how to become a border patrol agent

Best Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice, New York City Police Officer Requirements, Criminal Justice Capital Punishment Focus, customs and border protection officers (CBP officers or CBPOs), US Office of Personnel Management website, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Be younger than 40 years of age at the time of hire (unless qualified for an age waiver based on military or federal civilian law enforcement experience), Have lived in the US for three of the last five years, unless qualified for a military exception, While not required, it is recommended that candidates possess a. This video includes what you need to know as you navigate the journey in becoming a Border Patrol Agent. 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. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security & Counterterrorism, and M.S. They work diligently to keep the United States borders secure and to maintain a strong national security posture. Agents will be given a significant incentive to stay on the job and keep the country safe. Youll also need to be able to work long hours, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. No certification is available for border patrol agents. Not only do you get to help keep your country safe, but you also get to enjoy a good salary and great benefits. You can specialize in relevant fields such as business administration, security, criminal justice, and homeland security. 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. Value strong domestic and international partnerships, Commit to working in collaboration on safety, security and trade, Commit to contributing to global security and commerce, Promote compliance with border, trade, and tax legislation, Prohibit drugs, firearms, and other goods from entering the country, Extensive knowledge of the role of border protection, Deep understanding of theethics that they represent, Create reports and presentations for senior administrative team and other stakeholders, Ensure the countrys security and prosperity, Present support and perspective on complex safety concerns, Engage in and arrange for professional development. In 1924, all BPAs were members of the mounted cavalry. 4) Background investigation U.S. Border Patrol agent Brendan Lenihan had finally caught up with the group of undocumented migrants he'd been diligently tracking. Be hired as an ICE agent. Few jobs in law enforcement offer the pay levels, benefits, opportunities for advancement and job stability of this profession. Spanish is a requirement to serve in the Border Patrol, so those applicants already proficient in Spanish have a competitive advantage, especially if they are assigned to the southern border. You may face some challenges along the way, but the rewards are well worth it. You must pass a criminal background check. 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. Next, human resources personnel will . Clean criminal history 4. New agents must maintain a minimum 70 percent average to pass the program. 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. The application process includes a criminal background check, a drug test, and a drivers license check. The Border Patrol employs agents at the GL-7 and GL-9 levels. These tests also gauge their capacity to work rotating shifts, irregular hours, and extended periods of time; and to operate under hazardous conditions borne by nature and man (e.g., harsh weather and armed confrontations). Border patrol agents must be calm and decisive during dangerous situations. Border patrol careers are not for everyone. A border patrol agent's annual salary is $141,000. US border patrol agents are hired to positions at the GL-5, GL-7, and GL-9 levels. Those who have yet to learn how to speak Spanish must stay for an additional 8-week specialized, task-based language training. Another exam component involves logical reasoning. 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. Pass a thorough background security check. Submitting to a background check and a drug test. Border Patrol agents are responsible for securing our nations borders. As a Border Force officer, you could earn between 24,883 and 27,372 per year. It is important that you complete your college education and earn a bachelor degree at the minimum. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS It means emotional resilience, commitment, discipline and respect are key. You must pass a criminal background check. What Do Border Patrol Agents Do Border patrol agents protect the United States' borders. Some candidates also have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, homeland security . Youve got to be calm and professional under trying circumstances, and enjoy being part of a team. Well send you a link to a feedback form. 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.. When you see the steps showing you how to become a Border Patrol agent, you'll see that the process is long and rigorous. Your level of pay in the CBP is determinant upon your level of work experience and education. The decision to refuse coverage for you because of your medical condition will be appealed in 30 days. How to Become a Border Patrol Agent In order to consider joining the Border Patrol, an applicant must possess the following qualifications: U.S. citizenship 39 years old or younger Valid driver's license No prior criminal convictions Possess minimum vision and hearing functionality Ability to perform strenuous physical activity Featured Programs: CBP currently employs some 45,000 men and women in U.S. customs and border patrol jobs, including a national team of Border Patrol Agents more than 20,000 strong. 1. After passing the probationary period which usually lasts 12 months, they are given permanent federal appointments. Border patrol agents also need to have a strong sense of direction and experience with the geography of wilderness areas. The requirements needed for each phase in the recruitment process are listed in said sites, with explanations on waivers and accommodations for persons with special cases (like qualifiable candidates with disabilities). 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. We have an incredibly broad remit at the Home Office, with our work affecting every citizen of the country. Salaries vary and depend on a range of factors including your location (salaries in London are higher, for . 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. Its similar to the allowance you might receive in high school for doing chores, except your current tasks are focused on securing the country. 2. A person with physical fitness, a high level of firearms proficiency, and the desire to learn Spanish are required for this position. 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. To become a border patrol agent in Texas, you must first complete a training program at the Border Patrol Academy. Fill out the government application on the. Among the majors most recommended for law enforcement in the Border Patrol are. 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. * Have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years (exception granted for those employed overseas with the . Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. The GL-5 entry level position is also available to prospective Border Patrol agents without a college degree or law enforcement experience, but applicants may not be very competitive while in the running for these in-demand jobs. We encourage you to perform your own independent research before making any education decisions. Ensure your resume has been properly formatted and submitted to USAJOBS. You will have to demonstrate your ability to make sound judgements, use interpersonal skills, and maintain emotional stability to do the job. They also work in the waters off Puerto Rico and Florida, as well as along the borders of Canada and Mexico. A six-week course in European Business Law is the first of three in a series. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. You can find study guides. 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. The professionals with U.S. Customs and Border Protection arecharged with preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, while at the same time enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. Ten of these steps fall within these ranges. 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. Step Two If you are still in high school, take geography, social studies, and government courses. Successful candidates become bona fide members of the lite force of US border patrol agents when they take their oath of office. What are the requirements for becoming a border patrol agent? The language course is best paired with academic training in multicultural understanding and tolerance. Mobility is the key to joining border services LockA locked padlock CriminalJusticeDegreeSchools.com is an advertising-supported site. Your duties will include patrolling the border, investigating suspected illegal activity, and apprehending smugglers and illegal immigrants. Take a foreign language class, specifically, Spanish; fluency in this language will give you an advantage over other job applicants. Review border procedures to ensure impartiality and fairness. However, the rewards of the job are great. By doing so, you will gain a better understanding of the field. You must have a valid driver's license. Not be a convicted criminal. Have a bachelors or a masters degree in criminal justice or a related field. 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. in Criminal Justice - Advanced Counterterrorism, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Homeland Security, Possess minimum vision and hearing functionality, Ability to perform strenuous physical activity. 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how to become a border patrol agent