This article is going to help you in acing the interview as Border Patrol Officer. We have not only added a few common questions but also the answers that are proven to be professional. Since you have already received the interview call for Border Patrol Officer, Let’s get you prepared for the interview. We have listed the Top 25 Border Patrol Officer Interview Questions & Answers that will be will helpful.
Just to give a little background of this job, this is considered to be one of the major responsibilities at a border. You can be based at a land border or coastal water depending on the location. The role is to secure the entry of the borders from any sort of weapons, drugs, illegal citizens, and even terrorists! As a Border Patrol Officer, you will be serving your country with your integrity and vigilance.
Border Patrol Office jobs are under the Department of Homeland Security. Like all other jobs, it also has some basic requirement that includes citizenship of the country, a Valid Driver’s license, and an Entrance Exam. The Entrance exam is an evaluation based on your logical thinking, language test and prior work, and performance. If you cannot speak a specific language as per requirement, you will be given an artificiallinagetest that will test your ability to learn a new language from scratch. For your work history, you should have relevant experience or a 4-year college degree, or even both. Once you are done with the first screening, you will need to clear a physical fitness exam. The fitness exam includes a psychiatric exam and eyesight testing. Before wasting any more of your time, Let’s dig into questions with answers that you need to go through before you go for an interview for the job.
1. How Do You Stay Motivated In This Role?
One of the major motivations in this field is that several opportunities come as your progress in your career. I have been able to perform several patrolling tasks that give me a chance to learn a lot. There are several opportunities like Horse Patrolling where agents get a chance to ride in challenging terrain and sensitive geographic locations. There are few tasks where only Horse Patrol is the only possibility to enter the region that cannot be accessed by any other means of patrolling. I enjoy horse patrolling since without it, there will be areas that won’t be patrolled and the crime rate would be at an increase.
2. Why Are You Interested In This Role?
I am a patriotic citizen at heart! I do believe that as a citizen of this land, it is my utmost duty to protect this land. I do believe that with my passion and my skills, I would be a great addition to my Border Patrol team. I have gotten strength training and I do keep myself fit as this is one of the basic requirements of this role. At the academy, I have already been trained on immigration laws and languages and did some basic training as part of my course.
3. What Do You Consider To Be Your Weakness In This Role?
I won’t label it as a weakness but I do believe that my leadership skills can be improved if given chance. Even though I have been trying to improve it, not only for myself but also for people I work with so that it’s a smooth day for everyone.
4. Describe Your Daily Routine At Work.
Every day at work is different for me. There are a few typical assignments that I perform on daily basis and if there is any urgent protocol then obviously duties are changed. My normal day at work starts with detecting and apprehending illegal citizens at an entry. They can be illegal citizens who do not have paperwork to stay or work in the country, smugglers, and dealers. The surveillance is maintained at land and coastal borders. As an agent, I worked on several tasks including following undocumented citizens and smugglers in the country. At night, I would be on the night shift for surveillance because it’s one of the tricky times. On land borders, the normal duties may include line watch duties, city patrolling, transportation checks, and other duties.
5. How Do You Maintain Confidentiality In Your Work?
In this field, NDA is the way to maintain confidentiality at borders, especially the risky borders where the flow of illegal immigrants along with smugglers is high!
6. Rate Your Communication Skills From 1-10
I would give myself a 9 for my communication skills. I have been a good communicator since my student days. I was always involved in activities where I would be leading a team for a task. I would discuss and negotiate with my team members and it was always easier to interact with people.
7. What Is Your Greatest Strength In This Role?
I can work well under the pressure! I do not hesitate from such a situation since I can easily focus and identify a lot of opportunities in a complex problem. In my initial training day, I have had some tough days due to pressure but I was able to pull it off well. I was even appreciated by the trainers for being able to solve complex problems even in tough situations.
In my initial training days, I used to panic a lot when we were sent out to the field to practice. My supervisor was one of the best trainers who taught me all about how to go into the field and how to deal with crowds. He often used to say that this is a difficult job but always remember you have made a promise to your country that you are protecting her borders from all sorts of dangers.
8. Why Do You Believe It Is Important To Promote Diversity Within Theforce?
In my point of view, I am an advocate of diversity because I believe when cultures and people mix and communicate, there are great chances of quick problem solving and critical thinking. If our border patrol force is a diverse service, it is surely going to develop tolerance and trusted security, where foreign languages are customs, are present. Due to the variety of people involved day to day, cultures are understood and it’s always better to hire people in such fields who are open-minded to diversity. Speaking in more than 1 language or experience in dealing with different cultures or customs, the teams are well-nourished!
