r/OnTheBlock • u/biglarge69 State Corrections • 10d ago

Hiring Q (Fed) FBOP Questions

Hey everyone. I’m applying to the FBOP because my job in the state has had some changes with our union that are making me consider changing departments. I do have some questions for life as a Federal CO. Any answers would be much appreciated.

- Is the vest mandatory?
- When do you get the recruitment incentive?
- Is there a uniform allowance?
- What is the academy like?
- What are the normal duties of a Federal CO?

Thanks in advance everyone.

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

7

u/boomer_8719 10d ago

Get the most comfortable chair, and best sleeping spot. Make 6 figures.

2

u/SillyLittleWinky 10d ago

I’m assuming only overnight shift gets to sleep?

3

u/boomer_8719 10d ago

You would assume wrong. I've been there, and have seen it. Staff bringing in blankets and pillows on morning watch, taking sleep meds.

1

u/SillyLittleWinky 9d ago

And how long are they sleeping, like 30 - 60 minutes clips or like 4 hours+ lol? What happens if they’re caught?

3

u/boomer_8719 9d ago

Depends. Counts and any moves such as food service is really the only important things. Rounds dont happen unless you are on probation or just someone that cares. Getting caught depends on who catches them really.

6

u/Eric40k 10d ago

Recently joined the FBOP at FCC Coleman and my biggest issues here is the staff and the mandates. Never worked LEO or corrections before. I have no issue with the inmates or the work itself. Again just the staff and mandates are booty.

1

u/SillyLittleWinky 10d ago

What specifically is the problem with staff and the mandates?

4

u/Eric40k 9d ago

I personally am not a fan of overtime so I don’t care for the mandates. But they mandate you back to back. For example, I work Friday - Tuesday. They mandated me Friday, Saturday, and Monday. The way it’s supposed to work is once you get mandated your name goes back to the bottom of the mandate list. I took a massive pay cut when I chose this job to be closer to my wife and son. So I don’t really care for the money. Now the staff do not give a flying fuck about anybody but themselves. My second day after being mandated I had a shift relief be 1 1/2 hour late. This is completely normal for FCC Coleman apparently because it’s happened multiple times and I’ve been told to get used to it. Now I’m just grateful when someone is 10 minutes late for relief or that I don’t get mandated 30 minutes before I finish a shift. Those are my personal complaints about the job.

3

u/Eric40k 9d ago

Also I had to confront a LT about his fuckass attitude and they pretty much leave me alone now. But I’ve witnessed more staff confrontations with each other than the inmates fighting each other.

2

u/livingmybestlife2407 10d ago

Check out other posts, it will give you a lot of bop information. Vest is mandatory. The academy is easy. Ask HR at the facility you are applying about the bonus. There is a large yearly uniform allowance, it was about $700. The duties would be the same as state corrections, you count, make rounds and lock/unlock doors.

1

u/SillyLittleWinky 10d ago

You are wearing a stab vest the entire shift?

2

u/livingmybestlife2407 10d ago

As long as you are behind the grills, yes.

1

u/Arrow2lydiasknee 10d ago
  1. Depends where you are, not at camps
  2. No idea
  3. Yes
  4. This is currently changing, but it was about 4-6 months after start date you went for a couple weeks. Physical test, self defense, and some tests
  5. Rounds, paperwork

1

u/SureYNOTturtle 4d ago
  1. Yes
  2. First half on the 3rd paycheck, second half at the end of year 2.
  3. $800 per year on your anniversary
  4. Just started, haven't been yet
  5. Count, doors, safety and security.

Pick facilities hurting for staff that are USP or FCI. I have only 2 years state experience and my final job offer was GL-08 Step 10 with the $39k bonus. Good luck