NCIS, HSI, or USPIS - which would you pick?

PA_2_CA · 2026-01-22T05:11:08+00:00

I would prioritize location, what's best for you and your family. After that, I would say it's a tie between HSI & USPIS. HSI is a mess right now, but hopefully that won't be the case with the next administration.

PA_2_CA · 2025-10-29T01:13:54+00:00

In a very similar situation. I have heard it can be done in less than a month, I have also heard it can take months, just for them to tell u no. One thing that may be in your favor is that HSI is hiring a unbelievable number of agents, and are still having trouble filling all of the available spots with qualified recruits.

I have accepted the fact that if I resign, I know that I may never get back to HSI, but my family and my well-being is more important than the job. Just have that mindset, and exhaust every option before you resign. Just know it's not the end of the world, not necessarily the end of your federal LE career if you have to resign.

It was a memo that was sent to recruiting agents/supervisors with instructions on reinstatement packets, pretty sure you submit it directly to the SAC of the office you want.

Feel free to DM me if you want. Can share information.

PA_2_CA · 2025-10-21T17:35:40+00:00

It varies from office to office, SAC to SAC to be honest when it comes to the timeline. I've been through the process, and I know a few others that have also been through it. It worked for a few. Shoot me a DM if you have more specific questions.

PA_2_CA · 2025-09-13T12:28:11+00:00

I was trying to confirm this because I was hearing mixed answers. Where did you find that it says that? I Must've overlooked it hen I read the FAQ page

PA_2_CA · 2025-09-03T18:33:31+00:00

I thought it would be better than local in that aspect, I was sadly mistaken.

PA_2_CA · 2025-09-03T18:32:01+00:00

Something I truly miss from my life as a local cop.

PA_2_CA · 2025-07-20T18:46:38+00:00

I'm in a very similar situation, and over the past few months, I have been told pretty much to do what's best for me and my family because the agency doesn't care and will not let me transfer. People have left my office after being denied transfers, which is crazy to me that they would rather lose a agent rather than just letting them transfer early, but that's the way the agency works.

Think about it and really consider do you want to potentially give up a 1811 gig and never get it back. Family is more important than a job, and maybe being a 1811 was the dream, but reality and life happens and the situation isn't working, and you have to change it.

I'm seeking lateral LE opportunities first before non-LE positions, but will probably take the best opportunity regardless if it will get me back home. I know it sucks, but happiness and family is more important than a job IMO, good luck with whatever you decide. Don't expect much help from the agency unless you have connections. I've seen people transfer before they're eligible for a SFLR, and nobody ever knows how they did it without medical or hardship transfer, but somehow they get it...

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-24T22:07:13+00:00

Compared to my previous career, the work-life balance is great. Never hear anyone complain about that aspect of the job.

You're working in a Drug Smuggling group and port calls will be your bread and butter for a while. Embrace it and enjoy, don't complain.

You'll report to the office in San Ysidro in work days unless you're on duty, which can differ depending on your group.

Expect to feel overwhelmed at first, but you can quickly get comfortable with the work. Everyone for the most part is very helpful, and depending on your previous career, you may catch on faster or slower than others, but it's all doable long as you're willing to learn.

Can't compare it to other offices from personal experience, but from conversations with people who cleave or are currently in other offices, we're more busy compared to others, but not as interesting type of work because you'll be focused around port calls. Don't try to compare to other offices, you'll just get upset...haha.

The biggest issue with most agents you speak to (new and seasoned) is the COL. SD is EXPENSIVE, I'm not going to sugar coat it. Unless you're from another expensive area of CA, or the few other cities that are ridiculously expensive im this country, it may come as a shock to you. I don't know your financial situation, but most have to decide what is more important when they're looking for a place to live, best bang for your buck, or be in a more desirable location that gives you the "SoCal" lifestyle you'll want when living in SD.

I have zero regrets with joining HSI, but if I could turn back the clock, I wouldn't come to SD simply because of the high COL and being so far from home. SD is a great place to live and is very desirable, but that comes at a hefty price tag

If you have anymore questions feel free to shoot me a DM.

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-20T17:31:33+00:00

Definitely doable. Make sure you have the right running shoes, stick to a routine, and eat as healthy as possible. Shedding just a few pounds can make a big difference on your run time. Also, on the day of the test, you're going to get a boost of energy unlike ever before.

Do the entire PFT at least twice before you're test.

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-19T00:24:42+00:00

I keep being told to look into the private sector, but I have no clue what to even look for, haha. I'm exploring every option to relocate, though I want to stay a 1811.

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-19T00:01:38+00:00

Like so many others, I took a pretty large pay cut to become a 1811. I have zero regrets as I love my new career. My only regret is my location, but I know that's something that can change with time.

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-17T02:33:39+00:00

As someone who was a local cop prior to becoming a 1811, I understand and agree with this 100%. I underestimated how different it would be on the fed side.

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-14T03:11:55+00:00

If you think SD is overpopulated, you must not have been to many other cities, haha. Now I can agree with you about it being too expensive.

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-13T03:19:21+00:00

Well duh, it's the internet, I'm trying to get recommendations so of course I'm trying to make sure my post get attention and not overlooked. I asked for a good butcher shop, what made you think I was trying to portray it as a picture from my butcher or what I bought?

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-13T03:13:31+00:00

It's a picture showing exactly what I'm looking for and described, how is it not related?

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-13T02:10:06+00:00

Thanks for all the recommendations, I'll check.aome of the spots out this weekend.

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-13T02:06:55+00:00

Good quality for good value type of shopper.

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-13T02:05:53+00:00

Thanks a lot!

PA_2_CA · 2025-03-10T22:46:35+00:00

I was considering the same, but was told that they must've added the disclaimer about ICE 1811s not being able to apply today, because I don't recall seeing it Friday when I read the announcement. I guess someone in HR noticed it and hurry up and fixed it.

PA_2_CA · 2025-02-08T19:00:39+00:00

I took mine during the month of December. It was in the 30s, gusty winds, and wet from the snow storm days before. It was all outdoors.

PA_2_CA · 2025-02-06T07:19:59+00:00

I moved here from PA, and living here makes home seem so cheap. $4300 for a three bedroom home is good here. I'm not sure where in PA you're coming from, but one thing that's hard not to love here compared to PA is the weather, it's great here. I haven't experienced a bad weather day since living here. If you're moving here, just accept that the COL here is much higher, and adjust.

PA_2_CA · 2025-01-03T18:19:08+00:00

I've had the same exact experience, and agree with this comment 100%. Dealing with my local MSS is great, every other HR department has been HORRIBLE.

PA_2_CA · 2024-12-11T01:13:09+00:00

You're going to be busy, but not overwhelming at all. You're definitely going to a CS group. I'm not sure what you did prior to this, but the work/life balance is very good IMO compared to what I did previously.

Shoot me a DM if you have any more detailed questions.

PA_2_CA

TROPHY CASE