Border Patrol Agent vs Deputy US Marshal

[starfox]

Hey all,

I was hoping that someone could help me out with this issue. I am pretty far in the application process for both Border Patrol Agent and Deputy US Marshal (FCIP-Region 7). Although technically BP Agent is also FCIP. I have finished all steps with CBP and I have been referred to the scheduling unit, so I guess it is just a matter of time. With the Marshals I am awaiting my background investigation and from what I hear is that these things are "rushed" with the Marshals. In a nutshell, my question is...If both CBP and Marshals offer me a position at the same time, what should i go for? I like both agencies very much and I know their duties vary greatly. I have known two good acquaintances through the military who ironically enough one is a Deputy US Marshal and the other a BP Agent so I more or less have fed off of both these guys but I want the opinions of some of you guys out there. Maybe there is someone out there who has worked for both of these agencies who can help. Also,... if Border Patrol offers me a position first, would it be wise to hold off and wait for the Marshals to offer me a position? I know some people say, take the first offer you get....just wondering.

Sorry for the long post but I just need some help. Also, for those of you that will probably say, "depends on what your future plans are ",or "depends on what you want to do",.... my plans are to gain as much experience as possible to one day make it as a Secret Service Special Agent. I guess that is why i was leaning towards Marshals because the 1811 slot (albeit after 3 years) can help a lot. But then again Secret Service and CBP are both DHS and Marhals are DOJ, although I dont know if it matters. Thanks and I'd appreciate any input from anyone.

[Twoisone]

Hey all,

I was hoping that someone could help me out with this issue. I am pretty far in the application process for both Border Patrol Agent and Deputy US Marshal (FCIP-Region 7). Although technically BP Agent is also FCIP. I have finished all steps with CBP and I have been referred to the scheduling unit, so I guess it is just a matter of time. With the Marshals I am awaiting my background investigation and from what I hear is that these things are "rushed" with the Marshals. In a nutshell, my question is...If both CBP and Marshals offer me a position at the same time, what should i go for? I like both agencies very much and I know their duties vary greatly. I have known two good acquaintances through the military who ironically enough one is a Deputy US Marshal and the other a BP Agent so I more or less have fed off of both these guys but I want the opinions of some of you guys out there. Maybe there is someone out there who has worked for both of these agencies who can help. Also,... if Border Patrol offers me a position first, would it be wise to hold off and wait for the Marshals to offer me a position? I know some people say, take the first offer you get....just wondering.

Sorry for the long post but I just need some help. Also, for those of you that will probably say, "depends on what your future plans are ",or "depends on what you want to do",.... my plans are to gain as much experience as possible to one day make it as a Secret Service Special Agent. I guess that is why i was leaning towards Marshals because the 1811 slot (albeit after 3 years) can help a lot. But then again Secret Service and CBP are both DHS and Marhals are DOJ, although I dont know if it matters. Thanks and I'd appreciate any input from anyone.

Take the first job that is offered. As far as picking one over another, it will come down to your own personal choice. Border Patrol Agents work outdoors, and do alot more enforcement than U.S. Marshals out of the gate. Your first three years in the Marshals Service will be prisoner transport and court security. It could be upwards of 10 years until you have enough seniority to get a crack at their Fugitive Apprehension Team, Witness Security, Tactical Operations Group, etc. Whereas you would need to complete your two year probationary period with BP in order to join their elite teams: BORTAC, SRT, or BORSTAR.

Try not to get bogged down with the whole 1811 vs. 1896 (Border Patrol Agent series) issue. Your ultimate aim should be to gain a federal law enforcement job, regardless of the title or series.

[Zurita210]

Hey all,

I was hoping that someone could help me out with this issue. I am pretty far in the application process for both Border Patrol Agent and Deputy US Marshal (FCIP-Region 7). Although technically BP Agent is also FCIP. I have finished all steps with CBP and I have been referred to the scheduling unit, so I guess it is just a matter of time. With the Marshals I am awaiting my background investigation and from what I hear is that these things are "rushed" with the Marshals. In a nutshell, my question is...If both CBP and Marshals offer me a position at the same time, what should i go for? I like both agencies very much and I know their duties vary greatly. I have known two good acquaintances through the military who ironically enough one is a Deputy US Marshal and the other a BP Agent so I more or less have fed off of both these guys but I want the opinions of some of you guys out there. Maybe there is someone out there who has worked for both of these agencies who can help. Also,... if Border Patrol offers me a position first, would it be wise to hold off and wait for the Marshals to offer me a position? I know some people say, take the first offer you get....just wondering.

