Border Patrol Agent

The United States Border Patrol is one of the federal agencies under the Department of Homeland Security and works with the US Customs and Border Protection agency. Due to the increasing presence of drug smuggling across US borders, the US Border Patrol is the first line of defense that detects and prevents the illegal smuggling of drugs across the nation.  

What are the duties and responsibilities of a Border Patrol Agent?

A Border Patrol Agent plays an important role in national security. He is the front-line defense working at the US international borders to prevent any undocumented and illegal entry of aliens in the United States. He is also assigned to apprehend those who have entered and those who are trying to get into the country illegally. The most critical function of a Border Patrol Agent is the detection and prevention of terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States. He is also responsible in regulating the illegal drugs getting in the US and confiscating contrabands.

A Border Patrol Agent usually works on a rotating shift, including weekends and holidays. He may be sent to temporary assignments on a short notice or permanently reassigned to any location.

What are the requirements to become a Border Patrol Agent?

A person who wants to become a Border Patrol agent must be a citizen and a resident of the US, have a valid driver’s license and completed college or master’s degree. He must also be fluent in Spanish, or at least willing to learn the Spanish language.

An applicant for Border Patrol Agent must pass medical screenings, drug tests, and comprehensive background investigations. The applicant must also pass the Border Patrol Exam and series of interviews.

After passing the exam, he is required to attend the 13-week training program at Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. The courses will be all about criminal law, immigration and nationality law, statutory authority, Border Patrol operations, behavioral science, firearm safety, Spanish, and motor vehicle operation.

To get promoted to higher rank, a Border Patrol Agent should have sufficient experience on the job. The entry level for a Border Patrol Agent is GS-5. After 6 months to 2 years as a GS-5, he can be promoted to GS-7. The Border Patrol Agent is eligible for promotion to the rank of GS-9 after 1 year as a GS-7.

There are also other factors that may affect his promotion, such as the number of arrests made, cases prepared and appearances made in court as a professional witness.

How much does a Border Patrol agent make?

A Border Patrol Agent will receive all the benefits of a federal employee, such as vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, and life insurance. He is also entitled to a competitive retirement plan at age 50 after at least 20 years of service, that includes pension and savings plans.

The following schools offer criminal justice degrees which can help you gain the skills to become a Border Patrol Agent:

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Criminal Justice School Directory

Walden University

• B.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
• Homeland Security Policy (M.P.A)
• Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace (M.P.A.)

In this concentration you will: learn about all types of weapons of mass destruction and biological and chemical threats and disasters and discover how to respond to such incidents.

Kaplan University

If you are seeking to advance your career in law enforcement, private security, or corrections or to pursue entry-level opportunities, Kaplan's online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program will help you meet your career goals.

• B.S. in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement

Everest University Online

• Associate's in Homeland Security
• Bachelor's in Homeland Security

Embark on a career in a new field with unlimited employment potential. The Homeland Security program includes: civil & criminal justice; emergency planning and security measures; principles, planning and procedures of safety; tactical communications; domestic and international terrorism; emergency medical services and fire operations; and business and ethics for security specialists.

American InterContinental University Online

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement is offered by American InterContinental University to students with aspirations to pursue career paths that can include DEA Agent, State Insurance Fraud Investigator and many others.

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement

Rasmussen University

A criminal justice degree will open the door to many exciting careers in corrections, private security or criminal law. You may also choose to pursue a career in the human services areas of probation, juvenile justice and family services. Provide a safer tomorrow by contacting us today to learn more about getting your criminal justice degree online from Rasmussen College.

• Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Investigations/Law Enforcement

Related Entries:

• What is FBI Due Process for a Suspected Terrorist in Custody?
  The specifics around procedures for detaining an enemy combatant in the U.S. we recently made clear by the president's top counterterrorism adviser, John Brennan in an interview discussing the attempted attack on the Northwest airline in December, 2009
  
• Career Profile: Correctional Officer
  A correctional officer, or corrections officer, is a representative of law enforcement who is primarily responsible for the custody, supervision, administration and security of prisoners in prison, jail or any similar form of custody. The commanding officer of a military installation usually appoints a correctional officer to ensure the order and safety of the prison facility as well as enforce the rules and policies of the institution. He also supervises the people awaiting trial while in a correctional facility. A corrections officer is also called detention officer, jail guard, prison guard, prison warden, or prison officer.

Find out more about your criminal justice degree.

>> Request a free Course Catalog