GovernmentExecutive.com

Return to Article: Distance between best and worst agencies to work widens

• 50605
  

  I can tell you first hand that the previous 4 comments are putting the news out there very gingerly so to speak. DHS especially Investigations along with Detention has to be worst place in the world to work. There is a wrath on both sides of the isle that doesn't quit. You are in or you are out. They don't want qualified people at the top they promote people as SAC's that don't even know why they are selected. The go unpunished for never showing up on the job...which is very common. This entire agency needs an overhaul as I don't believe it will ever classified as a good agency. It is an animal all unto itself. Every person I know including myself left as soon as possible because the trench is to deep to try and dig out of. The Directors don't want to hear one word of dissension in the troops and if they do, they certainly will find a way to get you out of the system. Been there, done that, left it and can't recommend anyone go there to work.....and I'm being kind....

  Sojourner Posted May 14, 2008 7:18 AM
• 22530
  

  I guess a news flash is in order; why is DHS at or near the bottom of the list? Could it be bad selection of leaders and managers? As a business management major in college, the first thing we learned was the difference between "leaders and managers"; leaders lead and motivate people, managers "manage things, things are not people! I truly believe that individuals either have the necessary skills to lead and motivate people or they don't! Unfortunately, there are only a certain amount of "training" that will change the methodology of how some individual communicate with their workforce and often their attempts fail because they attend the leadership training because they are required; they have fufilled the training requirement and then it is business as usual and their training has fallen by the waysidel! DHS/ICE-OI from my observations and experience is an environment in whic one is not allowed to fail!therefore, don't rock the boat, don't express concerns that are negative and don't ask questions or disagree with the supervisor! there is always the fear of retaliation; this does not make an environment to motivate the workforce! We as an organization are top heavy with leaders/managers who are not conducive to change and learn from mistakes.

  GovExec.com reader Posted April 26, 2007 9:15 AM
• 22438
  

  The biggest problem I see at DHS ICE in the Office of Investigations is with the hostility displayed by upper management. Any bad news or dissention will bring the wrath of those at the top. No one is allowed to voice a different point of view from the person at the top, be it at Hdqs or at the SAC level. If mistakes happen, as they are bound to happen, someone in the trenches is sure to lose their heads. I've seen instances of premptive strikes. Let's dicipline someone over a minor matter, just in case headquarters hears about it. ASACs and SACs,as well as Hdqs personnel are micromanaging casework. Most experienced agents have learned the hard way that no good work will go unpunished. So just keep you head down and don't take chances. There is a mass exodus from this agency, transfers to other agencies and early retirements are up. I hope there is a way to change this environment, but I fear we have many more years of inept management to face before there is any improvement.

  GovExec.com reader Posted April 21, 2007 9:44 AM
• 22425
  

  Biggest problem in DHS-ICE is the pay levels for DRA's although recently upgraded from GS-05 to GS-05-07 grade levels. The salary level even at the GS-07 level does not match the cost of living. It also does not cover the technical experience required of the position. It really should be at the GS-09 level. Even the IEA's grade levels are way to low even with the Law Enforcement pay added in.

  GovExec.com reader Posted April 20, 2007 11:14 AM
• 22423
  

  I surprised the Dept of Justice was in the top five. The Bureau of Prisons is one of the worst, i.e., no staff and no money. What about the USPHS who throw away their staff like disposable napkins ????

  david henry Posted April 20, 2007 10:26 AM