CBP Officer

CBP Officer

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!

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Last Answer on April 22, 2019

Best Rated

What's up with the recent news stories about CBP officers asking Muslims about their religion and their thoughts about Donald Trump? Would this be considered religious profiling? Is this allowed, and if so, what is the purpose of these questions?

Asked by sstevens about 8 years ago

One thing I will say from personal experience, I had to hold someone for about 45 minutes before I was able to clear him in our system. His name was similar to a convicted felon wanted for child endangerment. My job was to determine if this person in front of me was the same person who was wanted. I cordially explained to him why he was back there and what I was trying to accomplish. He was very friendly and thanked me for doing what I was doing. About 4 days later, I read a news article that and this person was on it. He told the news outlet that he was locked in a room for 2 hours, denied food and water, and was treated like a criminal. I couldn't believe it! I treat everyone with professionally and with respect, this person even acknowledged it, and yet here he is in the paper saying all of this.

Needless to say, the news, or the person being interviewed, may not always portray the accurate truth.

To answer your question as best I can, we are not legally allowed to make a determination based on religion. It is against the law for anyone (CBP, local police, even an employer) to make a decision based on religion.

I just wanted to know what the CBP jobs are like in the airports and what kind of education you need to go about getting for a career? Thanks.

Asked by Chrissy over 8 years ago

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.

Hello, I have a few questions that I will ask over the course of a few posts if that's ok with you! I am currently in the hiring process, I have a date for my SI and it seems I will be doing the polygraph test in about 3 weeks. Any tips for a rookie?

Asked by Andrew about 8 years ago

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.

I need to know if my boss ever worked as a customs officer as he says its and i quote "classified" i myself am former military and there is always a record of these things present

Asked by kris over 8 years ago

I do not know where you would find that information.

I have a criminal record for DUI and Causing a Disturbance from nearly 30 years ago... I'm travelling with my two kids on vacation, Is the CBP officer going to ruin my vacation over it?

Asked by Jimmie about 8 years ago

If that is your only criminal arrest in the United States, then you should be fine. You will most definitely be sent to Secondary Inspection where they will review your criminal record. The reason for this is to see if you have anything else in your history which would bar you from entering the United States.

Plan accordingly, depending on the time of day and the amount of travelers, you may be in Secondary for an hour or more.

Even though you have an issued firearm are you allowed to carry off duty any personal firearms? Can you take a test to qualify to off duty carry your personal firearm ?

Asked by Andrew about 8 years ago

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.

1) What does "n/r" mean in the CBP record?
2) If asked why coming to the US, I answered 'to visit friends', but later when asked more about who are these friends I disclosed that I have a fiance, will it be 'misrepresentation'?

Asked by M07 over 8 years ago

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.