how to become a border patrol agent
It's mentally and physically challenging and requires both courage and compassion. Have lived in the country for at least the past 3 years. Preparation handouts, study guides, and helpful hints for the entrance examination are also available for viewing and downloading on the CBP site. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Physical combat skills, aggressive driving, marksmanship, and immigration and nationality laws are all covered in this course. In April, as the crisis at the US-Mexico border began to reach a fever pitch, Senior Video Correspondent Graham Flanagan spent four days inside the United St. Your level of pay in the CBP is determinant upon your level of work experience and education. Its about blending this knowledge with the skill and intuition of our officers to make informed, swift decisions. Border Patrol Agents serve as the boots on the ground in Americas fight to defend her borders, and represent the single largest Federal law enforcement task force in existence. The questions will be based on claims in the rsums, and can include hypothetical questions. The medical requirements for US border patrol agents include clear eyesight (20/20 corrected distance vision; at least 20/100, without correction); hearing in both ears without the use of hearing aids; and the absence of any impairments and illnesses that can be detrimental to the discharge of duties, and which can endanger the work environment. In addition to your base Border Patrol salary, you qualify for: If you want a career in law enforcement, you can find one at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Qualifications to Become a Custom and Border Protection Agent Here are some of the requirements to become an CBP agent. President Trump has called for increased law enforcement officers to carry firearms, so this policy is consistent with his views. Residency Requirement: CBP has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Its similar to the allowance you might receive in high school for doing chores, except your current tasks are focused on securing the country. Privacy policy Terms and Conditions, How to Become a Border Patrol Agent in 2022 | Requirements, How to Become a Personal Assistant | Requirements & Salary, How to Become a Security Guard | Requirements & Salary, How to Become a Babysitter | Requirements & Salary, How to Become a Dental Assistant in 2023 | Requirements & Salary, How to Become a Real Estate Broker in 2023 | Requirements & Salary, How to Become an Event Planner in 2023 | Requirements & Salary, How to Become an Electrician in 2022 | Requirements & Salary, How to Become A Service Dog Trainer | Job Description & Salary. Degree programs that are recommended for the job are criminal justice, justice administration, public administration, police administration and operations, police science, behavioral science, homeland security and counter-terrorism, and human relations. A person with physical fitness, a high level of firearms proficiency, and the desire to learn Spanish are required for this position. They must be familiar with law enforcements databases and information retrieval systems. To find out more about working for Border Force, including links to the latest recruitment campaigns and staff testimonies please visit the Home Office Careers website. But internal competition is high. Border Patrol Agents are charged with an important task in domestic safety. The path to become a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. Border Force officer Border Force officer Alternative titles for this job include Border Force officers protect UK border entry points like ports and airports, by enforcing immigration and. Possess and maintain a licence to drive a motor vehicle in Canada. The answers reflect the applicants' attitude and inclination to the job, and the willingness to be part of a demanding and dangerous work environment. Border patrol agent trainees participate in a 58-day training course at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. Border patrol agents typically patrol international land borders and points of entry to apprehend undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens, while CBP officers focus on facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel, determining the admissibility of individuals into the US, and preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods. Select all of the documents required, such as transcripts from your previous schools, employment forms, and agreements. Border Patrol Agents sit squarely on the front lines, guarding our country from illegal activity while providing aid to those in need. Preventing the illegal smuggling of drugs and weapons requires vigilance and dedication. How Much Does a Border Patrol Agent Earn? As part of this training program, officers will be trained in how to behave appropriately and to emphasize the importance of law enforcement. If the applicant does not possess a college degree, they may also satisfy the requirements for some advanced positions in the Border Patrol by serving in law enforcement or the military. Becoming a border patrol agent is a noble and rewarding career choice. Next, human resources personnel will . Pass a drug test. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. How to become a border patrol agent The following steps describe the typical procedure for becoming a border patrol agent: 1. If you are looking for a rewarding job that also provides great pay, benefits and job stability, join our team. Eligibility to carry a firearm. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which programs we write about. Each Border Patrol Agent trainee must complete a 940 hour (117 training days) paid, resident course of instruction in U.S. law, Border Patrol operations, physical training, firearms instruction, driving, law enforcement and Border Patrol tactical training, and Spanish. If you are still in high school, you might want to take geography, social studies, and government courses. It must be noted that the agency evaluates applicants for stellar qualifications. