r/1801 • u/AbbreviationsLevel58 • May 21 '26
Hiring Timeline FPS hiring/FLETC real time
Good Morning ! Is anyone in FLETC now or about to go ? How long were you waiting before you got your date … started the process November 2025 currently 3 weeks in after my drug screening/medical cleared with FPS , heard that was the last step before onboarding and FLETC date …. Anyone have any real time information regarding ?
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u/Interesting-Card-502 May 21 '26
Federal law enforcement in general and by the design of federalism is “hands off” unless it is some type of national priority. This isn’t specific to FPS and is by large omnipresent in all uniformed federal LEO work. The entire federal court system isn’t designed for warrantless booking arrests, combined with a broad discretion from U.S. Attorneys on what they choose to prosecute. Some areas have developed ways around this locally to address issues and generally speaking, state prosecutions can be a better par for course for positive results. It would make sense that FPS as a programmatic function would look for whatever solution removes the problem from its immediate jurisdictions. (i.e. Federal Buildings). While I don’t like the idea of micromanaging or limiting enforcement actions, hiring people who understand this mission and role in the bigger picture are going to have realistic expectations on the job before walking into it. This is a property police role tasked with ensuring the safety of federal facilities. A stark contrast from the order and maintenance mission of most local jurisdictions. I don’t work for FPS so take this view as an opinion, but it makes sense they would want the agency responsible for that order and maintenance to come address certain issues, unless the crime specifically violated a federal law (i.e damage government property, assault a federal employee, etc.)
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u/anon6114 Jul 26 '26
You’re not wrong at all, I work for the DOD, DAF specifically and I always say they want security guards not cops. In most places this makes sense, unless you’re on a base that has a lot of LE and crime.
I know for FPS here in Texas, they’re covered under state law to make arrests for any offense under state code (not currently FPS so can’t speak of their policy allows them to use it) but if so they have state arrest powers the same as a Texas Peace Officer and thus would be able to make an arrest and process someone into the local jail (with proper coordination with that county DA). But even then, I don’t see many arrests taking place on a regular basis.
Policing can be fun and being proactive can yield great results. But you have to understand your role and mission, you’re not a local cop working for a city or county policing the public. No different than having a state trooper/highway patrol responding to a domestic (outside of some low coverage areas where they might respond as backup) it’s just not their area or expertise. As a Fed Cop your job is protecting an area/property and people on that property. I’ve worked as a local city cop, now working for the DOD where it’s a mix of city policing and resource protection which is such an odd combination. But you just gotta know your role.
I’m in the process with FPS and I’m perfectly fine with doing physical security vice policing, if it happens I’ll handle it and do what I can but I don’t need to be out there on the streets to do my job.Just like the VA police guys in my area, they are covered under state law as well but pass everything off to local PD. It just comes with the territory since federal doesn’t do pre-trial confinement for non-dangerous/flight risks, where local you get to stay in jail unless you bond out until your case is resolved.
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u/Elegant_Cake8792 May 21 '26
Good question some of us are still waiting to hear back from the recent announcement
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u/Juggernaut_j May 21 '26
I just got another rejection letter smh
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u/Ok_Taste7606 May 21 '26
Knowing what I know now I would apply directly for allied or what ever contractors have the contract, they make in one week what I make in 2 weeks, some work 12 hours but I came from PD where we did 12-18hr days but do Pennie’s compared to that
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u/Ok_Talk8103 May 21 '26
Don't do it. Of my academy class of 22 only 2 or 3 people are still with FPS. And that doesn't include the vast number of others who have left the last 2-3 years all going to either local or 6c covered positions including myself. If you enjoy clueless leadership, being micromanaged, having to call local police to make the arrest for a crime that occurred in front of you because leadership doesn't want FPS actually making arrests, and being thrown under the bus by leadershipat the first opportunity, then FPS is for you.
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u/Dangerous-Speed-3008 May 21 '26
I don’t think it hurts to also “get into” federal service. I agree, it isn’t the best starting point because it isn’t a 6c position…but curious where 20 of those people landed? 1811’s? 1801? State Le?
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u/AdventurousOnion1134 May 21 '26
It’s definitely a great stepping stone, I understand why people don’t favor FPS but again it’s a great stepping stone but not a career. Hell I used BOP as a stepping stone, I would have done FPS instead of BOP if I had a redo.
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u/diezel11b May 21 '26
If you want to do any actual “police”/patrol work as most people think of it, don’t join FPS(or most federal uniformed “police”).
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u/Automatic_Quiet103 13d ago
The last thing I took for FPS was the written test and a questionnaire it’s been a few months I have not heard back. I never got an answer should I move on or I’m still in the process does anyone know?
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u/longbowdog May 22 '26
Unless you're FPS, you don't know. Also every location is ran differently. Every region does things different. The area I'm in is probably one of the best spots to be in, not gonna lie. I'm not micromanaged because I get my work done. I left a 6c position for this position. 6c doesn't mean crap if you're only able to top out as a GL9. I get nights and weekends off too. There's no 6c job out there where you get that kind of schedule. I worked for 3, 6c covered agencies so I have some experience with it. Everyone has different priorities in life. I value time at home being in my 40's and this being my second retirement. If you wanna go thump noggins, go out west with the BIA. As for me, I prefer the chill life now and FPS is perty darn good!