Legal Guidance Archives

MSPB Questions and Answers

08/15/2025

What is the MSPB? The MSPB, or Merit Systems Protection Board, is an independent, quasi-judicial agency in the United States government. It was created to safeguard the federal merit-based civil...

Federal Employment Law Terms of Art: The Right Definitions

06/27/2025

By Deborah J. HopkinsFELTG A lot has been happening in the federal workplace, especially related to employees being placed on administrative leave, thousands of probationary terminations, and the beginnings of...

Safeguarding Your Badge: Navigating Disciplinary Actions

05/07/2025

In law enforcement, a single allegation can threaten years of dedicated service. Administrative hearings move quickly, evidence thresholds are lower than in criminal court, and sanctions can range from counseling...

U.S. Border Patrol emblem with map outline.

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Proposed for Removal, Reinstated to Former Duties

09/14/2021

A Supervisory Border Patrol Agent in the Rio Grande Valley Sector was proposed for removal from Federal Service following allegations stemming from an enforcement action. The charges included: 1. Conduct...

Border Patrol Agent Proposed for Removal, Reinstated to Former Duties

11/03/2017

A Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Agent was proposed for removal from Federal Service for events arising out of a traffic stop and the issuance of a citation. Allegations included...

Border Patrol Agent Cleared of Misconduct and Wins Grievance Against the Agency

07/22/2016

A Border Patrol Agent assigned to the Sarita Checkpoint had to use force on a suspect to maintain order and prevent escalation in a crowded processing area. The Agent, acting...

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Removed from Federal Service Reinstated with the Agency

04/26/2016

A Supervisory Border Patrol Agent assigned to the Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station was removed from Federal Service on March 9, 2015. The Agency alleged that the Supervisor had...