Sorry for the long post but I just need some help. Also, for those of you that will probably say, "depends on what your future plans are ",or "depends on what you want to do",.... my plans are to gain as much experience as possible to one day make it as a Secret Service Special Agent. I guess that is why i was leaning towards Marshals because the 1811 slot (albeit after 3 years) can help a lot. But then again Secret Service and CBP are both DHS and Marhals are DOJ, although I dont know if it matters. Thanks and I'd appreciate any input from anyone.

Man im glad your currently working on your hiring process through region 7. I live in Houston and im waiting for the window to open up again. Anyways, I would recommend Marshals, Border Patrol like the other guy said does a lot of outdoors right off the bat. Your also in the heat once you start meaning your in action. Financially Marshals pays more than Border Patrol. BP always has overtime, ull be working 10 hr days or more, no set days off, you wont have 2 days off in a row, while marshals from wat I heard work pretty much monday through friday sometimes weekends depending what your actual doing. Ive met people in both agencies. The comment that the other guy said about marshals being in court security and cell block for a long time isnt all that accurate, my Marshal contact here in Houston has been with the agency for about 4 yrs and he does it all. From witness protection, to prisoner transportation, to response team. This is what he has told me so I wouldnt know if its true but why would he lie to me.

[Twoisone]

Hey all,

I was hoping that someone could help me out with this issue. I am pretty far in the application process for both Border Patrol Agent and Deputy US Marshal (FCIP-Region 7). Although technically BP Agent is also FCIP. I have finished all steps with CBP and I have been referred to the scheduling unit, so I guess it is just a matter of time. With the Marshals I am awaiting my background investigation and from what I hear is that these things are "rushed" with the Marshals. In a nutshell, my question is...If both CBP and Marshals offer me a position at the same time, what should i go for? I like both agencies very much and I know their duties vary greatly. I have known two good acquaintances through the military who ironically enough one is a Deputy US Marshal and the other a BP Agent so I more or less have fed off of both these guys but I want the opinions of some of you guys out there. Maybe there is someone out there who has worked for both of these agencies who can help. Also,... if Border Patrol offers me a position first, would it be wise to hold off and wait for the Marshals to offer me a position? I know some people say, take the first offer you get....just wondering.

Sorry for the long post but I just need some help. Also, for those of you that will probably say, "depends on what your future plans are ",or "depends on what you want to do",.... my plans are to gain as much experience as possible to one day make it as a Secret Service Special Agent. I guess that is why i was leaning towards Marshals because the 1811 slot (albeit after 3 years) can help a lot. But then again Secret Service and CBP are both DHS and Marhals are DOJ, although I dont know if it matters. Thanks and I'd appreciate any input from anyone.

FYI: Backgrounds with the Marshals or any other agency are never "rushed." Expect any background investigation for a federal law enforcement position to be exhaustive and expansive. The factors that are involved with one applicant's BI taking less time than anothers, could include the number of residencies between the applicants, the number of states the applicants have lived in, past encounters/convictions with the law, the number of employers each applicant has had, prior military experience, etc. Applicant A could have lived in the same state for their entire life, had one employer, and had a prior run-in with the law. Applicant B could have lived in three different states, have 6 prior employers, served in the Marines for six years, with no prior run-ins with the law. While Applicant A's background investigation might appear to take less time even with their run-in, in actuality this factor alone could add 6-12 more months to their background investigation being adjudicated.

Now, take two applicants with a similar number of past employers, education, number of residencies, and neither one has had past scrapes with the law. One applicant tests six months before the other, yet the applicant who tested later is sent to TSU before the earlier applicant. Why? It could very well come down to the proficiency of the background investigators for one applicant over the other applicant's background investigator, or the ability of one applicant's background investigators being able to interview the people they need to, while the other applicant's background investigators have problems getting in touch with the other applicant's neighbors, past employers, etc.

[rollingstone10]

FYI: Backgrounds with the Marshals or any other agency are never "rushed." .

This board is full of helpful information- please do not make statements unless your have experience first hand or know the the answer with 100% certainty or you hurt everyone on this board. Federal agencies have numerous options when requesting a background investigation. A background (LBI,SSBI,etc.) can be done as fast or as slow as the agency requires. They can bring you on and 8 months later send your security file to OPM and purchase the cheapest investigative option and your BI will get done when it gets done, and will be adjudicated when it gets adjudicated. A hiring agency could also request (which costs more) a BI be done immediately and it will be given top priority and can be done in two weeks no matter how many places you have lived. In order for them to rush a BI the requesting agency has had to meet a certain level of criteria on an applicant's BI themselves. For example, the USMS sometime has deputies work on backgrounds before requesting the BI from a third party.

