Customs & Border Protection Officers

law conventional interests regulation information immigration investigate decision collect contraband detect violations inspect cargo

Customs Inspector, Customs Officer, Special Agent, US Customs and Border Protection Officer (US CBPO)

What they do:
Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
On the job, you would:
  • Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
  • Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
  • Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.

Knowledge

Safety and Government

  • law and government
  • public safety and security

Arts and Humanities

  • English language
  • foreign language

Business

  • customer service
  • administrative services

Math and Science

  • psychology

Skills

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others

Social

  • understanding people's reactions
  • changing what is done based on other people's actions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • notice when problems happen

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted
  • do two or more things at the same time

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Attention to Detail

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Office suite software

  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Microsoft Office software Hot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

  • Automated Manifest System AMS
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Education

high school diploma/GED or
bachelor's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Find Certifications
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Salary:

$72,280
$45,200
$111,700
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about customs and border protection officers.