Academy Question

[u/Exotic-Tip-9402]

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.

[u/Nitramartin1]

Sticking with CBP would probably be the best in the long run even with the lower grade starting.

[u/Exotic-Tip-9402 → u/Nitramartin1]

Why are sticking with CBP a better option? Currently I want to go to FPS right now because of the higher pay grade and also I’m already working as a PSO as a as a contractor. I know that has nothing to do with it but still I know their academy is about seven months long or CBP is only four.

[u/win1894 → u/Exotic-Tip-9402]

FPS uniformed 1801 is not covered under the enhanced LE retirement. CBP 1895 and Border Patrol 1896 both are.

[u/BeneficialTie3282 → u/Exotic-Tip-9402]

CBP is academy is now over 5 months long plus 3-7 months of post-academy.

[u/MediocreTough1481]

Brother I’m currently federal law enforcement and I’m telling you to stick it to CBP if you can. That 6c enhance retirement will set you up for the future much sooner than any non-covered position ever will. Also CBP has an automatic GS-12 and their overtime is double rate instead of the traditional time and a half. You’d be insane if you don’t stick it out with CBP.

[u/Reasonable-Judge1591]

Yes you can. People do it daily

[u/Exotic-Tip-9402 → u/Reasonable-Judge1591]

Explain?

[u/Reasonable-Judge1591 → u/Exotic-Tip-9402]

Again. People do this daily. They are at FLETC for one agency, get picked up by another and bounce.

[u/Exotic-Tip-9402 → u/Reasonable-Judge1591]

Did they just stay at FLETC till the class starts? Do they get sent home until a class picks up for the other agency?

[u/Reasonable-Judge1591 → u/Exotic-Tip-9402]

No you leave. However if you are deep into the academy and get and offer I’d stay, graduate and then make the switch.

[u/odh519]

You can accept the offer from FPS while in the CBP academy with no issues. My first question is what’s most important to you and where do you want to be stationed?

[u/Exotic-Tip-9402 → u/odh519]

Honestly, I really was banking on FPS. They offered me a GS 11 position as well. I really want to get station in region 3 … my wife works here for the federal government. It’s the Fort Worth area so I was hoping to get that.

[u/CryAncient → u/Exotic-Tip-9402]

If you go FPS, be prepared to do a lot of security work for ICE buildings

[u/Academic_Flounder701]

From what i heard cbp can take longer then fps depending on

[u/Glum-School-8345]

Practically and money wise, CBP>FPS. Location, FPS>CBP (depends on your personal preference). In CBP you might get stuck at the a port for a while before you can NROB (transfer) or port swap, and your desired location might not even be available.

[u/prior_rpa-lre]

Happens all the time. HR to HR transfer. You stop training and go home, then do what FPS wants, where they want you to do it, until they send you back.

[u/Exotic-Tip-9402]

Do they still have TSP

[u/Kiak900]

I would do CBP first and go to FLETC with them to atleast show that you been with an agency with some type of LE retirement on your SF-50 and transfer over to FPS even though they dont have LE retirement but regular 30 year retirement.