Thread: Federal agents "on call"

As I understand, many federal agents must be available or "on call" and able to report for duty 24 hours a day when they're not actually working. How does this vary from one agency to another and how does it effect agents' personal lives? For example, in order to go camping/backpacking with the family for a weekend in a remote area would an agent have to use his vacation time? - spyder

In the FAMS we're supposed to have at least one of our communication devices with us. as you can see, we have more than one. But, we also are subject to being recalled 24/7. That's why the "G" pays that 25%, to get it's monies worth, if need be.

Originally Posted by Big Sexy

In the FAMS we're supposed to have at least one of our communication devices with us. as you can see, we have more than one. But, we also are subject to being recalled 24/7. That's why the "G" pays that 25%, to get it's monies worth, if need be.

Does being on this board count as your "communication device"
Is that why PEACE is always here???

Okay, let the truth be told. Peace and I are members of the M.I.F. The Mission Impossible Force. Our mission is to get you slackers ready for the strenuous work of federal law enforcement officers. Which considering some of you, is a damn near impossible mission.

Oh, we're also running your ip addresses and checking you out against criminal databases.

Not to mention we narc to the Mods when you do something bad.

So, watch yourselves, because we're watching you.

The two keys to an uninterrupted weekend in the wilderness are go when you're not on call and go where there's no cell phone coverage. Usually works for me.

CC must be hosting one of those BBQ's he is always talking about now that he's in an IG office...

Originally Posted by PEACE

There are Moderators, and there are Motivators - and by the way, CC is one too.

Within the M.I.F., we're known as Team C.B.P.

Originally Posted by PEACE

Hey! I resemble that remark!

7 minute response time. Not bad....

Originally Posted by Big Sexy

Within the M.I.F., we're known as Team C.B.P.

We have a:
Fast
Action
Response
Team

where I am...

This concept of ever ready gets just a bit overstated. Much of what might cause you to be called is somewhat in your control and while there will be the bump against personal plans if you can generally find a way to be mostly available if called and never be never available it otherwise is only a slightly bizzaro lifestyle instead of full bizarro.

Probably if you are the only law West of the Pecos personal time is tough, but usually if you are not available somebody else is. Trick is not to be the only one who like can never be reached. In practice, you will probably just be off most weekends.

Caveat is for newbies. Always looking to drag them out on stuff for their "development."

As a general rule, they only times you have to be in a position to be reached and to respond is when you are serving as a duty agent.

That's why most of us hate "the duty."

This will vary from one agency to another. As well as one group to another within that agency. And also varies with your case load. In my office, you will probably get 20 different answers from less than 100 Agents.