Criminal Justice Career Option: US Customs Inspector
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 a wide range of import/export inspection, collection of duties, and the inspection of 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 Career Takes Integrity and Professionalism
Eleven weeks of rigorous physical and educational training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center is required of every recruit. Firearms training is also required and Inspectors must continue to maintain firearms proficiency. Inspectors frequently have responsibility for valuable goods, seized drugs, and currency, so absolute integrity is an essential requirement.
Do you have the personal qualities that are required of a U.S. Customs Inspector? 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 make rapid decisions in volatile situations.
Common Sense, Uncommon Responsibility
A Customs career demands both physical stamina and mental discipline. Nearly all assignments require being on your feet for long hours, and many duties, particularly at land borders, are physically demanding. The wide variety of ports in which we operate means there is a great diversity in duties, with some entailing significantly greater law enforcement challenges than others.
A Customs career can be tough work. The hours can be long and there is shift work, but the overtime is well paid. In some assignments, Inspectors have to climb aboard train cars, trucks, and into ships' holds. Inspectors at land borders and in harbors work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Some tasks involve getting dirty, going through cargo and tearing apart vehicles in search of drugs. And, although our duties are nearly always performed in a controlled environment, our officers do carry firearms and are sometimes 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 will meet qualifications for an entry-level (GS-5) position, or a combination of college and work experience is acceptable. To qualify for a GS-7 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience in import/export or compliance/regulatory work. 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 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
An equal opportunity employer