The term “1811” is the US Federal Government career designation for a Criminal Investigator, commonly known as a Federal Agent or Special Agent. This role focuses primarily on the non-uniformed investigation of complex violations of federal law. The work is demanding and competitive, requiring integrity, specialized skills, and a commitment to public service. Aspiring agents must navigate a rigorous application process that tests their fitness for a role that carries authority and responsibility.
The 1811 Classification Defined
The number 1811 represents the official job series established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for Criminal Investigators. This classification is part of the broader 1800 series, which covers inspection, investigation, enforcement, and compliance work across the government. The designation applies to federal agents whose primary duties involve planning and conducting criminal investigations, possessing statutory authority to carry firearms, execute search warrants, and make arrests.
This classification qualifies the agent as a “Law Enforcement Officer” (LEO) for retirement purposes under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Special Provision. This status is reserved for those whose work involves the investigation, apprehension, or detention of persons suspected or convicted of federal crimes. The classification dictates the pay scale, benefits, and career structure that distinguish the 1811 role.
Federal Agencies Employing Criminal Investigators
The 1811 job code is utilized across a diverse range of federal departments and agencies, each with a distinct mission and investigative focus.
Department of Justice
The Department of Justice (DOJ) houses several well-known 1811 forces. These include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which investigates a wide array of federal crimes from terrorism to cybercrime. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) targets drug trafficking organizations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) focuses on the illegal use and trafficking of firearms and explosives. These agencies are central to domestic law enforcement efforts.
Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employs a large number of 1811s. This includes Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative arm of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). HSI agents investigate transnational crime, such as financial fraud, cybercrime, and human trafficking. The US Secret Service (USSS) is also part of DHS, with a dual mission of protection and investigating financial crimes, including counterfeiting and electronic fraud.
Treasury and Internal Revenue Service
The Department of the Treasury’s investigative branch is the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). IRS-CI Special Agents investigate complex tax fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes. These agents combine law enforcement authority with specialized accounting and financial analysis skills to dismantle criminal organizations.
Other Agencies
Many other federal entities employ 1811s to enforce laws specific to their missions. The US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigates crimes involving the postal system. The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) within the Department of State provides security for US diplomatic missions abroad and conducts passport and visa fraud investigations. Furthermore, Offices of Inspector General (OIGs) across cabinet-level departments use 1811s to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse.
Core Responsibilities and Investigative Scope
The primary function of an 1811 Criminal Investigator is to plan and conduct complex, long-term investigations into violations of federal statutes. This work requires developing intelligence, gathering evidence, and building a case file that can withstand judicial scrutiny. The scope of their work is defined by the specific federal laws their agency is mandated to enforce, ranging from organized crime and national security threats to financial fraud.
Agents spend a significant portion of their time in the field conducting surveillance operations and executing search and arrest warrants. Investigative work also involves conducting detailed interviews with witnesses, victims, and subjects to gather information and establish the elements of a crime. All field activity is meticulously documented in detailed reports and affidavits, which form the basis for securing warrants and presenting cases to federal prosecutors.
The goal of the investigative process is to produce a case suitable for successful prosecution in a federal court, which requires agents to frequently testify as the presenting officer. This demands a thorough understanding of federal rules of criminal procedure, evidence, and constitutional law. The nature of the work often requires irregular hours, significant travel, and the willingness to engage in potentially dangerous situations to apprehend suspects.
Requirements and the Application Pipeline
The path to becoming an 1811 agent is competitive, requiring US citizenship and a minimum age of 21. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for most entry-level positions. A degree in any field is often accepted, provided the applicant demonstrates high academic achievement or relevant specialized experience. Many agencies enforce a maximum entry age, typically requiring applicants to receive a conditional offer before their 37th birthday, though exceptions exist for veterans and current federal law enforcement personnel.
The application pipeline is a multi-phase process designed to assess character, fitness, and suitability. Initial steps include written examinations, an interview, and a conditional offer, which triggers an extensive background investigation. This investigation covers financial history, personal conduct, prior employment, and any issues that could compromise a security clearance, often required at the Top Secret level.
Applicants must pass a thorough medical examination and a physical fitness test (PFT) to ensure they can handle the physical requirements of the job. New agents attend a residential training academy, such as the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or an agency-specific academy. This intensive training covers firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, legal procedure, and advanced investigative techniques.
Unique Compensation and Career Structure
The compensation structure for 1811 Criminal Investigators is unique within the federal government due to the demanding nature of the work. Agents are paid under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with entry-level positions typically starting at the GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9 level, depending on education and experience. The primary component of their pay is Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), which is automatically added to the base salary.
LEAP is fixed at an additional 25% of an agent’s basic pay. It is provided in exchange for the requirement to work an average of two additional hours per day and be available for duty outside of the basic 40-hour work week. This premium pay compensates agents for unscheduled duty, reflecting the 24/7 nature of criminal investigations. This arrangement often results in a higher total salary compared to non-LEAP-covered GS employees at the same grade level.
The career structure is defined by mandatory law enforcement retirement provisions under FERS Special Provision. This system allows agents to retire with enhanced benefits at age 50 with 20 years of covered service, or at any age with 25 years of covered service. Agents are subject to a mandatory retirement age, typically 57, which ensures the investigative workforce remains physically capable of meeting the job’s demands.