CBPGuy
7 Years Experience
SouthWest, US
Male, 25
I am a U. S. Customs and Border Protection Officer on the southwest border between Mexico and the United States. I know the ins and outs of the job as seen on TV/News and things intentionally hidden from the media! There's more to this job than "Anything to declare?" I dont know all but I'll do my best to answer any questions you have! All answers are my opinion, and my opinion only!
To be honest with you, the job satisfaction working for NYPD is much greater than working for CBP. Also, you currently have better retirement benefits with NYPD. However, you will be paid much more with CBP and also have the opportunity to travel the world (if you want to).
Its up to you on what is more important.
For work purposes, you are only allowed to carry, on duty, agency issued weapons. If it is not agency issued, you should not have it. However, some POE's may have different policies in regards to that due to being out in rural areas. I have been to a couple POE's and the rules have been the same (Agency issued only).
If you are a United States Citizen, it does not matter to us where you work.
If you are a Legal Permanent Resident, lawfully, you must reside in the United States.
If you are a visitor to the United States, proof of employment outside the US would always help with you being granted admission.
There are many opportunities within CBP. If your motivated, after a few years in the agency, you can apply for certain teams within your Port or specific national teams that do targeting. Their role is looking at data and trends for smuggling contraband into the United States. From first hand experience, some of those guys are unbelievably skilled at their jobs!
The only problem is, you need to tough it out through the rookie years, which could range from 4 to 8 years.
Pharmaceutical Researcher
Claims Adjuster
Border Patrol Agent
Not necessarily. Sometimes, being referred to secondary only means the Officer on primary wants another Officer to take a bit more time to gather information versus immediately granting you entry into the United States.
On primary, the Officer only has two thought processes; "Yes, I will allow this person in the United States." or "I'm not completely sure if I should". If the Officer is not 100% confident with the first decision, he will send you to secondary for someone else to make a better determination.
That's what I started at and it is tough. I ended up making some good friends during pre-academy and academy, the three of us shared a townhouse together so it worked out well. $36,000 is just base salary, your really looking at about $55,000 for your first year with overtime, holidays, and night pay.
Sorry, this is an area that I am not familiar in. I've never done it, but from people that I've spoken to, they really enjoy it. The problem is, you cant get hired directly to that position. You would have to start as a regular officer then find an opening for that position. Chances are very slim, so I would recommend that if you apply for this job, don't apply with the sole intention of working at a mail room.
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