Oscar
Charleston, SC
Male, 31
Spent a bit over four years (2006-2010) serving as a Border Patrol Agent in Tucson Sector, AZ: the busiest sector in the country. Worked numerous positions, and spent the last year and a half operating/instructing ground radar installations. Duties included: field patrols, transport, processing, control room duties, transportation check, checkpoint operations, static watch duties, etc.
The overall effect is pretty significant. Mainly from deterrence and detection, as well as monitoring who is entering the country. If you're asking about interior checkpoints they're also pretty good. We used to catch loads of stuff trying to go around the checkpoint. This makes it really easy to catch. So, yes, they're pretty effective at both detection, deterrence and apprehensions. I can't speak for some of the really interior ones on distant highways though. No idea what they catch there.
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When applying, DHS/CBP will ask what state you prefer to work in. This is no guarantee. When they make you a job offer they will provide you with a choice of 1-3 different stations, and you may choose which one you prefer. If you prefer to wait this is also possible, but then you lose your slot in line, with no guarantee a slot will open up where you want to work. You're better off joining wherever you can and then working 3-4 years and applying to move later.
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That is something which is handled by ICE or DEA. The BP operates some Disrupt teams who work with local LEO's on special tasks like that. It is not under the jurisdiction or a normal BP office though and is handled at Sector level.
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I'm not sure. This is something you'll have to contact Customs directly, or an agent who has worked POE's. We did not have one in our station's area of responsibility so I never worked in one.
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It's a complete mixed bag. The job is a lot of hours, a lot of hard work, and can be very depressing when your own country doesn't really care. Some guys love the job. Other guys put up with it. I personally quit because I ended up hating the agency. So, it depends on the person and what you consider important/valuable.
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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.
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You can be prosecuted for human smuggling...and thus potentially spend a long time in jail.
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