Frontline enforcement positions monitoring the border offer a variety of career paths for those interested in working in border patrol. All border patrol jobs in the United States are filled by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP). The majority of border control agencies in other countries are also run by the government. Getting a job as a border patrol officer with one of these agencies usually necessitates a combination of training, physical prowess, and education.
A Border Patrol Agent is probably the most well-known of the various types of border patrol jobs. These agents are in charge of actively monitoring the US’s northern and southern land borders to keep terrorists, illegal immigrants, and contraband out of Mexico and Canada. Line watch is one of the main responsibilities of a Border Patrol Agent, who uses covert surveillance methods to detect and prevent illegal border crossings. Qualified applicants must complete rigorous training at the border patrol academy and demonstrate skills in areas such as survival shooting techniques, immigration law, and safely operating patrol vehicles before becoming Border Patrol Agents.
The CBP Officer position is one of the most important in border patrol jobs. CBP officers work at border crossings, international airports, seaports, and land border crossings across the country. Monitoring terrorist and criminal activities is one of the job’s most common responsibilities. Arresting people, inspecting luggage, and responding to minor customs violations are all important aspects of the job. CBP officer candidates attend the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for several months of paid training on topics such as communicating with the public, contraband detection, import laws, and other airport safety concerns.
Air and Marine Interdiction Agents are a specialized division of the CBP. These agents usually work together to protect the US border from the skies and waterways, and they’re crucial in preventing unauthorized people, weapons, and narcotics from entering the country. These agents can also provide security at high-profile events, be dispatched in the event of a natural disaster, and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies.
A career as a CBP Agricultural Specialist is also an option for those with a scientific background. Those working in this field are responsible for detecting and preventing biological threats, pests, and plant or animal diseases that could harm the country’s crops, livestock, and environment. This position is likely to require a bachelor’s degree in a biological science, knowledge of agricultural laws, and computer experience.
A number of revenue-related border patrol jobs are available at the CBP due to the growth in international trade. Import Specialists, for example, may be in charge of inspecting merchandise brought into the country, detecting counterfeits, and seizing prohibited cargo. A bachelor’s degree in a field related to revenue, such as international trade or commerce, is typically required.
Individuals who are not interested in front-line positions can still participate in vital employment opportunities that are taking place behind the scenes. Civil engineering to accounting are examples of possible border patrol jobs that support frontline missions. Many support positions do not require a college diploma; instead, a combination of education and experience may suffice.