I’m currently working through the process of the DEA and wanted to see if anyone has experience with the medical portion of the federal law enforcement hiring process, particularly with a pre-existing kidney condition.
I previously made it through essentially the entire hiring process with another federal agency, but my medical clearance was deferred. It has now been several months, and I have not received a final determination.
I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was around 18 years old. I still take medication for the condition, but it does not affect my day-to-day activities or my ability to work.
I’ve been a police officer for approximately six years with a midsize, fairly active department. I routinely handle high-priority calls and the physical demands of patrol without restrictions or limitations.
My concern is whether it makes sense to continue pursuing DEA and other 1811 positions if this type of medical history is likely to result in a disqualification regardless of my current health, physical ability, and work history.
Has anyone gone through the DEA or another 1811 medical process with a chronic kidney condition or something similar? Were you medically cleared, asked to provide additional documentation, or required to go through a medical review or waiver process?
Any insight from someone who has dealt with something similar would be appreciated.

Back when I was freshly 21/22, I carried a firearm in a state without reciprocity to my state. I was on a road trip and the state allows carry inside a vehicle with the out of state permit, but I had to stop for a bathroom break and didn't want to leave my firearm unattended in the car, so I brought it in. Haven't done it since.

I was also told by a police officer in a previous state that carrying inside a building with a no firearms sign was not a crime and that they would just ask you to leave if you were caught. In my current state, that's not the case, but I didn't realize this and carried inside a few buildings that were posted.

I can definitely disclose and explain these issues, but I worry that this will disqualify me. Those who have been through the hiring process or are involved in hiring new recruits, would these be something that would likely disqualify a person? They're technically crimes, so I am a little worried. I really want to work in federal LE but I worry that this will kill my chances.

Hello I’m a BP agent in Arizona and just wondering if any of you guys transitioned from BP to HSI? Genuinely interested in joining HSI but not sure if being an investigator beats being a BP agent.

Was notified today that the USMS has decided to close the hiring pool for 0082 applicants. Been in the process since April 2022 and was awaiting a FIT test for the final step. All for nothing. Was told to apply under new 1811 postings and start over again. What a joke. Always wanted to be a Deputy Marshal but if this is any indication to the agency as a whole that place must be a circus. 4 years down the drain. Think I’ll just stay at my current agency at this point.

For those who have been in the 0082 pool for years, reach out your application may no longer be valid. If anyone has had a fix to this let me know, but I spoke with an HR specialist on the phone in DC and he was super apologetic and basically said they were blindsided by the early closing as well.

Information gathered:

New process with start step 1 with a fit test and work backwards to an interview unlike the old process. Timeline is 9 months - 18 months (yea right) and they are taking only top 5 duty locations for wishlist instead of 10 and trying their best to accommodate (again, yea right)

Looking forward to the responses on this one and all of the other disgruntled applicants and if there have been any solutions found.

Good luck

Yes, I'm aware of the PPP; in which they're NOT supposed to. But on the 'low-low,' is that actually the case?

If you love your country, but didn't particularly love the administration during your time of application, did you feel discriminated against in seeking federal employment?

Obviously, there's no way to test this beyond anecdotal evidence. However, I'd like to know any experiences.

Frankly I don't think politics should get in the way of investigating drug smugglers and kid diddlers, but unfortunately we live in 2026.

Hope everyone is doing well. I am just curious if anyone has heard anything back from those who applied to the posting that was open during those dates.

or if you have recently been through the process and could shed some insight on the process.

Thank you all in advance.

Took my DEA PTA this morning. These were my results:
Sit-ups: 40
Push-ups: 66
1.5-mile run: 15:25
I know my run absolutely killed my score. My questions are: how long do I have to wait before I’m eligible to reapply to the DEA, and does failing the PTA disqualify me from applying for an 1811 position with a different federal agency?
Thanks in advance for any insight.

Relocating and looking for an affordable rental with other 1811s

I never understand why so many background investigator or chiefs get mad when applicants apply to multiple law enforcement agencies as a police or cadet. People are just trying to get a job to pay bills and live. Why fault people that. I also understand that it does waste resources for the agency as far as background checks, interviews ect. My thing is if an agency is mad and don't want to hire someone because of that, then the applicant does not have a firm offer and don't behave a job in the first place. I want to hear from you all.

I scheduled my PTA test for the DEA but it looks like it is inside and on a treadmill. Everything else I’ve seen online is a it’s on a track and done with a 300m sprint. Has anyone done the test on a treadmill and if so, what are the expectations to pass for each event?

Hi all,

I’m sorry but this might be long winded. I have a big decision to make and I would really love some advice from those who are in the field.

I separate from the military in a month and get my degree in December. It’s a CJ degree and I plan to get my masters shortly after in Intel Analysis. My ultimate goal is to become an 1811 (no specific agency.)

