Criminal Justice Career Option: Canine Enforcement Officer
You and a Customs drug-detector dog work together as an integrated unit in the best tradition of K9 service. Customs CEOs perform an invaluable service to their country with every day's work and every drug seizure.
Federal Law Enforcement That Makes A Difference
The U.S. Customs Service is a Federal law enforcement agency with a proud tradition of protecting our borders for more than 200 years. Today, one of our primary duties is to keep illegal drugs out of our country.
The land, sea, and air borders of the United States are our areas of operations. Our "ports of entry" are from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, to the long land borders with Mexico and Canada, plus Alaska, Hawaii, and islands in the Caribbean.
Ours is a major law enforcement mission that involves not only drug interdiction but also inspection of commercial and personal goods being brought into the country. We also work closely with other Federal agencies to ensure the overall security of U.S. borders.
This Frontline K9 Career Takes Integrity and Professionalism
Fifteen weeks of intensive enforcement and dog handler training is provided at our K9 Training Center. Firearms training is also required and CEOs must continue to maintain firearms proficiency.
This career requires a strong personal commitment to honesty since Customs personnel frequently have responsibility for valuable goods including seized drugs and currency.
Do you have the personal qualities required for this unique Federal K9 career? Self motivation, initiative, and enthusiasm are the essential starting points. You have to be a people person and have a mature emotional balance in order to stay cool and control your dog in volatile situations.
Common Sense, Uncommon Responsibility
A Customs career demands both mental discipline and physical stamina. You must rely heavily on common sense to make rapid decisions. All CEO assignments require being on your feet for long hours, and many duties, particularly at land borders, are physically demanding. The wide variety of ports means there is a great diversity in duties, with some entailing greater law enforcement challenges than others.
Make no mistake, a Customs career can be tough work. The hours can be long and there is shift work, but the overtime is well paid. CEOs at land borders and in seaports may work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Some tasks involve getting dirty while going through cargo. And, Customs CEOs do carry firearms and may be called upon to use them.
For the men and women of the U.S. Customs Service, the rewards include representing your country in the uniform of a proud Federal service. You are also rewarded by knowing that you are doing something positive about stopping the plague of drugs entering our country.
Qualify for a Customs Career
Usually, four years of college or three years of work experience or a combination of college and work experience will meet qualifications for an entry level (GS-5) position. To qualify for GS-7, you should have at least one year of experience in law enforcement involving the training and handling of dogs in patrol or detection. Collegiate academic excellence or graduate education can also help fulfill requirements for a GS-7. Prior law enforcement or military service is often a good starting point for a Customs career.
You will need to be a U.S. citizen with a valid driver's license and have the ability to successfully complete a thorough background investigation and medical and drug screenings. Physical and educational training must be completed.
Benefits
Beyond the personal satisfaction of representing your country on the frontline of the war on drugs, you can expect an excellent Federal benefits package that includes health and life insurance, a thrift savings plan, and a superior retirement plan.
If you have the integrity, self-motivated spirit, and common sense combined with the professionalism that it takes, contact the U.S. Customs Service today. It's law enforcement on a nationwide scale... from coast to coast, border to border.
For more Information call 1-800-944-7725