in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. Using an introduction to American law, youll learn about six different types of legal theory. Age waivers are available to those with law enforcement or military backgrounds. 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. To become a Border Patrol agent, candidates must first complete a paid training course at the academy in Artesia, New Mexico. (The codes are assigned by the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees federal staffing.). The five-grade ranking system is used for prioritizing candidates: Best Qualified, Very Highly Qualified, Highly Qualified, Well Quallified, and Qualified. Territory information from Guam, Puerto Rico, and The Virgin Islands. Over 14,000 public servants from coast to coast support the agency and its mission to safeguard Canada's security and prosperity. A high school diploma or equivalent 2. The training to start border patrol agents' jobs begins after the application is accepted. Qualifications to Become a Custom and Border Protection Agent Here are some of the requirements to become an CBP agent. Even for these restricted jobs, there is no preferred college major, but jobseekers may be required to have a 3.0 GPA or higher. What are the requirements for becoming a border patrol agent? Before a new CBP officer can take the oath of office, they must complete 89 days of training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. Border Patrol Agents Can Make Up To $141,000 Per Yea A border patrol agent can expect to earn anywhere between $43,000 and $141,000 per year, depending on the position and the employer. In 1924, all BPAs were members of the mounted cavalry. They also work to prevent terrorism and smuggling. Successful trainees are then hired, initially on conditional terms (a probationary period). Applicants for border patrol positions must have substantial work experience in law enforcement or in jobs involving contact with the public, or have completed a certain number of years of college. If a position becomes available later, you may transfer to Texas if you are not assigned to one at the time. If you are still in high school, you might want to take geography, social studies, and government courses. 2. Holding US citizenship. In the last 7 years, Ive been covering everything related to the career and job seeking world. The next step comes after you have already sent your application. Be registered to carry a firearm. Many people who attempt to enter the United States illegally have undergone extreme risk and hardship, and border patrol agents just as frequently encounter emotionally moving situations as hostile, violent ones. In contrast to other professions, BPAs pay and allowances are prorated based on the hours worked, with the higher the number of hours worked, the greater the pay. For this part, the test items are hypothetical questions relating to the job being applied for, and the answers are drawn from the information supplied in the exam questionnaire. Background investigation will be conducted, using different methods that include credit checks and interviews with former employers. Those interested in becoming a border patrol agent must meet the following requirements: U.S. citizenship. The first step in this course is to examine the fundamental justifications for and benefits of U.S. patent rights. You can specialize in relevant fields such as business administration, security, criminal justice, and homeland security. Candidates interested in applying can do so online or through the Department of Homeland Security website. Pass a polygraph That is all . The first step in applying for employment is to have a basic understanding of Spanish. The United States has a great need for border patrol agents, as it is continually increasing security and inspection of people and goods that enter its borders. President Trump has called for increased law enforcement officers to carry firearms, so this policy is consistent with his views. Thats how were able to stop certain individuals or goods from crossing our borders, and minimise the threat they pose. New agents must maintain a minimum 70 percent average to pass the program. The agency has changed dramatically since its inception in 1924. If you're not already a member of a federal law enforcement agency, you must pass the Border Patrol exam that tests reasoning skills and the ability to learn a foreign language. We also offer a guaranteed interview scheme for people with disabilities who meet our minimum selection criteria. But internal competition is high. 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. Electives include immigration law, customs law, intelligence and surveillance, international relations, sociology, and psychology. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Qualified candidates are required to undergo a 55-day basic resident course at the CBP Border Patrol Academy within the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers network. Obtain vital education and experience. Youve got to be calm and professional under trying circumstances, and enjoy being part of a team. The Customs and Border Protection officers and agents are in charge of securing the United States borders and national security. 3. 1 year of employment history 3. A bachelors degree is required for 63% of border patrol agents, while an associates degree is required for 19% of them. Our site does not feature every educational option available on the market. Spanish does not have to be an applicants major, as interactions with a wide variety of foreign nationals is highly common; demonstrating proficiency in any foreign language should be sufficient to convince the US CBP that the applicant has the ability to readily learn to converse in Spanish. The language course is best paired with academic training in multicultural understanding and tolerance. What does it take to become a Border Patrol agent? Make sure you're fully prepared. In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you might also be deployed on projects to meet other strategic objectives, such as counter-terrorism or human trafficking. You will then be asked to take a two-part border patrol entrance examination. Well send you a link to a feedback form. If youre interested in becoming a law enforcement officer, the Border Patrol is a good place to start. 