Ask a CBP Officer anything

220 Questions

Last Answer on April 22, 2019

I have a criminal record for DUI and Causing a Disturbance from nearly 30 years ago... I'm travelling with my two kids on vacation, Is the CBP officer going to ruin my vacation over it?

Asked by Jimmie over 8 years ago

If that is your only criminal arrest in the United States, then you should be fine. You will most definitely be sent to Secondary Inspection where they will review your criminal record. The reason for this is to see if you have anything else in your history which would bar you from entering the United States.

Plan accordingly, depending on the time of day and the amount of travelers, you may be in Secondary for an hour or more.

722 Votes

Even though you have an issued firearm are you allowed to carry off duty any personal firearms? Can you take a test to qualify to off duty carry your personal firearm ?

Asked by Andrew over 8 years ago

Under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), we are allowed to carry any personal firearm that can be concealed. Generally, this means pistols/revolvers. You are not required to carry only your duty weapon.

I'm not sure of any tests you mean for your personal firearm. I have carried my personal firearm off duty since day one without taking any tests.

721 Votes

I am looking to start my application to become a CBPO. I have smoked weed in the past. I imagine past drug use is one of the questions they ask for the polygraph test. If you answer yes, does this automatically disqualify you?

Asked by Jimmy over 8 years ago

Not completely. There are a bunch of factors that could come into play. The best advice I can give you is to be completely honest on the polygraph and completely honest on the background questionnaire.

I had marijuana use in the past as well, but it wasn't habitual and I was open about it.

717 Votes

I am somewhat pudgy with no LEO or military experience going to FLETC this Summer. I scraped by the PFT. What is the work out program like and its expectations at FLETC? Do they invest in conditioning people or do they expect you to have it together?

Asked by Reywas about 8 years ago

I suppose they expect you to have it somewhat together. At the very least, they want to see you motivated. Anyone can pass the PFT's at the academy if they try hard enough and set goals for themselves. I also barely scraped by the first PFT. But after enough conditioning throughout the academy, my 1.5 mile went from 15 mins and change to 11 minutes and 52 seconds.

You will be required to do physical training two days a week, 2 hours each day. Its up to the instructor on what they want to train (conditioning or defensive tactics). Otherwise, on your time your free to train as much or as little as you'd like.

716 Votes

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What are your thoughts or tips on women applying for the CBPO position?

Asked by MLopezP over 8 years ago

Do it! We need your help! All law enforcement agencies are in desperate need of female officers, not just CBP.

My biggest tip is to have thick skin. Your brothers in blue will be your biggest support as the people crossing the border size you up every day.

716 Votes

If a foreigner entered the country as a tourist for a month, but did a little bit of work and paid taxes on it, would that likely come up as a reason for entry refusal on his next visit (i.e. do CBP and IRS communicate to that level)?

Asked by Questioner1 over 8 years ago

Legally, I cant comment on the level of communication between different branches of the government. What I can tell you is that it is in fact illegal to work as a visitor. This would be cause for a Expedited Removal.

715 Votes

I have noticed that CBP officers at the internal checkpoints (near but not at the Mexican border) are actually fairly courteous. Is this actually a less stressful post than, say, the Canadian border, where they tend to be more gruff?

Asked by Nicholas about 8 years ago

I have never worked the internal checkpoints, so I am not quite sure. The only thing I can think of is there is much less pressure for the checkpoints inside than the border. Officers at the border are hounded by management, who is hounded by their Port Director, who is hounded by the Director of Field Operations, who is hounded by congressmen/chambers of commerce/politicians regarding border wait times. The unfortunate truth is, there are a lot of politics involved with this job. Sometimes, the politics take priority of getting the job done right.

714 Votes

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CBP Officer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I have a criminal record for DUI and Causing a Disturbance from nearly 30 years ago... I'm travelling with my two kids on vacation, Is the CBP officer going to ruin my vacation over it?

Even though you have an issued firearm are you allowed to carry off duty any personal firearms? Can you take a test to qualify to off duty carry your personal firearm ?

I am looking to start my application to become a CBPO. I have smoked weed in the past. I imagine past drug use is one of the questions they ask for the polygraph test. If you answer yes, does this automatically disqualify you?

I am somewhat pudgy with no LEO or military experience going to FLETC this Summer. I scraped by the PFT. What is the work out program like and its expectations at FLETC? Do they invest in conditioning people or do they expect you to have it together?

Also on Jobstr...

What are your thoughts or tips on women applying for the CBPO position?

If a foreigner entered the country as a tourist for a month, but did a little bit of work and paid taxes on it, would that likely come up as a reason for entry refusal on his next visit (i.e. do CBP and IRS communicate to that level)?

I have noticed that CBP officers at the internal checkpoints (near but not at the Mexican border) are actually fairly courteous. Is this actually a less stressful post than, say, the Canadian border, where they tend to be more gruff?

CBP Officer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I have a criminal record for DUI and Causing a Disturbance from nearly 30 years ago... I'm travelling with my two kids on vacation, Is the CBP officer going to ruin my vacation over it?

Even though you have an issued firearm are you allowed to carry off duty any personal firearms? Can you take a test to qualify to off duty carry your personal firearm ?

I am looking to start my application to become a CBPO. I have smoked weed in the past. I imagine past drug use is one of the questions they ask for the polygraph test. If you answer yes, does this automatically disqualify you?

I am somewhat pudgy with no LEO or military experience going to FLETC this Summer. I scraped by the PFT. What is the work out program like and its expectations at FLETC? Do they invest in conditioning people or do they expect you to have it together?

Also on Jobstr...

What are your thoughts or tips on women applying for the CBPO position?

If a foreigner entered the country as a tourist for a month, but did a little bit of work and paid taxes on it, would that likely come up as a reason for entry refusal on his next visit (i.e. do CBP and IRS communicate to that level)?

I have noticed that CBP officers at the internal checkpoints (near but not at the Mexican border) are actually fairly courteous. Is this actually a less stressful post than, say, the Canadian border, where they tend to be more gruff?

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