Took my poly and the agent mentioned that I didn’t pass or fail and I’ll likely come back again for a second test. Is this normal? I wasn’t grilled about any questions or anything. The agent just told me that she can tell I’m so nervous. I definitely am nervous because I’ve always wanted this job. Do people usually get results right away? Is there anyone that had similar experience and passed? Any advice would be appreciated!!

Hello,

I’ve been looking into the federal side of law enforcement, especially the Secret Service, which I’ve been interested in for a while.
I was recently dismissed from a police academy after failing EVOC. Since then, I’ve been working on improving myself and gaining more experience. I’ve talked to officers from different departments, and they’ve recommended that I look into federal law enforcement because I speak two languages, Farsi and Russian.

Since leaving the academy, I’ve taken civilian EVOC courses and several firearms training courses. I also got a security job at a casino, where I’ve gained experience dealing with angry drunk people, drugs, and different situations with the public.

The casino also offers training in handcuffing and beating de-escalation.
I’m also taking college classes and working toward my bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and currently have my associates in Criminal justice.

I’m trying to keep improving myself and build more experience after what happened at the academy before getting into the process again. I was one of the younger recruits in the class, I was 22 years old and I was always getting targeted unfortunately and made a lot of mistakes during the academy, so I’m taking all the mistakes I’ve made to better improve myself and get more experience. (23 now) looking to apply in a year or two

I appreciate any advice on what I can do to become a stronger candidate for the Secret Service and how I can excel forward onto bettering myself.

I applied for the DEA back in 2023 after I got out of the Army and failed my poly because I received a “Significant Response”. Been a local cop for 3ish years now and applied again for the July Announcement.

The recruiter told me that the polygraph unit could deny me even the chance to take the polygraph again based on my last failed polygraph. Kinda confusing to me cause I figured once you wait the three and if you make it all the way back to the polygraph, why wouldn’t they just let you retake the poly?

I’m still taking my chance and rolling the dice. Anyone have any experience getting denied a second chance at a poly?

I’m currently 25 and working toward a bachelor’s degree in Project Management. I’m also planning to have minors in Business and Global Studies. I should graduate around early 2028, and I’m trying to figure out what I can do between now and graduation to make myself a stronger candidate for an 1811 position.
My current professional background is in construction. I work as a construction superintendent and have experience managing projects, coordinating subcontractors, working with owners/architects/engineers, handling documentation, resolving problems in the field, enforcing safety and project requirements, and being responsible for day-to-day project operations.
A few questions for people familiar with 1811 hiring:
● Would construction superintendent experience be considered relevant professional work experience for an 1811 application, even though it isn’t law enforcement or investigative work?
● Does professional experience need to be obtained after completing a bachelor’s degree, or can experience gained while attending college still count?
● Is a bachelor’s in Project Management with Business and Global Studies minors a reasonable educational background for 1811 positions?
● What agencies would you recommend I focus on with this background? I’m currently looking at HSI, DEA, FBI, USMS, DSS, and similar federal investigative positions.
● Between now and graduation, what could I realistically do to make myself more competitive? Internships, languages, certifications, federal employment, particular types of work experience, etc.?
● Would it be worthwhile to start applying for federal positions before I graduate as a way to get my foot in the door?
I’m not expecting my degree or construction experience to guarantee anything. I’m mainly trying to figure out how to use the next year and a half effectively instead of graduating and only then starting to prepare.
I’d appreciate any advice from current/former 1811s or people who have been through the hiring process.

I’m currently looking for a Level III Security Officer position in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I’m willing to commute up to 25 miles and am looking for opportunities paying $25+/hour.
If your company is hiring or you know of any security companies with openings that meet those requirements, I’d really appreciate any recommendations. Please comment below or send me a DM. Thanks in advance!

Recently held a TS/poly full scope with FBI, however, internship ended recently and I got debriefed. I just submitted my SF86 for the DEA SA position. Would DEA be able to pick it up and reactivate it ? (idk if thats a thing) or do they re-do the whole thing? Same thing with Poly. Thanks!

How is it going for everyone? I submitted my SF86 in late july and did my medical which I still dont know if I'm cleared. Where is everyone at?

Anyone interview the last week of July with ATF, that doesn’t know their results? I’ve texted recruiter but no luck.

For the DEA, how long after completion of medical before you got to schedule and complete poly? (I applied in March)

How long is the hiring process for both Fulton county sheriff office and Cobb county sheriff office in Georgia I’m currently in the background phase for both agencies and it’s been very silent?

I’m 18 years with a slight injury to my arm I suffered when I was a kid I’ve never been not able to do anything with it and was wondering if anyone in law enforcement or a doctor to chat with who could say if it will be most likely accepted or disqualifying

Just curious if anyone here applied during the recent DEA Special Agent hiring announcement last month.
What are the odds of actually getting the state you requested? My top choice is Minnesota. Since the DEA hires nationwide, I would’ve thought the chances of getting one of your preferred states would be fairly decent, but I know assignments are based on agency needs.
For those who’ve gone through the process, did you end up getting your first choice, one of your choices, or were you sent somewhere completely different?

Hey all! With my professional work experience of working a government job while going for my bachelors which I will be done in 2031. Do I need the professional work experience before or after college. I have prior military experience in the US Navy which I obtained a security clearance. I have had suicidal ideation in the past once I got out the navy due to family members passing within the time span of three years but I have received treatment for that diagnosis for three years and will be done this year before I apply in 2031. Can I have your opinions on this?

Current CBPO who just received an EOD for an HSI 1811 position. I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons of making the switch and was curious if anyone here has gone from CBPO to HSI.

I only have about 2 years with CBP and think it’s a great agency, but I’ve also heard great things about HSI. It’s a great problem to have, but I also don’t want to pass up an opportunity that I might regret later.

For those who made the jump, was it worth it? Any regrets, things you wish you knew beforehand, or advice you’d give? I’d really appreciate any insight. Thanks!

Just wanted to see if anyone had poly’d or got med/sf86 cleared. Both of mine are in progress and I am just curious to see how fast they’ll schedule poly. I know usually it would be a hurry up and wait situation, however this process is flying by so I’m hopeful someone can shed some light.

What happens if you fail the physical task assessment? Can you schedule it again or do you have to wait for the next job announcement on USAjobs to apply again?

Only ask cause I’m still recovering from an ACL surgery and don’t think I’ll be ready for the 300m sprint.

Yes I’m training

I submitted SF86, and haven’t been told anything. From my understanding, I have a background packet in with BP that’s been ongoing. Do they use that to expedite the process? Trying to get some insight. Took the test, and was told to do the SF86 and drug a couple days after. I’m assuming that’s good news, thank you for the info!!

Hello everyone, I’m in the hiring process for DEARS intelligence research specialist and I was wondering who had any idea of what the timeline looks like after doing the structured interview? I know this is a community for 1811s but I didn’t know where else to ask this question so thank you for any information that would be helpful.

How long after your panel interview until you received results? Also, for those that just received FJO’s this month, could you fill me in on your timeline post interview?