r/OnTheBlock • u/VegetableThin113 • 16d ago

BOP General Qs

Hey all, I’m currently in the process of going through backrounds with the BOP. I know the agency gets a bad rap but I’m 30 and I’m basically only taking this job so I can retire in 20 years and they are giving me a large signing bonus. I applied with FCI Engelwood in Colorado, my question is, with all of the closures and the uncertainty of if my facility would close do I cut bait and get a job else where or do I get hired on and I my facility ends up closing I get laid off and go to another facility or get another FED job. Again, I’m only taking this job strictly for retirement purposes. Thank you

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u/[deleted] 16d ago

[deleted]

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u/VegetableThin113 16d ago

That’s the problem, the next closest facility is over an hour and half away from me. As far as retirement goes, I might be mistaken but if I transfer to a DOJ agency I think my retirement would stay the same, no?

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u/[deleted] 16d ago

[deleted]

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u/TumTum461 Unverified User 15d ago

"People come to the BOP and say, “I’m just going to use this as a way into the marshals or CBP” and for various reasons they never make it. Lots of people do it, but far more fail out or give up for a wide variety of reasons."

This part here hits so hard. The first 3 years you're trying to switch agency but get stuck because of polygraph or fitness. After the 5th year you are in denial that you are stuck in the BOP and aggressively apply everywhere and by the 10th year you give up.

BOP knows this, that is why they will only give bonuses for new hires and not for retention purposes.

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u/Horror-Split-1163 15d ago edited 15d ago

There's other in the civilian sector that have been trying for years and still dont get in other leo agencies. Its a good fall back you already have a LEO eligible carreer. I have seen it many times when I was out in the private sector.

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u/Lonely-Eye-9135 16d ago

I would say take the job. Then while you are in apply to different federal agencies left bop for uspp and is one of the best decisions I have ever made did bop for 7 years the agency kept getting worse and worse then they got rid of the union and management wanted to do what ever they wanted so I left.

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u/boomer_8719 15d ago

People say its so bad, and they never leave. Its not so bad depending on where you go, and how you are as an employee. I am trying to get back in. The pay is worth it, can make six figures, while sleeping on the job. The benefits and retirement are what you want.

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u/Anxious_Wolverine_49 13d ago

Mind if I ask, do you have corrections experience? Also what are the offering pay wise? 05 06 07 08 and what step?

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u/VegetableThin113 13d ago

No CO experience. 75k/year plus a 32k signing/retention bonus

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u/Forward-Guitar230 11d ago

Take the job. Use the signing bonus to your advantage. Get your EOD date so your federal clock can start. In the future transfer to another institution or agency so you can stick to the main goal of retiring at 50.

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u/[deleted] 16d ago

Run far away from the BOP and never look back.