Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an 1811?
An 1811 is the federal criminal investigator classification series established
by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM has defined this series to
include positions that involve planning and conducting investigations relating to
alleged or suspected violations of criminal laws.
2. What are the basic qualification standards
for an 1811?
† Must
a valid state driver's license
† Be
between the age of 21-37
† Must
be a U.S. Citizen
3. What are the working conditions for an 1811?
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) established specific physical requirements
for criminal investigators. The duties of the position require moderate to arduous
physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, carrying out searches,
making arrests, and exposure to inclement weather.
4. What are the physical fitness requirements for 1811s?
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has established medical standards for its
Special Agents and encourages all investigators to participate in a voluntary exercise
program. All job series 1811, investigators, will be subject to periodic fitness
assessment consisting of the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) developed by the Federal
Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). The PEB consists of the following elements:
percentage of body fat, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, agility, and strength.
Further the OIG will provide periodic refresher training to include physical
conditioning/defensive tactics, and firearms training.
5. Is on-the-job training available?
Yes. All 1811s are required to complete basic criminal investigator training at
the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Thereafter, agents are subject to annual
physical fitness assessments, medical standard evaluations, and related skill
certifications.
6. Do I have to accept every assignment that is offered?
Foreign Service personnel can express their preferences for postings, but must
be willing to serve worldwide according to the needs of the Service.
7. What is the Foreign Service?
The United States Foreign Service, a commissioned service of the United States
Government, represents the United States around the world. Members of the Foreign
Service serve at any of the 265 American embassies, consulates and other diplomatic
missions around the world, as well as in Washington, DC and other domestic offices.
They represent America abroad by implementing the foreign policy of the United States,
representing U.S. interests, and protecting the interests of American citizens.
8. What are the benefits of living overseas?
† Non-taxable,
comfortable housing while at post
† Non-taxable,
cost-of-living allowances at designated posts
† Educational
allowance for dependents
† Pay
differential of 5% to 20% of basic salary at designated posts
† Paid
travel to and from post for employees and authorized dependents
† Paid
shipment of household goods
† Paid
shipment of motor vehicles
† Paid
foreign language training to obtain proficiency for some posts
9. Will I carry a weapon?
Yes. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) provided that Special Agents
employed in designated Offices of Inspector General (OIG), including USAID OIG, shall
have full statutory law enforcement authority. The Attorney General subsequently issued
"Guidelines for Offices of Inspector General with Statutory Law Enforcement Authority."
These guidelines authorized all Special Agents to carry firearms, make arrests, and
conduct searches and seizures. In addition, the guidelines permitted Inspectors General
to authorize Special Agents to carry their duty issued firearm while off-duty.
10. Is there a service/tenure provision for retirement?
Yes. You will be subject to mandatory retirement at age 57 if you are occupying a
law enforcement position and you have completed the necessary 20 years of service. If
you have not completed the 20 years, you will be separated at the end of the month in
which you complete 20 years of law enforcement service. You must be given a 60-day
notice prior to mandatory separation.
11. How do I apply?
The OIG accepts applications with the required information for announced job vacancies.
Requirements may differ from one vacancy to another so interested candidates should review
the requirements carefully. All OIG vacancy announcements are posted on the
USAJOBS website managed by the U.S. Office of
Personnel Management as well as on the OIG Career Opportunities
web page.
12. What is Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP)?
Availability pay is a type of premium pay that is paid to Federal law enforcement
officers (LEO's) who are special agents. Due to the nature of their work, special agents
are required to work, or be available to work, substantial amounts of "unscheduled duty."
Availability pay is generally an entitlement that an agency must provide if the required
conditions are met, but is optional in Offices of Inspectors General that employ fewer
than five special agents.
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) ensures the law enforcement officer's
availability for duty in excess of the 40-hour administrative workweek. To qualify,
applicants must work an average of two extra hours per day. LEAP is fixed at 25% of
basic pay.
13. Where are your offices located?
The OIG is headquartered in Washington, DC and has seven regional overseas locations:
† Kabul,
Afghanistan
† Cairo,
Egypt
† San Salvador,
El Salvador
† Baghdad,
Iraq
† Islamabad,
Pakistan
† Manila,
Philippines
† Pretoria,
South Africa
Questions or problems
regarding this web site should be directed to the OIG
Webmaster, webmasterig@usaid.gov 
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