CIA Security Protection Officer

[BluE~BLaZe]

Does anyone know if the CIA Security Protection Officer is a good gig? Are they armed, how much the starting salary is and if they attend FLETC?

[timtim]

I had the privlage of recieving some training from to Lt.s' SPOs' starting salary around 45k and they were semi-happy. Security related work not much exciment but job security. They are armed with arrest authority. But keep in mind its Physical Security Oriented. Hope this helps.

[Bearcat357]

https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/view-all-jobs/security-protective-officer.html

A couple of US Park Police Officers I know did some training a while back at Langley with CIA SPOs.... Said they had a bunch of cool crap to work with but were bored out of their minds.....

Said they (USPP) was envious of the SPOs equipment.....and the SPOs were envious of USPP work......

Yes, they go to FLETC for the Mixed Basic (or whatever it's called now) and then do add on stuff at Langley.....

From what others have said on other boards, you have to apply on line (above posted linke)......then wait (Same with NSA Police). If they are interested in you, they will contact you.....

And no, there are not any SPOs on here that I know of.....and if there were....Not sure they could tell you....

[BluE~BLaZe]

Thanks bro, I've always came across the ad for that. I heard the background was pretty intense polygraph and security clearance. Are they also authorized to carry off duty and do you know if they have to turn in their equipment at the end of their tour of duty?

[BD380]

Thanks bro, I've always came across the ad for that. I heard the background was pretty intense polygraph and security clearance. Are they also authorized to carry off duty and do you know if they have to turn in their equipment at the end of their tour of duty?

They are authorized off-duty carry.

[formerNOPD]

Buddy of mine does this. He also deploys overseas often. They attend FLETC mixed basic and start as a GS 8 I believe.

Very expensive to live in the DC/NoVa area.

[Bearcat357]

Very expensive to live in the DC/NoVa area.

That's an understatement.....

[zxcvbnm]

Buddy of mine does this. He also deploys overseas often. They attend FLETC mixed basic and start as a GS 8 I believe.

Very expensive to live in the DC/NoVa area.



I didn't know they worked overseas as well. What kind of stuff does he do abroad?

[Bearcat357]

What kind of stuff does he do abroad?

Protection missions....

[formerNOPD]

Protection missions....

Correct. He's been to afghanistan 2-3 times and the balance in iraq.

[ThinBlueLEO]

Hi there, I copied and pasted a response I made to a different post below. Some of the text below references some of the questions from the other thread so it's a big long winded response and for that I apologize. I think it will shed some light on the above topic so I hope it answers some of your questions. Have a good one and be safe.

Leo
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Good afternoon everyone,

Hopefully I can clear up any confusions or misconceptions regarding SPS and what they actually are and are not. I'll try to reference some of the questions from the previous posts and apologize if I miss any. If I do miss any, please feel free to respond to the thread or contact me via private message.

SPS is not divided into two groups. All SPS Officers (or SPO's) are duly sworn federal police officers. The Agency does have contract guards working for them but they are a separate entity from the actual SPS Officers. SPO's are Police Officers and not "Security Guards" or and "administrative" position as previously noted. Although some of the work SPS does is static post or security guard type work, they also have several types of mobile patrols and do standard type traffic stops.

An officer does not have to be in the service for an obscene amount of time before getting promoted and has very competitive promotion processes (and competitive pay). They are constantly growing and upward mobility is obtainable and occurs often. SPS also has several specialty units that if you meet the criteria, you may apply for once you are an officer. They include K9, HazMat, Bomb Tech and Emergency Operations to name a few. Also, their are overseas (TDY) opportunities as an SPS Officer. They are on a volunteer basis and usually require you to compete against other officers who are interested. Although TDY opportunity exists, it isn't SPS's primary function and shouldn't be the sole reason for applying to this position.

As you know, federal LE is different than your more traditional LE. If you are looking to kick in doors and chase down drug dealers, SPS, FBI, USSS, NSA and similar uniformed LE jobs are not for you. However, in many ways, federal LE is more difficult that your more traditional LE since they wait for the threat to come to them and have to be ready at the drop of a hat. So yes, if you choose to remain a line officer, things can become pretty redundant but SPS is truly what you make of it. However, as previously stated, some people like the force protection aspect of the position.

The Agency likes to hire within so moving from SPS to another position is quit easy compared to other agencies. As long as you meet the qualifications of the position you apply for, you are just as competitive as any other applicant. SPS has a 3 year commitment and that time begins when you EOD. However, that commitment doesn't prevent you from moving within the service, getting promoted or taking advantage of some of the collateral duties, just from moving out of the Service within the first 3 years. Really not a long time.

The information provided above regarding Protective Agent (PA) is accurate if you are an external applicant thinking about applying to that position. However, PA is sometimes the next logical step for SPS if that type of work interests you. SPO's are eligible to apply for a full time PA position (if available) once their SPS commitment is complete and you could be more competitive than an external applicant. The PA cadre will sometimes seek out part-time (PT) assistance from SPS which allows SPO's to go through the PA training and work with them on a PT or as needed basis. Many PA's are former SPO's. Again, unless you are willing to give 3 good years to SPS, I suggest against applying to SPS if you will only be happy as a PA because their are still no promises you'll get the position.

In closing, SPS does have a 20 year retirement, is primarily force protection and has limitless opportunity for advancement within the service and Agency if you are qualified and are willing to work hard. I would recommend against stopping by an SPS post for more information because you will not end up being the one asking the questions. If you are interested, go to CIA.gov and apply. Although the posting is rather vague, if you are selected and make it through the prescreening, you will receive more information regarding the service and the position. At that point you are under no obligation to the Agency and may remove yourself from process at any time if it isn't for you.

If you would like more information fee free to respond to this post or send me a private message. I'll provide you with accurate information or I won't provide any at all. Thanks!

Leo