how to become a border patrol agent

","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. As a Border Force officer, you could earn between 24,883 and 27,372 per year. If you want to be a professional real estate loan signing agent and mobile oyosgrapher, you can make more than six figures. A BPA has the ability to earn additional base pay through overtime and other salary incentives. Working as a border patrol agent can be a very rewarding career choice. Many listings are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which In contrast to other professions, BPAs pay and allowances are prorated based on the hours worked, with the higher the number of hours worked, the greater the pay. research before making any education decisions. In order to consider joining the Border Patrol, an applicant must possess the following qualifications: Preparation for serving as a Border Patrol agent begins long before the application process. The average border patrol agent makes around $60,000 per year, with some agents making much more. Once approved for active duty, the recruit will attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for 19 weeks, the longest training program of any law enforcement agency. Before a new CBP officer can take the oath of office, they must complete 89 days of training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. Thats how were able to stop certain individuals or goods from crossing our borders, and minimise the threat they pose. Submitting to a background check and a drug test. Background investigation will be conducted, using different methods that include credit checks and interviews with former employers. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. The Border Patrol job requirements are tough. They are officers of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. 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. Border patrol agents watch the land and water borders for people trying to get in illegally. They primarily do this by detecting, preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens through a variety of techniques and technologies. After successfully completing the screening requirements, including proficiency and physical tests, they must ace the panel interview. * Have a valid driver's license. In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you might also be deployed on projects to meet other strategic objectives, such as counter-terrorism or human trafficking. Border patrol agents protect the United States borders. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Aspiring agents should be prepared to work long hours, including overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays, often under difficult conditions. Fill out the government application on the. The actual application, examination, interview and training process can take from six to eight months, so determination is highly advised. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Resolve to enforce border procedures with impartiality and fairness. Reassess the border patrol agent eligibility requirements and work scope. Its similar to the allowance you might receive in high school for doing chores, except your current tasks are focused on securing the country. You must be in good physical health. Were a frontline law enforcement organisation, and its our job to make sure the UKs border is safe and secure 24/7. Successful candidates become bona fide members of the lite force of US border patrol agents when they take their oath of office. Not only do you get to help keep your country safe, but you also earn a good salary and benefits. It's mentally and physically challenging and requires both courage and compassion. Also, candidates with certain medical conditions may be disqualified. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. Security will always be our top priority and, with both data and intelligence, we have a clear picture of those wanting to enter the country. Show prospective employers that you are well-qualified for a . 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. Youve got to be calm and professional under trying circumstances, and enjoy being part of a team. You can also view a version of the video with audio description. While this was happening, other Border Patrol agents and local officers - including on-duty, off-duty and in-training officers - responded to help save children and teachers trapped inside the school. Students financial aid policies are tracked in addition to admission rates, retention rates, earnings per hour, working-to-non-working student ratios, average cost of attendance, and median debt. No certification is available for border patrol agents. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and M.S. Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career! research before making any education decisions. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. The campus is located in Artesia, NM. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 18,000 border patrol agents in the U.S. in 2016. 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. (The codes are assigned by the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees federal staffing.). These dedicated professionals serve in several specialized roles, but with one common objective: To protect, manage and control Americas borders. Create a free account with Comparably and anonymously compare your compensation and culture. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Border Patrol Agents Can Make Up To $141,000 Per Yea A border patrol agent can expect to earn anywhere between $43,000 and $141,000 per year, depending on the position and the employer. Maximum age of 39. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth application process. The salary starts at $38,884 per year and goes up to $112,588 per year for the highest level of seniority. The average Border Patrol Agent works a 10-hour shift, though this can vary depending on their workload. They had pledged to hire 7,500 new officers for CBP within five years. On a typical day, border patrol agents will apprehend approximately 1,100 individuals for suspected violations of U.S. laws, screen nearly one million international travelers, seize nearly six tons of illegal drugs, and prevent over 400 dangerous pests from entering the U.S. Theirs is one of the largest US law enforcement agencies, with the actual manpower strength exceeding 21,000 male and female agents. Nyack College, located in New York, is one of the most affordable schools to attend for students interested in becoming border patrol agents. Get everything organized now so you don't get any nasty surprises later. While duties do vary from location to location, senior employees should be comfortable with the following skills on a regular basis: Table data taken from 2014 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm), wiley.com/terms-of-use" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Terms of Use">Terms of Use. Well send you a link to a feedback form. This is to ensure clarity and a concise . The Office of Personnel Management will review the responses to the questionnaire and determine if the applicant is sufficiently qualified to take the written exam. 