Thread: Ins Deo

Is there any INS DEO officer's on this forum. I am on the job with state law enforcement but I would greatly appreciate to talk with someone from the INS DEO position.

Thank you for the 411!

Happy Holidays to all!

Ramm,
I believe there are several INS DEO's here including myself. What can we help you with?

GODSPEED,
FED406

You can also check this other message board.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/ideoa/start

thanks

There was an article in the news about the York, PA county jail wanting to get out of its arrangement with INS. INS (or DOJ) felt they were paying too much to the county to house detainees at the facility.

I understand there are many such arrangements around the country. I imagine the aliens are held separately from the "general population." Is the staff for that part of the facility all INS?

Unfortunately, this is probably a growth industry. Hopefully the news will get back to some of these source countries and deter a few people from coming. But most will come anyway...

I work in an INS contract facility and we classify their inmates the same as our own. If they aren't chainsaw murderers and they can behave themselves they are treated like any other inmate. The only time we have INS staff in the building is when DEO's come in to drop them off or pick them up. Occasionally we have an IEA in to interview someone. That's about it. The INS staff that I deal with are always great to work with and help us out all the time with issues surrounding the inmates housed here.

I was looking at the delphi DEO board and I gotta say I am not sure about taking that position. There seems to be low morale and a very negative vibe. DEOs seem to be overlooked quite a lot.

they are overlooked alot. the job can be great, it depends on your duty station. they are under paid by grade, but they can make tons of O/T. you get to travel the world on the govt dime without working much and staying at the best hotels. it is a good starting position that is 6c covered.

after taking the test in january 02 and scoring 95.0 I just got a letter yesterday stating that the hiring procedure now includes an oral interview, and for me to select a location. From anyone's experience, does this mean I'm close to an intvw or is it just being sent out to everyone? also is there a PEB for DEO's and what is the hiring process? Poly? SF-85 or SF-86? Med? Psych?
What is the duty weapon? What is the uniform?

Bigdog,
I got the same letter after not hearing a peep from them since scoring a 99 in Nov 2001. Don't know what to expect or even if it means anything. I think they are just stating they are adding an oral interview which I really don't know why that is required if they are not getting that bump to Immigration Enforcement Agent. I guess time will tell, but aside of that there are several DEOs on this board who could answer your other questions. I just know from reading the DEO board on delphi that it seems as screwed up as the department of corrections that I currently work for which makes me wonder if it is worth getting into, but I need for info to make that assessment.

If you read the DEO board on delphi you will see that there are some DEO's who appear to really love the job.

Much will change as INS becomes part of Homeland Security, but who knows how. Having the 6c is a big plus; other positions are trying to get that coverage but I think it is too expensive for the government to bite off, especially when you look at how many people are applying for jobs like customs inspector and immigration inspector which are not 6c.

There are a couple of INS DEO guys that come by my Prison on a regular basis transporting illegals to court/hearings or picking up parolees we're releasing to an INS hold. They seem content. We also had a Federal Prisoner Unit for awhile That was staffed by 2 state corrections officers and 1 INS DEO. I didn't work that unit but have been told by officers that did that the INS guys were good guys, good officers, and for the most part liked their job.
Their uniform is Green top and bottom and looks a bit like the Border patrol uniform. Duty weapon is the DAO Beretta .40, I'm told they have off duty carry authorization but that this is subject to local management interferance.
I'm considering putting in for this myself but the pay is rather low.
Good luck, K9

The uniform is a Border Patrol uniform except the patch is different. Our weapon is a Berretta 96D .40 cal. Morale for this job is very low. In most places the DEO is treated like a lesser person. With that being said it is an excellent way to get your foot in the door. It is a stepping stone position with the opportunity to make 60K + a year depending on duty station (whether you get AUO or 45 act(time and a half ) for OT). The average career span of a DEO in my office is 3 years before they get a better job. Our most senior officer has 5 years in and doesn't plan on leaving. I know that my experience as a DEO is helping me in other hiring processes. I have spoken to other DEO's in other places who love their job I have also spoken to some who loathe it. I think alot depends on duty station. INS for the majority contract out county facilities to house detainees. There are however several INS facilities in the country where DEO's are jail staff.

GODSPEED,
FED406

Fed406,
Can you mention places were the morale is high to people thinking about going through the process?

I have freinds in the San Diego District office who like their job but cannot afford to live there. I am sure there are DEO's there who hate the job. The best advice I can give you is to stay away from the SPC's (INS prison) if possible. You need to look at what your long term goals are. See if you can find out what offices give you the best chance for advancement. You need to learn all of the different ways that each agency (specifically the ones you want to join) hires people. Then you need to look at the areas that you can afford to live in. If your career aspirations are to be an INS DEO then you should do your best to get into a District SUB office. THe sub offices have less people, less management, treat their people better and enjoy more freedom. If you have other goals and just want to get into FED LE go to an area where you can afford to live and bide your time, gain experience, and learn the various hiring systems. Some might disagree but already being 6c covered and having a little bit of FLETC under your belt can help you out alot.

Just another FYI, if your goal is to get into the system, give a couple of years, and move on. Go to the Border Patrol. It looks a hell of alot better than the DEO position on a resume, plus it gives you very unique experiences. Border Patrol also teaches you spanish and goes up to a GS-11. You would just have to suck it up and possibly live in a shit hole for a couple of years.
ANd now for the disclaimer as of March 1 INS will be in the DHLS. No one knows what this will mean to us DEO's. I do know that the hiring procedures for DEO have and are changing as we speak.

Hope this helps.

GODSPEED,
FED406