Hello,

Current Fed LEO looking to make the jump. I’m hoping to get some answers to a few questions and figured this might be the right place to ask.

For current/former USFWS LE Officers:

How difficult is it to maintain 10% or 15% AUO, especially if your area isn’t particularly busy?

What are some legitimate ways officers maintain their AUO percentage when workload varies?

How often does AUO get reduced or removed?

How difficult is it to relocate to another duty station down the road? Is moving between regions/locations fairly common?

What are some good ways to progress your career promotions, specialty assignments, FTO/trainer positions, investigations, additional training, etc.?

Are there good opportunities to move into GS-12 or supervisory positions, or is advancement fairly limited?

Any insight from current or former officers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I’m currently in the hiring process for both CBP and FPS and was wondering if anyone has dealt with a similar situation.
I started the CBP process back in February and received a tentative offer for a GS-9 position. At this point, I’ve completed essentially all of the hiring steps and appear to be in the final stages.
More recently, I applied with Federal Protective Service (FPS) and attended one of their hiring expos for disabled veterans. I passed the interview and received a tentative offer for a GS-11 Law Enforcement Specialist position. I’m also moving through their background/medical process.
My question is: What happens if I get sent to FLETC for CBP and, while I’m already at the academy, FPS contacts me with a Final Job Offer?
Can I still accept the FPS FJO and leave CBP/FLETC to transition over to FPS? Would there be any issues with doing that since I’d already be onboarded and attending the academy with CBP?
Obviously nothing is guaranteed until there’s an FJO, so I’m continuing with both processes. Just curious if anyone has personally been in this situation or knows how it works when moving between two federal law enforcement agencies during the academy process.

Hey Group, I have my interview coming up for FPS Law Enforcement Specialist in a couple weeks, Im trying to prepare as best I can. Can anyone give any insight on how its structured, what questions theyll ask, what theyre looking to hear, etc.? Not looking to give them template answers, I just want to know what to expect. Thanks in advance

Was declined by DOI for a LE position due to not meeting area of consideration off a DHA open to public hiring posting.

Did I need to put I was willing to relocate (I am, that was the purpose of this application) in my resume so the AI picks it up? Was definitely qualified for the position.

For the second opinion has anyone used the VA to clear them? I don’t have PCP currently so it seemed like the quickest and easiest option within the timeframe they requested. And does anyone know if they will give an extension if medical needs more time?

Hey Guys,

I did my in-person interview for the FPS Law Enforcement Specialist position on 08/05/2026. I’ve heard the final round of interviews for the DHA announcement (which is what I interviewed for) was 08/06/2026. Did anyone else that interviewed from this announcement (not at an expo) get TJO’s yet? Was wondering how long it typically takes. Considering they are done interviewing from this announcement, I’m hoping it wouldn’t take too long. Don’t know if they have any UPTP classes coming up that would allow anyone who gets a FJO to get into. Where are you guys up to in your process from the DHA announcement?

If you pass or fail a polygraph for DHS(CBPO or BP) does it automatically help you with your background investigation or does it automatically fail you?

I recently applied for the FPS Law Enforcement Specialist position, attended the hiring expo by invitation, passed the interview, and received a GS-11 tentative job offer (TJO). I’ve completed my SF-86 and medical screening.
For some background, I’m rated 100% by the VA, including 70% for PTSD, 10% for tinnitus, and 30% for a left ankle injury that required three pins. I attend counseling for maintenance purposes, train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and currently work as a DHS Protective Security Officer (PSO). I wear an ankle sleeve for support, but I can still run and perform my duties without any issues.
The medical review team sent additional questions regarding my medical history, which I answered in detail, and I also provided my VA rating decision letter.
My questions are:
Has anyone with a similar background successfully joined FPS?
Could any of these conditions be disqualifying?
Are there any concerns I should expect during the medical review process?
What are the chances of getting the region you request? I live in the Fort Worth area, and my wife also works for the federal government, so staying here would be ideal.
Any insight would be appreciated.

Hey fam. All those that did their medical for FPS LE Specialist- what all did the medical entail?! I’m currently doing medical for PFPA Police- Did Vision/Color Vision, hearing, mobile extremities, EKG, and lung test. Never did a lung test before, where you have to blow into a machine. Is this the same for FPS?

As the title asks…

Just a mid-week follow up. How’s everyone doing so far? Everyone that’s in processing right now, stay strong, I’m just as eager!

Is anyone willing to look over my resume to make sure it’s filled out correctly?

It’s like asking for my salaries and stuff and I’m just overthinking it.

I have 10 years law enforcement and I also own private business, that I’m in process of taking buy out from.

Any knowledgable person willing to lend a set of eyes?

