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!
As a GS-12 (pay scale), I earn about $110,000 a year with overtime. The pay scale goes like this:
GS-5 (first year) = $35,000GS-7 (second year) = $43,000GS-9 (Third Year) = $52,000GS-11 (Fourth Year) = $62,000GS-12 (Fifth Year) = $76,000
After you hit GS 12, every year or so you get a raise of about $2,000 to $3,000. All the numbers mentioned above are approximate and include my additional locality pay.
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There are many reasons why we ask where you work. Ill explain the best I can.
For one, the officer is trying to have a conversation with you to get a base line feeling of your natural behavior. When you are asked a simple question, you should be able to answer it easily. We pick up on how you answer that question (body mannerisms, eye movement, stutter). Now, when we ask a more difficult question in which you want to lie about (Something that could incriminate you), your body will act differently than when you answered the more simple questions. That's when we know you just lied to us.
All the questions we ask you is to help with our inspection. Say, you work at a location thats open only Monday through Friday. Today is Saturday and your crossing the border saying your going to work. This would lead me to ask you more questions because you dont have work today but your telling me you do.
Ultimately, every new person we interact with is like a blank canvas. We are trying to paint a picture of who you are (if your innocent or a potential criminal) and the only way we can do it is by asking questions.
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1) To be honest, I've never seen that before. It may be a local port thing.
2) That doesn't necessarily mean misrepresentation, unless the officer ascertains that you purposely were trying to hide your true intentions. It's not illegal to have a fiance in the United States, but it is illegal to lie to a federal officer regarding the real reason why you want to enter the United States.
Misrepresentation charges are used primarily for people who try to use a stolen visa or stolen passport to make entry.
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The airport can get fairly boring. For the first several years of your career, you will be posted at "Primary" where you either grant admission to alien's (Entry for US Citizens) or refer suspect individuals for further scrutiny.
Once you have a few years on your belt, you can bid for a secondary position. This is where you will be determining with you will allow someone to enter the United States or return them back to their home country.
There are also other specialty teams where you patrol the airport in vehicles, perform hot stops, interview subjects etc. Those positions, however, are few far and between at airports.
As for education, you only need a high school diploma or GED. Of course, a college degree will make you more noticeable and may start you at a higher pay but it's not necessary.
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Veterinarian
How do you break the news to a kid when his pet dies?
Help Desk Technician
Does it get aggravating answering people's dumb questions all day long?
Cruise Ship Officer
Is the "women and children first" rule still in effect?
The only tip I can offer is to be completely honest during the polygraph. Regardless of how your past was (previous drug use, etc.), we are looking at your honesty. Integrity is one of the top core values every law enforcement agency looks for.
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Yes. People forget that we are law enforcement officers. We handcuff people for a number of reasons, it does not necessarily mean your under arrest. If I think it'll be safer for everyone if i handcuff you before I search your car, I am completely justified in doing so. We must always take officer safety into account. If your twice my size and intoxicated, I am going to handcuff you so the situation does not turn ugly.
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Under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), we are allowed to carry any personal firearm that can be concealed. Generally, this means pistols/revolvers. You are not required to carry only your duty weapon.
I'm not sure of any tests you mean for your personal firearm. I have carried my personal firearm off duty since day one without taking any tests.
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