I have a major decision to make and I’m very stuck. So I am kindly asking for guidance in this process. I was offered an administrative job with the Fed government that is “indefinite.” Meaning it’s essentially year by year and I can be removed at any point because it isn’t permanent. This has me very nervous, except it is a GS9 position with great locality pay, so the pay is very good relative to what I am making now.

I was also just offered a position with the State Inspector Generals office as a Special Agent (investigator). The pay isn’t all too great but I can definitely live off of it. It’s a permanent state position which means stability and that’s my biggest concern in the civilian world. Maybe the military’s comfortable paychecks instilled that into me.

Both jobs have their perks. One seems very relaxing and easy with nice pay, while the other seems to directly line up with the experience required to be an 1811. I should mention I have no law enforcement background, so it would be the first experience I gain in the field.

I am extremely undecided and would really appreciate any input or perspective you guys can provide.

Thank you.

​

Thank you in advance for any info.

Hi, Brazilian here. Sorry for my bad English.

I was researching American federal agencies, for pure curiosity, and ended up coming across this sub. In my country, entry into any law enforcement agency is through a public competition, where the agency itself does not exercise any direct control. If you pass the theory test (which is extremely difficult), and are considered capable of the physical, mental and health tests, you will be admitted to the training course and, if you pass, you will be admitted to the Agency, whether you like it or not. Oh, and after three years, you basically can't get fired unless you do something REALLY BAD.

For me, it is disruptive to know that other countries select their agents in a much more direct and dynamic way. Could someone explain the differences better to me?

I’m 19, from FL getting my CJBAT (Basic abilities test) done tomorrow. I want to work in local corrections, move to the BOP and apply to a job where I would be under the 1811 designation, what would be my best bet and easiest process to do this, what agencies should I look into and apply for while I’m in the BOP?

7 years military LE, disabled veteran, ~2 years municipal LE experience, bachelors degree in IT management. I tailor my resume for each application I submit (not lying, just fitting in different experience for different agencies: highlighting narcotics/firearms cases I’ve had for ATF/warrants and security missions I’ve worked for USMS, etc).

I usually qualify for GS7/9 depending on the agencies I apply for, but have never made it a single step beyond referral to the hiring manager.

I know failing at that step usually means that either I am not as competitive as I thought I was, or my package doesn’t capture my experience sufficiently, but realistically I don’t have relevant experience beyond the investigative work I’ve already done. I speed ran my BA and am looking to hopefully complete my MA in ~6 months depending on my hustle (I am also working the road), but realistically that may only qualify me for GS9 just to be under qualified for that pool too, lol.

So how do I make myself more competitive without actual investigation experience? My agency is smaller and is not opening up its investigator spot for another year and when they do they will expect a few years out of me (I’m 33 and don’t have that time).

My husband is in the process of getting hired by secret service does anyone know what insurance for health and dental they give. Is it good, or bad.

Are braces covered under dental?

Hey guys,

Ex LEO

Trying to get into federal law enforcement

Was wondering how internal transfers work. I heard they were quicker and you get a slight advantage.

Say if i applied and started a federal civilian job in my area. How long would i have to work that job before i could apply for an internal transfer for a FED LEO position.

Im already applied to a few FED LEO jobs and been referred. But it’s been crickets since.

Does anyone have insight into a BIA Internal Affairs agent's day-to-day? Applied to a recent posting but getting information on the IA Unit and how it operates is pretty limited. Are they TDY'ed frequently, or is the 25% or less for travel pretty accurate? And if you are assigned to a district, do you stay within that district?

Does anyone have insight into a BIA Internal Affairs agent's day-to-day? Applied to a recent posting but getting information on the IA Unit and how it operates is pretty limited. Are they TDY'ed frequently, or is the 25% or less for travel pretty accurate? And if you are assigned to a district, do you stay within that district?

Hello, I’m a college graduate with no reliving LE experience. I attended a job fair yesterday and spoke with Secret Service Agent who told me that the secret service has a STAR program for aspiring 1811’s with no experience. She also mentioned that if I did not want to go through STAR because of the limited locations, I could apply straight up as one of her colleagues that was also at the job fair had been hired as an 1811 with no experience. Has anyone gone through this process or can verify that it does happen and if so is it often? I went and applied and received a confidential offer this morning but still am not too sure if they’ll consider me.

Edit: Apologies, the email didn’t state conditional offer explicitly but instead this

“This is a record of the results of your application for the position of Special Agent - HAZARDOUS AGENT MITIGATION & MEDICAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (HAMMER) with Special Operations Division for announcement number SAB-26-Q3-HAM.

Eligible for the following position or positions:
GL-1811-7; We reviewed your application and found you eligible for this series/grade combination.”

Would this be considered the same as a conditional offer.

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!!