Customs and Border Protection Officers
What is a Customs and Border Protection Officer?
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers are essential personnel within the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for safeguarding the borders of the United States. They enforce immigration and customs laws, aiming to protect American communities from the entry of illegal goods, contraband, and unauthorized individuals. CBP Officers conduct inspections of people, cargo, and vehicles entering the U.S. at various points of entry, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings. Their responsibilities also include gathering intelligence, preventing criminal activities, and promoting lawful trade and travel. Beyond merely enforcing regulations, these officers engage in community outreach and education to enhance public understanding of customs and immigration processes. They are crucial in maintaining national security while facilitating legitimate trade and travel, often working closely with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to achieve their mission. The role requires a blend of strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to public safety, making CBP Officers vital components of the nation’s border security strategy.
Tasks
- 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.
- Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
- Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
Technology Skills
- Office suite software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Mobile location based services software
Tools Used
- Radiation detectors
- X ray radiography examination equipment
- Handcuffs
- Notebook computers
- Weapon or explosives detectors and supplies
Knowledge
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Abilities
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Bachelor's degree
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
- Examine personal documentation to ensure that it is valid.
- Interview people to obtain information about actions or status of individuals.
- Detain suspects or witnesses.
- Inspect cargo to identify potential hazards.
- Confiscate prohibited or dangerous items.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$45200.0 - $111700.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.