[Hope2BPA]

Man im glad your currently working on your hiring process through region 7. I live in Houston and im waiting for the window to open up again. Anyways, I would recommend Marshals, Border Patrol like the other guy said does a lot of outdoors right off the bat. Your also in the heat once you start meaning your in action. Financially Marshals pays more than Border Patrol. BP always has overtime, ull be working 10 hr days or more, no set days off, you wont have 2 days off in a row, while marshals from wat I heard work pretty much monday through friday sometimes weekends depending what your actual doing. Ive met people in both agencies. The comment that the other guy said about marshals being in court security and cell block for a long time isnt all that accurate, my Marshal contact here in Houston has been with the agency for about 4 yrs and he does it all. From witness protection, to prisoner transportation, to response team. This is what he has told me so I wouldnt know if its true but why would he lie to me.

You sound very knowledgable.........

How do you figure that USM's makes more money than BPA's? We get AUO right out of the Academy and to my understanding, USM's don't get this until they make 1811 which is after a few years. The only way I see truth to your statement is because currently BPA's go up to GS-11 as a Journeyman. GS-12 and up is a supervisor of some sort. This is not intended to become a ****ing match!!! Just trying to get the facts straight so that the OP can make a good decision!

[CECPD]

I can not say much about the USMS because I am not within their ranks. I have worked with many guys who are USM and I have really never heard anything negative about their job. I have encountered many USM who were BPAs and when they see the green uniform they reminisce about their days with the BP. I also know a lot of guys who get in the patrol and all they talk about is being a Special Agent. Border Patrol is a good job. There are many opportunities to branch out in many directions within the BP. One thing that stands out the most is location. BP has many stations that although the work is good the location is not that great (if u know what I mean) and viceversa. In the BP you will learn a lot. You will learn tracking techniques (although it seems to be an ancient art), you will learn to communicate in another language, you will learn different cultures. There are many units in the BP ie; Bike Patrol ,ATV , horse patrol, honor guard, SRT, Bortac, Borstar, Air Boats, etc... There are opportunities to move if you want to. If you like where you are at you can stay there your whole career. It is an outdoor job, you work shifts, as a trainee you are "expected" to work many hours, you might or might not get holidays off. Days off are usually WED/THURS (or TUES/WED). What I'm trying to say is that it is not a 7-3 job MON-FRI. I dont know where you are from, but more than likely you will be away from home. If you have wife and kids it'll be tough, but at the end of the day and as time passes you'll realize it is a rewarding job. There are many BPAs who have been hired by ATF, DEA, FBI, USSS, ICE, USMS, etc... I dont know about know, but the training we used to get was excellent, tough and very comparable to boot camp. And that is something that many other agencies look at with respect.
I have been in the BP for 14years, so I know a little about what I am talking about. Good luck in making the best decision. God Speed!

[Zurita210]

You sound very knowledgable.........

How do you figure that USM's makes more money than BPA's? We get AUO right out of the Academy and to my understanding, USM's don't get this until they make 1811 which is after a few years. The only way I see truth to your statement is because currently BPA's go up to GS-11 as a Journeyman. GS-12 and up is a supervisor of some sort. This is not intended to become a ****ing match!!! Just trying to get the facts straight so that the OP can make a good decision!

Im not either but I have a sargeant in the reserves who did border patrol for 3 yrs and switched over to the Marshals, told me he makes way more than he ever did with Border Patrol. I also have an active duty army friend who works for Border Patrol as well, he told me they make good money but Marshals make more. My current Marshal contact here in Houston told me Marshals make more than Border Patrol agents. I was kicked out the hiring process from Border Patrol, failed the Poly. But that's what I know.

[Zurita210]

I was in the Army for 3yrs and 8 months in Iraq from March 2003 to Nov. 2003. Got out of active duty summer of 2004. Joined the reserves 2yrs later. Anywas a friend of mine from active duty has been with border patrol for 3yrs now, he says its fun, a lot of action. Money is good but says Marshals pay more. They work like 10hr days, they work holidays but get paid double time on those days. Location does suck becuase they send you to whatever region you chosed but you dont pick what city or town in that region, sometimes they give you a choice of 3 and you pick one, you can choose not to pick one and they say they send you to the bottom of the list to and pick you back up to send you to another location within that region but my friend says they never call back so you better choose whatever they give you. You receive Sunday pay, you receive night pay. Different types of pays. Cool thing is that you can use border patrol to branch out to other agencies.

