BOP Hiring Process

[Mcc2318]

I just submited my ap for BOP, how long does it take before you get a response, what are the steps, and what is FLETC like?

[dgroth123]

I'd like to know this info too, I am looking at the Milan, MI Facility. Does anyone know what the job forecast looks for this facility??

[Patrio72]

Can anyone shed some light on the hiring process for BOP?

Patriot72

[TheKansan]

Yeah I'm curious as well, I applied for USP Leavenworth last month, yet I have gotten no response.

[LS1]

I just submited my ap for BOP, how long does it take before you get a response, what are the steps, and what is FLETC like?

Depends upon which joint you applied. According to the site, several facilities are in desperate need for COs. You'll hear from them before any other, but the BOP is a revolving door, so you never know. I lucked-out; I got hired within 2-3 months of my application. Some guys have waited for years to work at my joint.

If your application is picked, you go in for an initial interview. They ask you about your experiences and conduct a preliminary background and suitability check. If you meet the suitability standards, you come back for a video-based test and writing sample. If you complete that, you come back for a panel interview with at least three panelists who will ask you for your responses to several pre-written scenarios. If you pass that, you come back for medical. Provided everything checks out (background, medical, etc.), you get an EOD date and attend a two week course called "Institutional Familiarization", which introduces you to the Bureau and "prepares" you for work with the BOP. So in other words, if you have no experience in corrections, they throw you the keys.

FLETC is a laugh. It's only 3-weeks and is supposed to "prepare" you for work in the FBOP. There, you will be administered the PT test, which consists of a 1/4-mile run-and-cuff (2:30 time limit), a 100-lbs. dummy drag (back-and-forth for 250 meters), a stair climb (complete in 7 seconds), a stair race (150 steps up-and-down with a 20-lbs. belt on), and an obstacle course (run and lock doors within 1:00). If you can tie your shoes, you can pass. You also qualify with a pistol (3, 7 yards), shotgun (25 yards), and M4 carbine rifle (50 yards). You take three tests and must score 70% or higher. If you score 90% or higher and score high on the firearms, you get awarded with "Honor Grad" and get a cash bonus and a plaque. It's impossible to fail this course. It's designed for everyone to pass. Nobody has failed in a decade. The hardest part is the margarita hangovers.

I'd like to know this info too, I am looking at the Milan, MI Facility. Does anyone know what the job forecast looks for this facility??

Milan is a pretty relaxed facility. Don't hold your breath. It's what we call a "Homesteader Joint", meaning it's too comfortable and people don't like to leave. But hell, apply anyway. You never know.

Yeah I'm curious as well, I applied for USP Leavenworth last month, yet I have gotten no response.

Same thing as above; there hasn't been a rookie there in 6 years according to my colleagues from that facility.

Let me give it to you straight; I wouldn't become a CO with the BOP. Kiss your weekends and holidays good-bye. You get mandated (forced overtime), and generally you are the bottom of the barrel Federal Government-wise. You also get the lowest pay: GL-5,6,7 non-competitively and then you compete for everything else. If you move around, the opportunities are endless. If you stay in one place; that's it, your pretty much stuck unless you move.

If I could do it all over again, I'd look into non-custody jobs: Case Manager jobs, business office, Info Tech, Recreation, Social Work, etc. Not only do these jobs pay better, but they don't get mandated, most get weekends and paid holidays off, overtime, all the awards and recognition ($$$), better shot at promotions, and they get the same LEO retirement as COs, FBI agents, etc. All the perks with none of the hassle. There are plenty of these jobs open to the public. Look into them instead.

[LS1]

This FLETC video is old, but 95% still applies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7aZa5SEXZM