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A geology major I grew up with works for NGA... He's not an LEO, but perhaps they have something to entertain your brain.
https://www1.nga.mil/Pages/default.aspx
https://www1.nga.mil/About/Pages/InspectorGeneral.aspx <- IG would likely have 1810's/1811's.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_G ... nce_Agency

ETA: Brief, but interesting perspective on becoming/being a FLEO:
http://www.fedleo.com/ Looks like that comes from here --> http://www.realpolice.net/forums/federa ... agent.html

equin wrote: Not only that, if you do get hired on, be prepared to be vilified and hated by some in the pubic who simply hate the government (because it's the "in thing" now) and who will view you with disdain and as nothing more than a jack-booted thug, especially if you work in law enforcement.

Working for the IRS and the division responsible for internal security/audits, the disdain came from within as well as outside. Equal opportunity disdain. On more than one occasion I received sneers and ugly looks and I was just a computer monkey (more or less). I was headed up the elevator in the Leland building in Houston one time and I thought a 20-something employee was going to come unglued on me because I was in a suit, carrying black bags and equipment in pelican cases. The guy was dancing around in the corner of the elevator saying things like, "I know what you're doing here, you're not obvious at all..." I was a little surprised that he knew I was there to backup and repair the desktop computer for the SAC's admin, but let it go at that... If I'd been on my game I probably could've elicited a confession for something from the guy right there. lol.

gigag04 wrote:I would highly recommend getting on with a state or local agency for about 3 years first. Make it a big one, and shine.

You will learn skills and tactics in dealing with people that can't be trained at the federal level.

My researched conclusions on FLEO: The hours are long and you will move a lot, especially if you promote. Quality of life in regards to time is better at the state and local level. However, the money is better after a few years at the federal level. Also, feds are more limited in how they work. They often times work through the state/local agency as their tac teams are faster to mobilize, and warrants faster to obtain.

All that said, there are some really cool assignments at the fed level. If you find the right wife and can make the family thing work, I recommend going state/local first, excel there and get some investigations experience, and then you'll be that much ahead of other applicants going for the FLEO jobs. The guys that I worked alongside that went federal all still say that the real fun is on patrol at the local/state level, so take that for what it is worth.

Check out http://www.realpolice.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for more info.

I think Giga speaks the truth. I worked for the IRS in a regional office as a computer tech in what is now TIGTA for around 9 years in the 80's/90's and I'd say the majority of the agents there had previous local/state/military experience. Some were recruited right out of school, but I sure didn't see that many. Competition for jobs beyond GS-13 was tough. GS-13 wasn't a given back then either. Most promotions were gained super-stars, the eternally patient career employee(or they capped at the gs step level) or by those willing to move around, often to the D.C. area and then to other parts of the country to move up from there. SAC's and Branch Chiefs were some of the most divorced people I ever met. I think it at least one maybe two divorces was a prerequisite for a SS management level jobs. Those guys had were rode hard. Again, high numbers of management were prior LEO/military.

Even though the bulk of the work was white-collar crime, there was plenty of it and plenty of hours right along with it and not the 8-5 kind. "Executive detail" spilled over to the local guys occasionally when the SS needed bodies to help with visitors. They did get "premium-pay" a small percentage above the normal GS salary, along earning full retirement benefits after 20 years instead of 30. Don't know if that stands today though. The benefits were great (back then). Most of the folks were great, with an occasional lemon, but they didn't usually last long. Had the opportunity to meet and work with LEO from many state, local and federal agencies as well as various contract agencies like Mitre, organizations like IACIS. Met some really sharp cookies at FLETC. I haven't looked in a while, but I believe the GS pay scale has been locked down for a few years without change. It used to change annually with adjustments for locality. I suspect that's suspended as well.

Getting in is half the battle. Having prior experience helps and 3-4 years sounds about right. Being a Vet helps. Once you are in other doors open to you should you decide you want to move along. Note the number of job req's on USAJOBs open to "Current federal employees..." Shop around. There are a number of agencies with FLEO divisions, not just the big names you see on TV. Although, it would be kind cool to work for the NSA so you can tell people that you can't tell them what you do for a living. :)