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. A fully trained Border Patrol Agent may be eligible up to an additional 25% of base pay in accordance with the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. Our site does not feature every educational option available on the market. 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. You can find study guides. * Have a valid driver's license. The government conducts a background investigation. Getting a border patrol job is can be easy if.. 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 SAA provisions call for: 1) a GPA of 3.0 or higher, out of a possible 4.0, at least for the courses completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; 2) a class standing within the upper third of the applicant's graduating class; or 3) a membership in a national scholastic honor society (not counting freshman honor societies). Fill out the government application on the. The minimum educational requirement for anyone wishing to train as a border patrol agent is a high school diploma, although a bachelor's degree is preferred. US Border Patrol agents are routinely exposed to dangerous situationsdue to their role as guardians of the American homeland. U.S. Border Patrol agent Brendan Lenihan had finally caught up with the group of undocumented migrants he'd been diligently tracking. Take and pass a series of physical fitness tests. You must have a valid driver's license. Border Patrol Agents prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the U.S. by securing our land borders and coastal waters between ports of entry. To qualify become a Border Patrol Agent in Texas, below are the steps to follow: Step One Go to the official website and apply for a job as a border patrol agent. To become a GL-7 agent, candidates must complete a year of graduate school or have a record of excellent academic achievement. National Border Patrol Council:https://bpunion.org/. This residential training program covers law (including nationality law and immigration law), firearms use, and physical training. Some candidates also have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, 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. 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). in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. The Border Patrol employs agents at the GL-7 and GL-9 levels. Information collected will be verified through lawful means. We encourage you to perform your own independent Standout agents may enjoy such career advancement opportunities as earning an assignment with the elite Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), Horse Patrol, K-9 Unit, or Riverine Operations, in addition to other exciting career possibilities including supervisory positions. You'll have to undergo a background check when you apply. Tuition, fees, books, and supplies are included in the total costs. The job description involves the conduct of interrogations and arrests, the collection of evidence against suspects, and the development of cases on these actions. You may face some challenges along the way, but the rewards are well worth it. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Aspiring agents should be prepared to work long hours, including overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays, often under difficult conditions. General Requirements You must be a U.S. citizen. Pass a medical examination. Official websites use .gov Now that you're prepared, you want to know exactly how to become a border patrol agent. Proficiency in Spanish is an asset, considering that Hispanic-initiated illegal border-crossing activities consume a substantial part of CBP operations. You can see review a practice test here. The Border Patrol job requirements are tough. Border Patrol agents are among the countrys most dedicated and professional law enforcement officers. In order to join the U.S. Border patrol, applicants must meet the following criteria: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen Applicants must possess a valid driver's license Applicants must be fluent in Spanish or be capable of learning it Applicants must be younger than 40 years of age Applicants must pass a drug urine test Each step is necessary to make sure we are hiring people who are qualified and capable of doing this important work. We will not pay you Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime until you report to work at your station. Are you wondering how to become a Border Patrol agent? You must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid drivers license, and be between the ages of 21 and 37. Among personnel, those who excel in the field are recognized and commended. If you have the motivation and desire, you can become an GL-7 agent now. After completing a 117-day training course, they must pass a rigorous test to be accepted as a Border Patrol Agent. 3. Take and pass a written exam. The path to becoming a Border Patrol Agent includes several steps. Be hired as an ICE agent. The scales for border patrol agents are GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. If your heart is set on this career, you should make sure you're fully prepared when it comes to your health, your background, your education and your paperwork. Take a foreign language class, specifically, Spanish; fluency in this language will give you an advantage over other job applicants. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security & Counterterrorism, and M.S. You must be able to reason, speak Spanish, and understand security and law enforcement issues, in addition to proving your logical abilities. Have a valid drivers license. Possess and maintain a licence to drive a motor vehicle in Canada. Apply for a border patrol agent position To become a U.S. border patrol agent, apply on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency website. 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