasion, much "hoopla" was given to an incident in which two marked federal agents exit a minivan and detained a suspected rioter. This unfortunate hysteria, in somes cases perpetuated by seemingly reputable media outlets, has successfully spread disinformation among the general public.

First and foremost, for anyone that can read English , the use of unmarked law enforcement vehicles is a recognized, legal, and necessary law enforcement tool. Imagine if police detectives could only conduct surveillance of homicide suspects in marked police cars; we would never catch murderers at large! Similarly, virtually ALL 1811 special agents are assigned unmarked law enforcement vehicles, which they are authorized to use for any required operations (i.e. search warrants, arrests, surveillance, felony car stops, etc.). It is entirely legally appropriate for federal agents to detain a person while exiting from an unmarked vehicle; something I personally have done several times in my career in order to detain or arrest suspects.

Secondly, federal agents can make arrests for federal violations at ANY location within the United States & its territories. To imply that their authority was limited to the federal courthouse property was idiotic at best.

Third, the apprehending officers had no obligation to verbally engage with other protestors; who obviously were there to antagonize and escalate the situation.

Finally, the arresting officers clearly wore yellow "POLICE" marking tapes and were immediately identifiable as law enforcement officers to any reasonable person ( Video ). To label them as the "gestapo" or "secret police" is disingenuous at best and more analogous to foilhead theories of the "deep-state."

This again appears to be the ongoing politicization of federal law enforcement, which results in great harm to our civic institutions. I urge all to look at the facts and perhaps seek advice from a professional law enforcement officer on such a topic before rushing to judgment.

Special Agent Morale

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 01:25:06 GMT

Morale Among 1811 Special Agents

December 3, 2020

Unfortunately, 2020 has culminated a number of issues negatively impacting morale among federal law enforcement officers. Agencies such as the ATF, FBI, and ICE-HSI have been punching bags for political operatives on both sides of the aisle; especially when it furthers their political agenda. The public has forgotten their basic civics lessons, laws are passed by the Legislative Branch & must be enforced by the Executive. If you don't like immigration, firearms or political corruption laws; feel free to vote out your congressional representative. Accusing special agents of being the "deep state" or comparing them to "Nazi stormtroopers" demonstrates comical ignorance of the U.S. constitution.

Although the 1811 profession has not collectively done a deep dive into the situation compared to their Police Officer counterparts ( 2018 Police Workforce Study ), anecdotally, there does appear to be some fallout. The FBI reported that although overall applications for the special agent profession have regained traction (32,000 in 2019), they are still not even close to the high in 2009 of 68,500. Relatedly, special agents that are retirement eligible at 20 years are now more likely than ever to punch out with a pension & start a new career. Those with the least amount of experience and seniority are now remaining in a profession that lacks significant mentorship ranks.

Special Agents of the U.S. Government are consummate professionals, well trained and collectively bring unmatched levels of investigative capabilities. They are loyal public servants who take an oath to uphold the constitution. 1811s will continue to do their jobs to the best of their abilities, in spite of the current landscape.

Special Agents Blog Introduction

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 23:21:21 GMT

SA BLOG INTRO

December 2, 2020

My Special Agent blog website started off as just an idea in 2008. I started to notice a number of garbage sites peddling useless information to potential 1811 applicants, mostly in the hopes of making a quick buck. I also realized there was an absence of a central repository of information pertaining to the 1811 - Criminal Investigator position. Thus was born the idea of a website dedicated to the Special Agent profession. Of course, I had the idea but clearly lacked the requisite website building skills. My first attempt using "blog.com" was an unmitigated disaster and resulted in digital junk. However, it did lay down an outline for future site project. Eventually the web development tools became more and more user friendly. One day I noticed a "website" for life purchase ad and quickly bought the site on the off chance it could work. It took another two years of trial and error before the basic SA Blog site finally went online in early 2020.

I have turned my site into a clearinghouse of ALL information related to the 1811 federal law enforcement agencies. Additionally, since this is not a government run site, I can include informative and entertaining content such as videos, news articles and links to relevant books. There are currently many other professions ( i.e. uniform officers, doctors, lawyers ) that have similar sites but SA Blog is committed to leading in unique content, variety and scale.

I thank all who have found my site, taken advantage of my content and contributed to its success. Good luck to all past, current and future special agents!

1811 SA Blog

Is Crossing the Border Illegally a Crime

Myths About Immigration Law

Is Crossing the Border Illegally a Crime?

Data Removal Services

Data Removal Services

by pentester.com

Use Promo code SPECIALAGENTS at sign up

January 26, 2026 ﻿

The 1811

The 1811

November 29, 2025

Murder of Kiki Camarena

Torture and Murder of DEA Special Agent

Kiki Camarena by Mexican Cartels

September 27, 2025

Trouble at the US Secret Service

Real Trouble at the U.S. Secret Service

November 1, 2024

Retirement Planning

Retirement Planning

Vital For Your Future

March 24, 2024

No Kings, No Kooks

NO KINGS, NO KOOKS

Confessions of a National Security Agent

March 9, 2024

Sound of Freedom, Fact or Fiction?

Sound of Freedom, Fact or Fiction?

February 24, 2024

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Opportunities

Health Savings Accounts & HDHPs

Here's to HSAs for a long life!

( Don't Worry, Explanation Below )

A Well-Equipped G-Ride

Good Agents Answer Their Phone

Good Agents Answer Their Phone

So you want to be an IRS Special Agent?

So you want to be an IRS Special Agent?

So you want to be a Diplomatic Security Service Agent?

So you want to be a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent?

True North Concepts Modular Holster Adaptor

Battle Belt Holster Adaptor

True North Concepts Modular Holster Adaptor ﻿

Background Investigation

Top Secret Background Investigation

1811 Special Agent Position

The Kore Essentials Battle Belt

Kore Essentials Battle Belt

Pathways Internship

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

Pathways Internship Program

Special Agent Fitness

Special Agent Fitness

Myths About Law Enforcement

Common Law Enforcement Myths

Basic Security Tips for ALL Special Agents

Basic Online Security for Special Agents

So you want to be a Secret Service agent?

So you want to be a Secret Service agent?

Advice for Junior Agents

Some Advice for Junior Special Agents

High School to Special Agent

From High School to Special Agent

So you want to be an HSI Agent?

So you want to be an HSI Special Agent?

Why I became a Special Agent?

Why I became a Special Agent?

So you want to be an FBI Agent?

So you want to be an FBI Special Agent?

Why You Should Join your Special Agent Association

Officer to Special Agent

Transitioning from Police Officer to Special Agent

Special Agent Test Prep

Special Agent Test Prep

Retirement Financial Questions

Retirement FAQs

Resume Failures

Special Agent Resume Failures

January 26, 2026

True North Concepts Modular Holster Adaptor