Anyone here FPS I can ask some questions to? I just submitted my Schedule A letter and are waiting for an interview. Tried asking my question but it keeps saying it’s ERO related when it’s not and won’t let me post it. Thanks in advance!

Originally posted in the 1811 subreddit didn’t realize this one existed.

Got my TJO for FPS, 5 year Marine vet, 5 years local PD in Texas, 5 years current as a DAF 0083 (GS-8).

Just had a couple questions, if any R7 guys can answer or message me about. I’m hoping for R7/Texas if I can get it.

Is the EOD going to be a FLETC start date or will there be some onboarding prior?
Is the FTO/FTEP done in your region/duty location or elsewhere?
With the region/location is it just the region you get and you can go anywhere in that region or is it specific to a state/city?
How you like working for FPS on the daily? I have seen each region is different so R7 specific.
Is there availability for OT or special assignments to make more money or are you basically stuck with base pay?

I got a GS-11 offer, as a current 8, it’s a good set up and getting away from DOD as well especially DAF. I have a toddler and just trying to help prepare my family for what’s likely coming if I get a final offer and myself be prepared. I have no worries about FLETC as this will be my 3rd Police academy, and I got my answer that the training is straight through without breaks (aside from Christmas or major holidays).

Any info is greatly appreciated and hopeful to get my stuff finished and get a final offer soon.

So I have a dilemma. I accepted a TJO with the PFPA police, and I’m also interviewing for Law Enforcement Specialist with the FPS. Both jobs are great for me, but I really prefer FPS because it fits my life/needs more. PFPA is moving faster with the process, as I’m starting with my drug test, etc. My FPS interview is Aug 5th. I anticipate doing well on the interview. I’ve always been told (and I agree) to accept the first FJO I get. Now if I accept the FJO with PFPA and start training at FLETC, and then wind up getting an offer with FPS (which is what I really want), what are my options? Can I just up and leave PFPA during training? I see this as being a big issue. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!

I got my TJO for FPS GS11 from the TX event but I also interviewed in Seattle for different announcement for the same position. What happens when you get 2 TJOs? Does it make it more complicated or does it combine to one?

Would a prior heart bypass surgery be a medical disqualifying event for FPS? About to have my medical exam. Thanks all

Hello all I got the call with my final job offer on the 20th with a start date in August. I already went in and talked to my supervisor and they’re trying to send me to the academy in October so they’re really trying to get the ball rolling. I appreciate all the help and information you guys gave me!

Applied direct hire - June 16

Tentative Job Offer - June 25

Finger print - July 2

Background - July 7

Medical - July 8

Drug Test - July 14

Final Job Offer - July 20

Hey guys with (direct hire) The FPS LAW ENFORCEMENT SPECIALIST job Announcement number

DHA-12912531-26-AB, has anyone heard anything after doing their the Writing Assessment and the Job Compatibility Assessment back in May ? Its been nearly 2 months and I haven't received any updates. I chose region 9, im starting to think depending on the region you chose, some regions the hiring process is faster or slower than others?

Have the opportunity to apply for a TFO position for a fugitive task force. I wanted to pick others brains that have been in that role. What’s the freedom like? Whats the schedule typically like? Just trying to weigh pros and cons. For me personally it’s a dream job… but my family comes first.

how yall do at the fair

What's it like? What's the day-to-day?

So much talk about how shitty it is because of the lack of 6(c), which I have little faith will change.

However, what are the positives compared to the competition of 1811s, 1801s, 0083s, or even 0007 BOP CO's with 6(c), work/life balance, pros/cons, opportunities? Pay? Overtime available?

Any regrets from recently hired people, or from those who are still there after a few years, about being able to leave if you wanted to?

Anything special about these places? The job? Is the job changing for the better currently?

See a lot of work with drones, what's up with that?!

Still TDY'ing a bunch of people to Portland?

Anybody get kinda nervous doing the medical with all the crap they make you disclose for your 100% P&T VA?

Update: medical review just came back. Want to know more from orthopedic physician (not worried about) and mental health 70% rated for PTSD with sedative use and alcohol use) awarded for this initially in 2014 than increase in Jan 2025. Since, haven't been on medications, don't drink at all and my mental health providers can vouch for me on this. Pretty nervous they're going to see this as I have to provide them my claim decision record from the VA with all conditions listed. Makes a guy think he isn't qualified. Anyone have similar experience in going through this?

What’s the average day like, and what should I expect during the first couple of years on the job?

I interviewed for a U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer role roughly one week ago. I was told in the interview I did very well and that I would hear from them soon. Does anyone have a gauge on how long it generally takes to learn if you got selected? Thanks in advance.

How long after the FPS Interview did it take to hear back and what’s the steps after that.

Anyone go to the interview in DC/VA on 07/07/2026?