BUREAU OF HUMAN RESOURCES
OFFICE OF RECRUITMENT, EXAMINATION AND EMPLOYMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) NOTICE NO. 134C
SUBJECT: Determining the Entry Grade and Salary Standards for Diplomatic Security Special Agent Candidates effective September 22, 2008
PURPOSE: To provide procedures for determining Diplomatic Security Special Agent Candidates salary level at the time of appointment in accordance with 3 FAM 3121.1-2.
PROCEDURES: Following are the revised procedures for determining the step of all new special agents entering on duty, with the exception of current USG employees, who enter at the step that is nearest to, but not less than current base pay up to a maximum of FP-6/14. All new special agents enter on duty at the FP-6 Step 4 level, with additional steps awarded for certain education and/or experience factors as identified below. All service/employment is based upon a one year minimum. One step will be added for each 12 months of total creditable experience, rounded down. Part-time experience or employment will be pro-rated.
- The minimum entry salary for all Special Agents will be set at FP-6, Step 4. The maximum will remain at FP-6, Step 14. This will allow for the possible addition of one step (above FP-6/4) for an advanced degree in a related discipline (Master's or PhD) or JD and possible additional steps for each year of directly-related experience.
- Directly-related experience will be credited only as follows:
Military Service –
- 1 step for each year of specialized military service as a Special Agent in CID, OSI, NCIS and/or Coast Guard Intelligence.
- 1 step for each year of specialized experience in military organizations equivalent to those named above in which the primary duties are directly related to the functions of a DS Special Agent. No credit will be given for service as a MSG watchstander, a police patrolman or a MP without investigative or protective detail responsibilities. It will be incumbent on the applicant to provide all the following supporting documentation:
- Military document showing a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS); Skill Code or Designator which denotes a military specialty directly related to the DS Special Agent position.
- Copy of military orders showing applicant's assignment to a unit in which the primary mission is the conduct of investigations; personal/protective security functions or management of security programs.
- Copy of a fitness/performance report from unit in question demonstrating that functions performed are directly-related to those of a DS Special Agent and that the candidate performed them satisfactorily.
- 1 step for each year of specialized, directly related experience as a detective, criminal investigator; personal protective specialist (e.g., Governor's/Mayor's Detail) or a Special Agent in a state or federal law enforcement organization.
- Additional salary steps are not awarded for work experience which is not directly related to the functions of the Special Agent position.
Law Enforcement –
Other Categories –