Comparing 1811 with local/state police

[riptide]

I was wondering if anyone could elaborate on the differences, (good, bad, different, opportunities) of being in Federal Law vs Local law enforcement?

One of the problems I see with federal law is that they move you all over God's creation, at least when you first hire on.

Any other thoughts about how the job differs and what people prefer about ?

Thanks

[WS-G]

One of the problems I see with federal law is that they move you all over God's creation, at least when you first hire on.
State law enforcement agencies tend to be the same way. While it's usually possible to state a preference WRT the location of your first — and second... and third... and so on — duty station, the bottom line is that it's your department's choice, not yours, over where you end up. The very real possibility exists that you may spend years stuck out in some sparsely populated outpost, far from civilization.

If you're already a resident of the state in which you're hired, you may generally forget about the possibility of an assignment anywhere near your home town/city — or any of the major population centers, for that matter — until you've gained some seniority.

[riptide]

I guess maybe I mean comparing 1811 to a city or county.

Thanks

[Sharky]

Federal Agents normally make more money and the job is normally less risky than being local. I've done both and am currently Federal, though I'm not and have never been an 1811.

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F.I.D.O.

[Swat1]

Simply put, 1811 is a Criminal Investigator. You would also be surprised at the number of different agencies out there that have 1811's, for instance: Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Department of Veteran's Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc. ad nauseum. Compared to local, county or state LE is kind of apples and oranges. You can compare Detectives with 1811's but not patrol officers, etc.

Just to clarify, FBI, DEA, USMS, USSS, ATF Special Agents, etc. are all 1811's as well.

Swat1*