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Posted by: HELPMe

Anyone hear if the hiring freeze is over yet? Last i heard the union was still battling with DC over the budget. I guess the grand plan is to eliminate FPS and just contract out GSA guards and only a couple special agent positions for investigative purposes only. Ever since the restructuring it seems like they just want to starve out FPS PO's and contract away.

Anyone know how FPS Boston is doing?

Posted by: Delta784

They mostly hire from other Federal agencies and through the SRA, so it's not often they have open competitive positions.

FWIW, you're not missing much. With all due respect to the FPS, it's little more than a glorified security job (direct quote from one of my best friends, who is FPS).

Posted by: misconceived

http://www.boston.com/partners/world...deoCatNo=80781

Posted by: masscopguy

For an agency that basically has 2 buildings the JFK and the O'Neill they have more cars than they know what to do with.

Years ago, they used to be called the General Services Administation Police and their pay was quite low. I heard that before 911 they were on the chopping block but that all changed.

I hear they love giving the MVM Security Guards who work the entrances to the JFK and O'Neill a real hard time.

Posted by: HELPMe

Quote:

Originally Posted by masscopguy

For an agency that basically has 2 buildings the JFK and the O'Neill they have more cars than they know what to do with.

Years ago, they used to be called the General Services Administation Police and their pay was quite low. I heard that before 911 they were on the chopping block but that all changed.

I hear they love giving the MVM Security Guards who work the entrances to the JFK and O'Neill a real hard time.

They actually have over 450 federal buildings in the new england region. With a patrol force of only 65 fPS PO's for the new england region and no night and weekend POs on duty.

I heard that the agency is going to get axed and I am just trying to confirm what i have heard. I have also been on some FPS forums and they say that the GSA and ICE are just cutting them out. No training, no advancement etc. Which sucks it seems like a nice stepping stone to get into federal law enforcement.

Posted by: masscopguy

I don't doubt you but I work part time at 7 Bullfinch Place in Government Center and no exageration I see 8 to 10 FPS cars parked around the JFK all the time.

I guess they could be allocated for the entire region.

They seem to be out on the street a lot making sure people don't park infront of the building.

I would be surprised if they eliminated police at the Federal buildings. MVM Security have no police powers although they are armed etc...

The FPS also used to have the Federal Courthouse in Post Office Square. I think the Marshalls Service may have the Moakley Courthouse that replaced PO Square.

There are so many federal agencies running into each other at the O'Neill Bulding. Inside the Passport Office they have one uniformed Department of State Police Officer watching the crowd waiting for passports etc...

Posted by: cj3441

When FPS left GSA and came under Homeland Security it was the beginning of the end. Homeland Security has taken almost all of their budget and is using it in other places. At this point in time FPS Police Officers are being required to work mandatory overtime for comp time only. Since the post 9/11 cash is drying up at the Federal level don't expect any hiring from them, they are not replacing people that leave/retire.

Posted by: HELPMe

Quote:

Originally Posted by cj3441

When FPS left GSA and came under Homeland Security it was the beginning of the end. Homeland Security has taken almost all of their budget and is using it in other places. At this point in time FPS Police Officers are being required to work mandatory overtime for comp time only. Since the post 9/11 cash is drying up at the Federal level don't expect any hiring from them, they are not replacing people that leave/retire.

Yes that is what i have heard also. Its very saddening to hear. Glad the feds take the security of their own buildings safely.

Like I said earlier it would be a great jump off point for a start in federal law enforcement. ICE/DEA/ATF/US Marshals is very competitive
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Posted by: copcreamer

There are no stepping stones into Fed LE. All jobs are entry level. Don't waste your time somewhere you don't want to work

Posted by: HELPMe

Quote:

Originally Posted by copcreamer

There are no stepping stones into Fed LE. All jobs are entry level. Don't waste your time somewhere you don't want to work

Thats not necessarily true. Most federal agencies such as ICE/DEA etc will allow for laterals from other departments. So once your in the system its easier to lateral then it is to get hired off an open competative test.

Posted by: cj3441

Quote:

Originally Posted by HELPMe

If you want to get into the Federal system my advice to you would be to look into the VA Police, they are armed and in most places are paid more than DOD Police. Also in the Boston VA they will sponsor and pay for you to attend the reserve academy. It is greast experience should you try to go to another Fed LEO job or interview for a municipality.

Posted by: mikemac64

Almost 6 years since 9/11 and no more attacks. People are getting soft even though we know something will happen eventually. I think our leaders have accepted that a certain amount of casualties every now and then are acceptable in lieu of spending money.

One of the "Ten Deadly Sins" is complacency and I chalk this whole thing up to complacency.

I think the local cops should be prepared to start handling alarms at the Boston federal buildings. Have fun being ADT for the feds!!!

Posted by: Q5-TPR

Quote:

Originally Posted by cj3441

Here is a Qualified thought about the VA Police. I worked there for 4 years before getting the nod. The VA is a weird animal. Most of the Officers are R-9 (Excellent), however, the management BLOWS. As a VA Cop (Federal Police Officer), you have all the power in the world (VAPD Boston/Brockton has both State and Federal arrest authority), however, the administration and Department Policies severly limit you. I used to push the envelope and do alot of work. And when I did, I got into the Shiiate with the bosses. Also there is no loyalty to the people. If you make the slightest mistake, they come at you with both barrels and try to hang you. The money is pretty good, I was a GS-08 when I left with the Law Enforcement stipend and, with some overtime, I think I pulled something like $75K my last full year. As far as a stepping stone, NOT A CHANCE. Very few of us escaped the VA. The bosses LOVE to hang paper on you, which could severly hurt you in a backround invest. Also, training is basically Non-Exsistant. All of the outside training I went to I did on my own time, on my own dime. With all of that said, I did get alot out of it, especially people skills. Dealing with alot of our "not so steallar" Vets (IE: drunks, druggies, psyco's, and A-Holes) has helped me alot for work on the streets. I also have a MUCH GREATER appreciation for the job I have! My final thought about the VA is if they can get good management in there it will be a hell of a job. Till then, they are just fighting an up hill battle, internal and external. Just my $.02. Good luck.

Posted by: HELPMe

Quote:

Originally Posted by cj3441

Thanks for the advice. I have been on usajobs waiting for an opening to pop up but from what i have seen the turn over is fairly low or atleast they dont post on usajobs to fill those positions that often. I work as a CPO and i am just trying to branch out in a different avenue should the goal of getting on a municipal department not work out.

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by Q5-TPR

My final thought about the VA is if they can get good management in there it will be a hell of a job

The same can probably be said about the great majority of police jobs in Massachusetts.

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