A family-friendly federal LEA...does it exist?

[CalNative]

Hello all,
I'm interested in pursuing a career in federal law enforcement after spending the last 15 years in military and criminal intelligence. I'm divorced with two children who live within an hour's drive and would like to stay in the same metropolitan area for the next several years if possible. I'm wondering if anyone has any insight into federal law enforcement agencies (or agency) that might be considered "family friendly" in that I won't be required to move every few years? I've ruled out state and local agencies, as I have a desire to live and work abroad in the future if the opportunity presents itself. Thanks in advance to all, and happy (safe) holidays.:cool:

[ICE2DSS]

Between your desire to stay in California and wanting the option to live/work overseas in the future...I'd recommend ICE.

[jmat1980]

ICE will pretty much only move you if you request it, or if you desire to move up to upper management positions. Other than that many people stay for years in the same office. There is no gaurantee that your initial hiring office will be near where you want to be, but its worth a shot to apply...

[GoldBadge]

Look at the various OIG's. Because of their stability, they have tons of agents that moved over from agencies such as the FBI, DEA, USSS, etc.

[SoCalFed]

Look at the various OIG's. Because of their stability, they have tons of agents that moved over from agencies such as the FBI, DEA, USSS, etc.

+1

[SA13]

Look at the various OIG's. Because of their stability, they have tons of agents that moved over from agencies such as the FBI, DEA, USSS, etc.While it's true that with most OIG jobs a person can stay in one office for most, if not all, of their career, there is a downside for single parents. Because OIGs tend to be small agencies an office can often cover a huge amount of territory which can require a lot time spent travelling out of town. That can be a huge burden on a single parent if they are out of town several nights in a row on a regular basis.

[SoCalFed]

While it's true that with most OIG jobs a person can stay in one office for most, if not all, of their career, there is a downside for single parents. Because OIGs tend to be small agencies an office can often cover a huge amount of territory which can require a lot time spent travelling out of town. That can be a huge burden on a single parent if they are out of town several nights in a row on a regular basis.

I know a few former Department of Education OIG agents that encountered that exact issue of extended travel because their territory covered multiple states. Generally it seems the smaller OIG shops tend to have more travel due to the small number of agents.

However on the flip side, I know some folks who left 'mainstream' agencies, some of which required frequent travel, and went over to Postal OIG (which is a bigger OIG by IG standards) in Southern California. All of them have families and none have been required to work cases outside of the area.

[FedIG]

Another up side to OIG's is that you can schedule your travel around your home life. Most issues are not pressing. My office covers the entire east coast, from Maine to Florida, and I have not really run into any major conflicts. However; when the balloon goes up, you have to be ready to go...

[GoldBadge]

My office covers the entire east coast, from Maine to Florida

Yikes! Betcha you've got a ton of miles/points. :p

[CalNative]

Thanks to all for the insightful replies. I assume I can find these OIG jobs by doing a geographical search for 1811 positions at the USAJOBS site?

That raises another questions...once you're "in" as an 1811, is it difficult to move around or lateral to other agencies? Will you keep your pay rate or be stepped out at the hiring agencies starting salary?

Just thinking ahead, because I know I don't want to live here in CA for the rest of my life (just the next ten years or so!) :D

Thanks again, all.

[ICE2DSS]

A lot of people looking to become 1811s apply to a number of positions they think will be a good fit. I'd personally apply to some OIGs that sound good to you and ICE. USAJOBS is a good source and you can also look at the individual websites, which will give you more detailed information.

Usually it's not too challenging to cross over to another 1811 position once you're aboard and if there's a vacancy. Afterall, you already have training and experience as a criminal investigator. If you're lucky, you'll just have to go to the advanced school. Typically your pay, leave and retirement will cross over. Many agencies do have a cap on what they will bring you aboard as so your pay could be affected. You just need to look at things on a case by case senerio.

[GoldBadge]

That raises another questions...once you're "in" as an 1811, is it difficult to move around or lateral to other agencies?

Being an 1811 doesn't guarantee you a lateral to another 1811 job, but it puts you at a great advantage over non-1811 applicants.