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"US Customs and Border Protection may disqualify candidates who have been arrested, use alcohol excessively, have been dismissed from previous employment, and have financial problems. If a position becomes available later, you may transfer to Texas if you are not assigned to one at the time. As of May 2018, the median annual salary for a Border Patrol Agent was $78,581, with a range usually between $74,078-$85,337. You may earn more than the average LEO salary in certain areas of the country. Background investigation will be conducted, using different methods that include credit checks and interviews with former employers. Border patrol agents have multiple levels. If you meet the requirements, you will be informed and scheduled for a border patrol entrance examination. This is a two-part aptitude examination. They patrol the borders by land, sea, and air to prevent people and goods from entering the country illegally. Have a bachelors or a masters degree in criminal justice or a related field. A Career In Guidance Counseling: Helping Others Navigate The Challenges Of Life, Occupational Health Nursing: A Rewarding Career In Protecting Worker Health, Manny Pacquiao: Boxer Businessman And Philanthropist, A Career In Sound Recording: The Technical Skill And Artistic Sensibility You Need To Succeed, Why Journalism Is A Good Career Choice In India, The Highest-Paying Careers To Consider In 2020, The Pros And Cons Of A Career As A Computer Graphic Programmer, Why A Career In Web Development Might Be Right For You, Obstetrics: A Rewarding And Challenging Career, How To Find Out Your Federal Career Wages, 5 Reasons To Use CareerBuilder For Your Job Search. U.S. Border Patrol agent Brendan Lenihan had finally caught up with the group of undocumented migrants he'd been diligently tracking. When you see the steps showing you how to become a Border Patrol agent, you'll see that the process is long and rigorous. After passing the probationary period which usually lasts 12 months, they are given permanent federal appointments. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What traits might disqualify a prospective border patrol agent? A: To be a border patrol agent, you must have the skill, training, and education needed for this career. The annual salary range is $49,508 to $78,269 , with up to 25 percent bonuses for overtime. research before making any education decisions. The oral interview is conducted by a panel of three Border Patrol agents and will test the applicants decision-making, interpersonal skills, and emotional maturity. Exciting career opportunities at the Canada Border Services Agency The Officer Trainee Developmental Program selection process is now closed. Bottom Line: if you have at least one year of experience in law enforcement or military police work, you can substitute that for the education requirement. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. The academy training culminates in tests that predict the candidates' performance under stressful, arduous situations. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. Using an introduction to American law, youll learn about six different types of legal theory. The first step to becoming a border patrol agent is to submit an application through the USAJOBS.gov website. This will help give you a general background for the field. Be registered to carry a firearm. Check out these related careers: References:1. Consequently, you should engage in some regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training to prepare yourself for the physical demands of these tests and the job itself. in Justice Studies and M.S. Test-takers will be required to answer all of the tests questions for 120 minutes. 2. Border Patrol Agents prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the U.S. by securing our land borders and coastal waters between ports of entry. The college units earned will be computed toward experience; i.e., one year of full-time semester or quarter units earned is equivalent to six (6) months' worth of experience, and so on. An official website of the United States government. Border Patrol agents are responsible for securing our nations borders. Agents carry out their duties by using a variety of technological tools, such as infrared scopes, electronic sensors, low-light television systems, and aircraft. Once youve completed the training, youll be ready to start your career as a border patrol agent. To become an ICE agent, you should: Acquire the education and experience required for the position. So whatevers about to land, or whoevers about to enter the country were the UKs first line of defence. A strong preference is shown to candidates who hold an associate or bachelors degree. Were proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we were the first organisation to be Clear Assured, which recognised our efforts to recruit and retain employees with disabilities. Overtime pay of 25% whenever you work more than 40 hours in a week. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, Foundational knowledge of the role of border protection, Awareness of theethics that they represent, Understand how agents contribute to the borders mission, Engage in service excellence to internal and external stakeholders, Focus on ensuring the countrys security and prosperity, Remain vigilant toward any and all safety concerns. Receive on-the-job training once hired. You are here: Proficiency in Spanish is an asset, considering that Hispanic-initiated illegal border-crossing activities consume a substantial part of CBP operations. Those who want to be this positions leader must have patience, strong interpersonal skills, and a strong understanding of security and law enforcement. The requirements you need to become an agent are not being a convicted felon, have a valid driver's licence,and meet educational requirements such as having a high school diploma to a master's degree depending on the position you would like to acquire. You must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid drivers license, and be between the ages of 21 and 37. Get an Entry-Level Position as a Special Agent. You can view the current General Schedule pay scale at theUS Office of Personnel Management website. Every newly hired border patrol agent must successfully complete a minimum of 19 weeks of training at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. How to become a border patrol agent Follow these steps to become a border patrol agent: 1. You will then be asked to take a two-part border patrol entrance examination. Earn a Degree. You must also have a clean criminal record and be able to pass a background check. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. The average salary for a Border Patrol Agent is $70,978 per year in United States, which is 14% lower than the average US Customs and Border Protection salary of $83,349 per year for this job.. Border patrol agents are required to be proficient in the use of English and Spanish. Applicants for border patrol positions must have substantial work experience in law enforcement or in jobs involving contact with the public, or have completed a certain number of years of college. You should speak Spanish. Your duties will include patrolling the border, investigating suspected illegal activity, and apprehending smugglers and illegal immigrants. Some candidates also have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, homeland security . The agency has changed dramatically since its inception in 1924. Undergo a background check. Interested in a career similar to a border patrol agent? Being a minimum of 21 years of age and a US resident for at least the previous three years. In just one year, Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers at official entry locations intercepted 145,000 inadmissible aliens and seized some $1.2 billion worth of bootlegged intellectual property, 2,100 tons of narcotics and $100 million in smuggled currency. Information from this system resides on computer systems funded by the government. programs