Border Patrol Agent

Border Patrol Agent

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.

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Last Answer on November 08, 2016

Best Rated

Reasoning If, Then statement. How can you mastered this section on the test. What is the trick in here. What are your recommendations.

Asked by Joe about 13 years ago

You can't study for a reasoning test.  It's akin to a common sense test.  You either have it, or you don't.

Roughly, how many illegal immigrants are caught at Border check points? In your opinion, is the money, time, and effort spent on maintaining these check points compatible with the number of illegal immigrants caught? Thanks

Asked by Curious about 13 years ago

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.

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 about 13 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.

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 about 13 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.

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 13 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.

Did the Arizona SB1070 law help you do your job better by empowering you with tools that helped intercept more illegals?

Asked by Darren almeida about 13 years ago

SB1070 passed shortly after I left the BP.  The USBP is 100% busy all of the time in Tucson Sector, so if anything it would have put more strain on us, due to a possible increase in local law enforcement apprehending illegals.  The actual passage did not affect the way we do business, as our authority is almost entirely immigration based.

I'd imagine there was a spike in OA (other agency) calls, and I'd like to hope that ICE in Phoenix got hammered by Sheriff Joe with more apprehensions.

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 13 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.