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. From hundreds of border stations and ports of entry located along thousands of miles of international border and coastline, the dedicated men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serve as the ultimate line of defense against terrorists, foreign criminal networks and illegal aliens attempting to breach Americas borders. You have accepted additional cookies. A fully trained Border Patrol Agent may be eligible up to an additional 25% of base pay in accordance with the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. Employees have the opportunity to join our vibrant diversity staff support networks, including Gen (gender), The Network (black Asian and minority ethnic), Spectrum (LGBT+) and Able (disabilities). 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 salary for an Air and Marine Agent begins at the GS-11 level ($55,204 $71,764). 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. An agent also needs to be compassionate. Border patrol agent and officer candidates must pass some basic physical fitness tests in order to be accepted into the border patrol. Trainees will be required to pass a final fitness test in order to graduate from the Border Patrol Academy. How to become a border patrol agent Follow these steps to become a border patrol agent: 1. Spanish language proficiency or the ability to learn some Spanish is also a basic requirement. There is also an age restriction for candidacy, which excludes those older than 40 from being considered as new hires. BPA salaries are generally between $41,000 and $90,000 per year on the USAJOBS website. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is basic training a paid opportunity?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Check out these related careers: References:1. in Criminal Justice - Advanced Counterterrorism, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Homeland Security. An incorrect response could place themselves or their colleagues in danger. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. To date we have been recognised by the Times Top 50 Employers for Women, named a Stonewall Star Performer, and listed by Business In The Community as an inclusive employer for race. Pass a medical examination. The PFT-2 is administered right before you start the job. Physical combat skills, aggressive driving, marksmanship, and immigration and nationality laws are all covered in this course. They must know how to quickly assess a developing situation and determine the appropriate response. Despite the agencys rigorous training process, the Border Patrol is one of the most sought-after law enforcement agencies in the country. You must pass a criminal background check. Border Patrol agents are the frontline employees who patrol the countrys 135 border stations. Among the majors most recommended for law enforcement in the Border Patrol are. "}}]}; Discover programs youre interested in and take charge of your education. Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the academy. Border patrol agents also conduct raids and seizures of illegally smuggled materials such as narcotics, which is an inherently dangerous situation. Take the entrance examination. Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. As part of the Home Office, we carry out crucial immigration and customs checks at ports (sea, rail and air) across the country. The government conducts a background investigation. You should speak Spanish. You will be contacted at some point by the Twin Cities Drug Testing Unit, and you will be given instructions on how to pass a drug test. 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. Answer (1 of 3): I am a recruiter for the US Border Patrol. Our site does not feature every educational option available on the market. They also work in the waters off Puerto Rico and Florida, as well as along the borders of Canada and Mexico. Check out our latest vacancies below for opportunities near you. This is a two-part aptitude examination. Prior to this, they need to pass a month-long pre-academy training at their respective duty stations. After you pass the oral interview, you begin your waiting game. If you are still in high school, take geography, social studies, and government courses. If you are looking for a career that is both rewarding and well-paying, then working as a border patrol agent may be the perfect choice for you. 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. The training is rigorous, but it will prepare you for the challenges of the job. Becoming a Border Patrol Agent starts with meeting certain basic criteria. For recruits without Spanish fluency, an additional 200 hours of Spanish language instruction is also required. The GL-5 level requires at least a year's worth of paid or voluntary experience that demonstrates abilities in making decisions and sound judgment calls, as both a leader and a team member, in fostering collaborative environments and maintaining productive relationships at work, and in learning and abiding by law enforcement policies and procedures. If not this, then have equivalent work experience. While jobs do vary from location to location, border patrol agent jobs have the same core set of responsibilities: Senior border patrol agents are often given additional responsibilities due to their expanded professional experience. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and M.S. The applicants background will also be investigated. 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. Keep in mind that your work is likely to take place in hot, desert climates that will test your physical endurance. Have lived in the country for at least the past 3 years. 3. Before you decide to apply to border patrol, you should be fluent in Spanish. Complete the structured interview with a board of current border patrol agents. They work diligently to keep the United States borders secure and to maintain a strong national security posture. The written exam possesses three portions: The Artificial Language Test is primarily for applicants who do not speak Spanish; it tests the applicants ability to learn a foreign language. Currently, U.S. border patrol agents have to complete a nine-step process to become employed. For the border patrol agents, career progression is a ladder in which the border patrol agent will climb once hired in the agency. Once you finish high school, you can enroll in a bachelor degree at an accredited institute. Border patrol agents are paid $48,197 per year on average. The SAA provisions call for: 1) a GPA of 3.0 or higher, out of a possible 4.0, at least for the courses completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; 2) a class standing within the upper third of the applicant's graduating class; or 3) a membership in a national scholastic honor society (not counting freshman honor societies). Because they often work with little supervision, border patrol agents should be able to plan and organize their own work schedule. Border Patrol Agents are charged with an important task in domestic safety. Part of the Home Office, we carry out immigration and customs checks at ports (sea, rail and air) across the country. You can express your interest in working in Texas while applying and during the interview process. You may earn more than the average LEO salary in certain areas of the country. Border Patrol Processing Coordinatorsperform administrative tasks related to the intake and processing of individuals apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol Agents. In most cases, candidates without law enforcement or relevant military experience will need to hold a degree in criminal justice or a related field in order to compete on a level playing field with experienced law enforcement professionals vying for the same positions. Some of the higher-skilled technical and leadership roles within U.S. Customs and Border Protection are only open to candidates with college degrees. Youll also need to be able to work long hours, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. Next, youll need to complete the required training. Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will be offered a $10,000 recruitment incentive upon successful completion of the required training at the USBP academy. Border Patrol agents are responsible for securing our nations borders. General Requirements You must be a U.S. citizen. 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. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. In addition to securing the border, they carry out surveillance and interdiction operations to stem the smugglingof narcotics, counterfeit goods, stolen art, illegal weapons, and biochemically hazardous substances, among others. The screening and selection procedures for US Border Patrol are exhaustive, including a series of physical fitness tests, and the competition is very high. You must have lived in the United States for the previous three years, which is equivalent to three years. How Much Does a Border Patrol Agent Earn? 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. The minimum educational requirement for anyone wishing to train as a border patrol agent is a high school diploma, although a bachelor's degree is preferred. Securing Our Nations Borders Answer the call to secure our national borders. Once this step is completed, you can enroll in a training program and acquire formal training for this job. Officers and agents with Customs and Border Protection are currently on the job for 300 days, down from 520 days previously. Find an open position on the USA Jobs website. Courses include Immigration and Nationality Law; Criminal Law and Statutory Authority; Spanish; Border Patrol Operations; Care and Use of Firearms; Physical Training; Operation of Motor Vehicles; Anti-Terrorism Training; Communications; Ethics and Conduct; Report Writing; Introduction to Computers; Fingerprinting; and Constitutional Law. A person with physical fitness, a high level of firearms proficiency, and the desire to learn Spanish are required for this position. In addition, armed officers are more likely to resolve conflicts, and criminals are less likely to commit crimes against the public. The training to start border patrol agents' jobs begins after the application is accepted. In the last 7 years, Ive been covering everything related to the career and job seeking world. Apply for a border patrol agent position To become a U.S. border patrol agent, apply on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency website. They should be able to communicate effectively in writing, since there is a certain amount of paperwork and reports involved. A border patrol agents annual salary is $141,000. 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. Anyone who wishes to become a border patrol agent must have a high school diploma or a bachelors degree, though those with a bachelors degree are more likely to become border patrol agents. The GL-9 level, which pertains to a rank and pay scale higher than the GL-5 and GL-7 levels, does not look into educational qualifications. This. This video includes what you need to know as you navigate the journey in becoming a Border Patrol Agent. Border Patrol Requirements. It is not uncommon for Border Patrol agents to earn more than their base salaries. Alongside competitive salaries, we also offer a range of excellent benefits from a pension, flexible working and generous holiday allowance, to childcare vouchers and a season ticket loan. Upon successful completion of the written test, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list. Successful candidates should be physically and mentally strong, financially responsible, and possess strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills. If you meet the requirements, start your application now. Some requirements can be waived for people with a background in law enforcement or the military. According to the Office of Personnel Management, the average hiring process for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) takes 278 days. Possess and maintain a licence to drive a motor vehicle in Canada. 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. Questions will measure candidates' ability to make educated guesses, evaluate if-then statements, and reach valid conclusions. Test-takers will be given 120 minutes to answer all questions on the test. The language course is best paired with academic training in multicultural understanding and tolerance. The next step comes after you have already sent your application. Border Patrol Agents sit squarely on the front lines, guarding our country from illegal activity while providing aid to those in need. Border patrol agents are also responsible for preventing illegal immigration, and protecting Americans from human and drug trafficking, terrorism, and agricultural pests. We also offer: Our officers work at 140 ports around the UK. B.S. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What type of schedule does a border patrol agent typically work? Tuition, fees, books, and supplies are included in the total costs. Once youve completed the training, youll be ready to start your career as a border patrol agent. International Investment Law examines contentious investor-state disputes and arbitration awards as part of an overview of signing agent basics. But even with some experience, particularly in a GL-5 or GL-7 position, a college education can spell the difference between success and failure in employment. As the front line defense against terrorist and criminal acts, agents must display high levels of vigilance and professionalism as they complete their daily tasks, which includes inspectingpeople, vehicles and cargo. Interested in a career similar to a border patrol agent? New agents must maintain a minimum 70 percent average to pass the program. My complaint is related to my experience arriving in or departing from the United States My complaint is related to my experience with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer at an airport, seaport or land border port of entry My complaint is related to my experience with an agent while traveling through an interior U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint My complaint is related to my experience . Mobility is the key to joining border services Border patrol agents make an average of $42,060 per year, or $22.14 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bottom Line: if you're not involved in a regular fitness plan, start one now. Few jobs in law enforcement offer the pay levels, benefits, opportunities for advancement and job stability of this profession. The BPAs responsibilities include preventing illegal immigration, protecting the country from human and drug trafficking, terrorism, and agricultural pests. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. You can change your cookie settings at any time. You will have to demonstrate your ability to make sound judgements, use interpersonal skills, and maintain emotional stability to do the job. The agency will only continue to grow and hire more dedicated professionals as border protection continues to be an imperative that cannot be ignored. This will help give you a general background for the field.