we write about. Pass a polygraph That is all . However, the rewards of the job are great. Reassess the border patrol agent eligibility requirements and work scope. Its essential that our organisation reflects the very best of 21st century Britain and we encourage applications from all backgrounds and circumstances. Every new agent gets stationed along the U.S. southwest border, but they may be able to change their duty locations after a certain amount of time. The average Border Patrol Agent works a 10-hour shift, though this can vary depending on their workload. U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not require that applicants possess a college degree, but it may be necessary or advisable to have an associates or bachelors in criminal justice to be considered for some of the more challenging or demanding positions. A Border Patrol agent makes money when they start working at the Border Patrol Academy. Is Russell Westbrook The Next NBA Legend. Border Patrol Agent Job Requirements. Mobility is the key to joining border services We encourage you to perform your own independent 3. The European Union has a significant and growing role to play in the global economy. Border Patrol Agents prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the U.S. by securing our land borders and coastal waters between ports of entry. Being a Border Force Officer sometimes puts you in difficult or pressurised situations. Voluntary experience refers to working under national service programs (e.g., Peace Corps) or recognized initiatives that show strength of character, personality, and competency (e.g., participating in philanthropic endeavors). If a candidate is arrested, uses alcohol excessively, or has been fired from their previous jobs, they may be disqualified from hiring by the US Customs and Border Protection. Salaries for Border Force apprentices are typically around 21,431 per year. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seen unprecedented growth in resources and staffing, and in the past ten years has doubled the number of agents in active service. The agency has had difficulty finding qualified candidates, and opportunities for Border Patrol agents are wide open. The salary trajectory of a Border Patrol Agent ranges between locations and employers. Salary for newly appointed GL-7 grade level Border Patrol Agents varies from $52,921 - $83,661 depending upon duty location and work schedule, including overtime. They are issued firearms and are vested with full law enforcement powers, which authorizes them to conduct searches on people and property, arrests and seizures, and such other duties. Because of its vast size, the state of Texas is covered by multiple Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Sectors of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security. Not be a convicted criminal. You can express your interest in working in Texas while applying and during the interview process. Well send you a link to a feedback form. Border Patrol Processing Coordinators perform administrative tasks related to the intake and processing of individuals apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol Agents. Complete a structured interview with a board of BPAs, who will evaluate your decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and maturity level, among other qualifications. Standout agents may enjoy such career advancement opportunities as earning an assignment with the elite Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), Horse Patrol, K-9 Unit, or Riverine Operations, in addition to other exciting career possibilities including supervisory positions. Foundation courses include international criminal justice, American politics, constitutional law, criminal law, and ethics in criminal justice. You are required to have . You may face some challenges along the way, but the rewards are well worth it. Agents with Border Patrol experience can earn more than $80,000 per year. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid. To cover the costs of travel, lodging, and incidental expenses, you will need to raise enough funds for three or four days. BPAs must be willing to work overtime in arduous conditions and change temporary and permanent duty stations when required. If your application meets the minimum. Border patrol agents protect the United States borders. In 2012 alone, CBP inspected 448 million travelers and 25 million cargo containers that moved through Americas border crossings and ports of entry. The first goal that you have is to do well on the CBP written test. This is to ensure clarity and a concise . Applicants interested in learning how to become border patrol agents must be U.S. citizens or legal residents who have held residency status for at least three years. Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career! This means you must have documentation showing your birth certificate or passport, your past addresses, and contact information for your past employers. A border patrol agent's annual salary is $141,000. Should I Become A CBP Officer or Border Patrol Agent? Applicants who do not speak the language, which is critical in most border patrol operations, are administered an artificial test that predicts the ability to learn and comprehend Spanish. The GL-7 level, which is considered more senior than its GL-5 counterpart, requires at least twelve (12) months' worth of law enforcement experience. Below is a five-step guide on how to become a US border patrol agent: Step 1 - Meet the Minimum Requirements As listed in the CBP's basic qualifications and medical requirements, aspiring US border patrol agents must fulfill the following: Be a US citizen. Program outcomes vary according to each institutions specific curriculum, and employment opportunities are not guaranteed. In addition, they receive excellent benefits, including health insurance and retirement benefits. The agency is well-known for its high standards and rigorous training. One officer - Border Patrol agent Jacob Albarado - was off-duty at the time of the shooting. Foster strong domestic and international partnerships, Work in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate safety, security and trade, Stay up to date on current developments in the field, Become proficient at all materials and tools required on the job, Ensure that records and reports are accurate, Ensure that procedures to promote compliance with border, trade, and tax legislation are effective, Foster mentorship opportunities with junior employees, Intercept contraband goods; dispose in approved fashion, Ensure that all contraband is documented and disposed of, Assess duties and taxes on routine and complex cases. Passing physical and written exams. Smuggling of drugs and weapons requires vigilance and dedication inception in 1924 us deliver from. Helpful hints for the field are all covered in this course interest in working in Texas while applying and the... Ice agent, you must have documentation showing your birth certificate or passport, your past,! 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