DUSM, according to my contact, dont know if he's exaggerating or what but he says he makes 6 figures and he's only been in for 4 years now. Promotions or whatever, seems like a way bigger amount than border patrol. When I joined the reserves a met a sergeant who was BP and went Marshal and he says he likes Marshals better and he makes more money. That's what my contact says, just like he said that DUSM will open another hiring window before the year ends. I am waiting for that at the moment, dont know if he's pulling my leg or what but thats what he has told me, he has a big position here in Houston and his best friend is a recruiter for DUSM. I talked to pleny of Police officers and they told me to have faith in him and just believe in what he says. So I am, but at the same time im looking into other things because im not going to sit here and wait forever.

[Twoisone]

Agencies can instruct OPM to do a "priority" background. If you look in the other Marshals threads, you will see this. Fieldwork is usually completed within two weeks, which is then followed by an adjudication period. One reason for the priority backgrounds may be to spend appropriated funds by a certain date.

Priority background investigations are not the norm, and are done less than 1% of the time.

[Twoisone]

This board is full of helpful information- please do not make statements unless your have experience first hand or know the the answer with 100% certainty or you hurt everyone on this board. Federal agencies have numerous options when requesting a background investigation. A background (LBI,SSBI,etc.) can be done as fast or as slow as the agency requires. They can bring you on and 8 months later send your security file to OPM and purchase the cheapest investigative option and your BI will get done when it gets done, and will be adjudicated when it gets adjudicated. A hiring agency could also request (which costs more) a BI be done immediately and it will be given top priority and can be done in two weeks no matter how many places you have lived. In order for them to rush a BI the requesting agency has had to meet a certain level of criteria on an applicant's BI themselves. For example, the USMS sometime has deputies work on backgrounds before requesting the BI from a third party.

I do have first hand experience, which makes my answers to applicants questions knowledgeable and highly confident. Once you complete 15 years with multiple federal law enforcement agencies, and are knocking on the door of GS-14 we can talk.

It is true that the adjudicators have many possible routes they can take in determining an applicant's suitability. They may take a completed background investigation that another cooperating agency has completed, and use it to issue an interim clearance. This allows the agency to fill academy slots quickly. The downside is that an applicant can get pulled out of the academy if an issue concerning their suitability arises, or if the applicant outright lied and the lie is uncovered by the adjudicator when the applicant's file is looked through in more detail. The fact of the matter is that issuing interim clearances is becoming more and more infrequent, and full-fledged background investigations have, again, taken precedence over them.

[madchiken]

Both positions are on the same payscale, so I don't see why one would be making more than the other. BP gets 25% AUO+FLSA and USMS gets 25% LEAP (once they become an 1811). BP would likely make more for the first 3 or 4 years, then they would be about even, USMS would make more once a DUSM is promoted above GS-11.

The "contact" in Houston will make more because the Houston area gets one of the highest locality pay's in the US.

[SHU]

Im not either but I have a sargeant in the reserves who did border patrol for 3 yrs and switched over to the Marshals, told me he makes way more than he ever did with Border Patrol. I also have an active duty army friend who works for Border Patrol as well, he told me they make good money but Marshals make more. My current Marshal contact here in Houston told me Marshals make more than Border Patrol agents. I was kicked out the hiring process from Border Patrol, failed the Poly. But that's what I know.

Dude you sound ****ed because you could not make it in the Patrol. In the Patrol I get double Sundays, 100% night diff, FLSA and 27 hours of 45 ACT on many past PP and it goes a long way. USM will not get this. USMS does not get automatic grade increases every year. From what
I've read in the USMS thread, they have the worst pay plan in the G. Even with NYC locality pay. In the Patrol we work on our own going after people. USM spend years in the bull pen and working in court rooms. Its a good job but they do not get the action we get on a daily basis. In most places USM have to do a lot of security work for a long time before they can get the opportunity to hunt men. In the Patrol we get it day one. And for the OP, take the first job offered because you might not get a second offer. Both are good jobs.

[MPDCjock]

I would take the first job offered, like others said because the second one may not come.

[manstown]

Actually we do get pay increases every year. We are journeyman 12. Start as a 5 and get to 12 in 4 years. We too have plenty of OT even as 1811's. I won't argue with work right out of the gate. BP does bust their ***. And trust me....we see plenty of action on a daily basis whether in court or on the street.

Zurita,

I'm not sure who your USMS contact is, I don't want to say they are giving you bad information, but either you are hearing what they are saying wrong, or they are mistaken in what they are telling you. 6 figure in 4 years isn't happening. Unless they are working OT morning, noon, and night. The only reason I know is because the new pay scale just came out. If they have been on for 4 years they just made GS 11 which doesn't put you at 6 figures. Unless you include benefits.

And I'm going to agree with MPDjock. I have buddies that came from BP and they had a great time on the job. If I wasn;t married I would have thought about years ago. But I do love my job with USMS, even on the bad days when I'm in court the work on the streets makes up for it.