Ask a Border Patrol Agent anything

385 Questions

Last Answer on November 08, 2016

I asked you about the radar/camera equipment North of Las Cruces, N.M. These same kinds of equipment are also located at Las Cruces and El Paso, TEXAS, El Paso and Alamogordo, N.M. I assume these are also in use in all checkpoints. Does this help?

Asked by gpw7210@msn.com over 12 years ago

Again, I can't help you - but only because our checkpoints were all temporary. We did not have any large scale traffic checkpoints (like in Las Cruces) in our area. If they look like radar equipment they could be ground radar systems based around the checkpoints which scan for areas out to each side - detecting people or traffic which is trying to cut around the checkpoint.

Some checkpoints have tractor trailer scanning equipment, which essentially X-Rays the contents of large trailer boxes. I'm not sure. No real experience at a "proper" checkpoint. Talk about a job I'd never want though...I'm really glad we only had a small temporary checkpoint, sometimes.

There are some guys who spend most of their career standing at a traffic checkpoint. Nooooo thanks.

1006 Votes

IF im applying into border patrol and live with my aunt and two cousins who do not have papers but are Already accepted to receive them, does it affect either one of us?

Asked by Tony over 12 years ago

I'm not entirely sure what you're referring to. However, a person illegally in the U.S. will forfeit any legal application process, as they have violated the law. You may not enter the U.S. legally until you have all papers (visa, permanent resident etc.) finalized.

This is the easiest way to completely ruin your chances of entering the country legally. Likewise, this will possibly come up in your application process during the background investigation.

I can not give you a direct answer, but it doesn't sound like a good situation.

1005 Votes

Im trying to get a possition as a border patrol officer, what are my chances on getting a dog? Do i buy it? Or is it issued? Or how do i get a buddy?(dog)

Asked by Ivan over 12 years ago

Well, becoming a K9 handler is pretty tough. If you start out in a normal station, you can expect to wait 4-6 years minimum to get one. If you're at a smaller station and no one else wants to be a K9 handler you may pick one up sooner. You do have to attend some classes, and a selection process. You do not purchase your own dog - it would be issued if you're selected to become a K9 handler. It's a good, very time consuming gig --- but don't expect it right out of the academy. Being a K9 handler is a rather coveted position so it's more often than not given to senior agents.

1004 Votes

I have a quick question, because I would love to become a Border Patrol Agent. If I were to have tattoos on my forearms. Or anywhere visible, but I passed everything else. Would they hire me?

Asked by Smiley over 12 years ago

We had a lot of guys with tattoos in the BP. Not many guys with full sleeves though. I suppose this wouldn't be a big deal unless the tattoos were of a graphic nature etc. Even then you could theoretically wear the long sleeve duty uniform shirt. I'm not sure, but I do not believe it is a huge deal. It's nowhere near as strict as the military standards for tattoos etc.

1003 Votes

Also on Jobstr...

Hotel Employee

Can you give guests room upgrades at your sole discretion?

Small Website Owner

What made you go the entrepreneur route after college instead of a typical job?

Sushi Chef

Is there a stigma against sushi restaurants that have non-Asian chefs?

what happens if you help pay for someone to cross the border illegally

Asked by wondering over 12 years ago

You can be prosecuted for human smuggling...and thus potentially spend a long time in jail.

1002 Votes

You mentioned that BP agents have difficulty maintaining relationships. It seems it might be difficult if not impossible for BORTAC?

Asked by Girlfriend over 12 years ago

Well, the BORTAC guys work even more, and are subject to callouts, as they are essentially on-call. Any relationship is doable, but a relationship which is weak to start out with, will not survive a LEO career of any sort. Also, if your loved one is in that line of work you should choose your fights carefully. Sometimes a LEO will encounter a bunch of serious messed up stuff (dead children, bodies, abuse, etc.) on duty and then come home only for his/her spouse to get angry over something stupid --- this will ignite a fight, etc. So, yes it's pretty darn tough. But, not impossible by any stretch of the imagination.

1000 Votes

For example, If you have 120 accredited college units, is it possible to still be a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. In my case, I need to retake 1 class i didn't passed in order for me to obtain my Business Degree.

Asked by Joe over 12 years ago

You are not required to have a college degree to join the BP. However, if you do, and achieve a 3.0 or better GPA you will qualify to join at a higher pay grade. If I were you, I'd finish the college degree. That's much more important for your future than just about anything else. It is, however, not required in order for you to join.

999 Votes

Showing 148 - 154

Show All

62 More Answers by Border Patrol Agent

Last 7

19 20 21 22 23 24

...

Next 7 Answers

Border Patrol Agent

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I asked you about the radar/camera equipment North of Las Cruces, N.M. These same kinds of equipment are also located at Las Cruces and El Paso, TEXAS, El Paso and Alamogordo, N.M. I assume these are also in use in all checkpoints. Does this help?

IF im applying into border patrol and live with my aunt and two cousins who do not have papers but are Already accepted to receive them, does it affect either one of us?

Im trying to get a possition as a border patrol officer, what are my chances on getting a dog? Do i buy it? Or is it issued? Or how do i get a buddy?(dog)

I have a quick question, because I would love to become a Border Patrol Agent. If I were to have tattoos on my forearms. Or anywhere visible, but I passed everything else. Would they hire me?

Also on Jobstr...

what happens if you help pay for someone to cross the border illegally

You mentioned that BP agents have difficulty maintaining relationships. It seems it might be difficult if not impossible for BORTAC?

For example, If you have 120 accredited college units, is it possible to still be a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. In my case, I need to retake 1 class i didn't passed in order for me to obtain my Business Degree.

Border Patrol Agent

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I asked you about the radar/camera equipment North of Las Cruces, N.M. These same kinds of equipment are also located at Las Cruces and El Paso, TEXAS, El Paso and Alamogordo, N.M. I assume these are also in use in all checkpoints. Does this help?

IF im applying into border patrol and live with my aunt and two cousins who do not have papers but are Already accepted to receive them, does it affect either one of us?

Im trying to get a possition as a border patrol officer, what are my chances on getting a dog? Do i buy it? Or is it issued? Or how do i get a buddy?(dog)

I have a quick question, because I would love to become a Border Patrol Agent. If I were to have tattoos on my forearms. Or anywhere visible, but I passed everything else. Would they hire me?

Also on Jobstr...

what happens if you help pay for someone to cross the border illegally

You mentioned that BP agents have difficulty maintaining relationships. It seems it might be difficult if not impossible for BORTAC?

For example, If you have 120 accredited college units, is it possible to still be a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. In my case, I need to retake 1 class i didn't passed in order for me to obtain my Business Degree.

Login

Forgot Your Password?

Register