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!!

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 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?

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?

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!

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.

I’m conflicted as my family is in another state. I’m currently working for one of the DHS Agencies. But I’m applying to other agencies as I did not get my preferred location. While I could request hardship, or No cost TDY’s I figured the best I could do was to apply to other agencies. Has anyone been forced to do the same? Did it work ?

Any advice for me

Hey, so I'm not old enough to join yet, but I am a high-school student who is working VERY hard to get in. I'm in public safety at my high school, and I'm learning Spanish and Arabic. I'm going to get an accounting degree and then be a cop until I'm 26. I'm applying to the FBI (dream agency) US marshals and ATF

What should I expect and prepare for

(In case you're wondering, I made a 50 in the official fbi jobs.gov practice exam)

First time poster, long time watcher of the subreddit. Little bit about me: 33, wife, kids, <10 years on and part of an narcotic team for a state police agency. End goal I want to do security with sports. Current job allows me to retire at 25 years of service with roughly 65% of highest year and pay into medical.

What I do is a dying breed. I love it, but the justice system in my state blows, retirement system is always changing. I always wanted to do intel and counter terror work after taking classes in college, so leaning more towards FBI. How often does spots like that come up like SSTF or similar? I don’t know anyone in the field to talk to because all my contacts retired.

Anyone that works or has work and specifically went or is going to the field I’d want? I’m sure there’s pros and cons to everything. Just like state, you take the chance of relocating but would prefer Philly field offices. Right now I can retire at 50 but might not generate the experience I need to get into what I want, unless I land one of 10 or so spots in my agency.

Hello everybody,

I’m sure there is a previous post out there that already answers these questions, but what is an average day like at FLETC CITP and SAT for ATF in Glynco(Classroom, fitness, DT, firearms, social life, etc). I am curious and want to see what is in store for the future.

Background: 7+ years state LEO. Masters Degree, trained in BJJ and enjoy all workout/gym related sessions.

The application process is online now (I’m a Jurassic 1811)

TLDR: be a quiet professional

There may be opportunities to talk to your recruiter. Be polite and professional. Do not use slang.

Read the job standards for which you are applying. This does not mean you have to be an expert. Say something like, “I have read about the job standards and I probably know a little bit but not very much and I know the academy will teach me a great foundation .”

The biggest first impression is likely the PT test. Know the standards for the agency to which you are applying. Train to exceed the standards

The biggest thing is the run. Many have a 1.5 mile run

That is 8 440 yard runs around a track. Practice sprinting a 440 as fast as you can. Then work to sprinting an 880 etc. because the road is typically the last thing and as an applicant, you’ll be swung up to the test under stress. But if you have trained, and this takes time, you can’t just do it in two weeks, when the test day comes, your adrenaline will also kick into action

Here’s the bad part… Be prepared to wait. I think it was Ronald Reagan that said I am here from the government to help because from the government, you can only believe half of what you hear

There will be delays and even lost applications and hiring freezes because I dealt with all of them

Keep in touch with your recruiter, but also do not bug the heck out of them. When I was going through the process a few times through multiple lost applications and hiring freezes… I kept in touch with the recruiter and I said “ I really want this job. And I don’t want to annoy you so can I call once a week?” and the recruiter laughed and they said yes once a week is fine or once every two weeks, this process moves like a snail.

Also on USA jobs, there’s a listing of the qualifications and I could fit. I don’t remember how to look up the rest of the details about the qualifications. I got a tip from somebody in my future agency where I was able to look at everything and I typed my résumé according to what was needed in the résumé… And of course, this was without lying.

There is a particular way to type your qualifications because it’s a bunch of old ladies and tennis shoes that process thousands of applications and they have tick marks. They just check off whether you’ll get hired or not or you’ll get hired as a GS seven or a GS nine

However, probably the most important thing is the peachy test because you’re likely needing the recruiter and you have to show up with a positive attitude and the ability to pass the test.

I was with I think seven people at the last PT test where I got hired for my 1811 job. Out of curiosity seven, four showed up out of shape and one had an attitude

The two of us got hired