Diversity becomes a promising culture in any work environment and there is no harm in learning a little bit more extra than the basic stuff.
9. What Is The Difference Between Off–Road Vehicle Unit And Bike Patrol?
In Off-Road Vehicle Unit, the agents use different types of vehicles including ATVs, dirt bikes, and such vehicles to access the terrain. These are not accessible by regular bike patrol. The main reason for both patrolling is the same i.e. catch illegal citizens and drug smugglers. In Bike Patrol, the agents facilitate the cross-border threats with law enforcing agencies.
10. What Is The Role Of BORSTAR?
BORSTAR is Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue. The main role of BORSTAR is to rescue and also search capabilities of the Patrol Unit. With BORSTAR, any local, state, county, or federal entities are rescued from terrorism, natural disasters, and potential terrorism as well.
11. What Is The Role Of MRT?
As a Mobile Response Team, the major focus is to support CBP operations including regional and national incidents. MRT can respond to all sorts of emerging and evolving threats in challenging operational areas.
12. What Is The Primary Purpose Of Chaplaincy?
The main purpose is to promote the well-being of the Border Patrol workforce. It not only aids in physical and mental health but also assists in stress management of the Border Patrol workforce. The program offered under Chaplaincy trains the workforce through education resources on tough topics that even include suicide. The training revolves around prevention and awareness on such stressful areas to make sure the mental health of all Patrol forces is okay.
13. How Does An Emergency Medical Technician Assist Border Patrol Officers?
Through Emergency Medical Program, the technicians train the Border Patrol team for emergency medical. From medical illnesses to traumatic injuries, the trainees can perform their medical skills to not only save lives but also do injury treatment of fellows and illegal citizens at any point in time.
14. If You See An Illegal Entry At The Border And You Ask The Person To Freeze But They Continue Running. What Would Be Your Role?
Well, if I have already given a warning to the person who has crossed the border illegally and they haven’t obeyed, I can shoot at them. As a Border Patrol Agent, my duty is towards the country and making sure there is no harm brought to the country. My duty is towards the country first then other things.
15. Do You Speak Other Languages As Well That Will Be Helpful At The Border?
Yes, I can! I have taken several language courses for this. I do believe that if I can speak in the local language to immigrants or any other person, it is a benefit for both parties. I have also been given a few language tests where my reading, writing, and listening were tested.
16. How Well Do You Perform In A Team?
To perform well as a team, I believe that it works both ways. I am supposed to give orders to lead my time and also take orders from my senior officer. I always obey the commands of my senior officer and ensure that all work is done as per protocol. When you are dealing with a long queue at a border, you are surely responsible for giving orders to the people who are trying to cross the border through illegal means.
I always believe that one should move together as a team because that is how you excel as a department. The job itself is very critical and gives a lot of stress while dealing with illegal citizens and smugglers and whatnot. If you have stress from the team too then one might not be able to perform as per his or her commitment to the country.
17. As A Border Patrol Officer, What Sort Of Tools Will Be Used By You?
Officers are supplied with a current-generation Glock 17 9mm semi-automatic pistol. ASP 21 inch telescopic baton, SAF-LOK MK5 hinged handcuffs, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray.
18. What Are The 4 Values That Are Encouraged In Border Forces?
Compassion, Integrity, Professionalism, and Courage are the 4 values are reflect the nature and demands of patrolling the borders!
19. What Are The 7 Most Important Attributes Needed To Become A Competent Border Force Officer?
- Remaining calm under pressure,
- Vigilant in all tasks,
- Confident and resilient in approach to complete duty,
- Be able to follow all rules and procedures as per law and training provided,
- Carry all duties in the best interest of the country,
- Inquisitive when dealing with the public who is making their way to cross the border and
- Team Player
20. Do You Know How To Control A Crowd At The Border?
If I am on duty I would constantly observe the crows by keeping a safe distance. I would be friendly and proactive but I would keep the radio on to make sure I am listening to my backup and supervisor easily. If the crowd turns violent or tries to go against the role, I would follow the protocol!
21. As An Agent, What Sorts Of Duties Have You’re Performed To Date That You Think Makes You A Great Candidate For This Position?
- Watching the border and standing guard
- Detecting, tracking, and apprehending suspected smugglers and illegal border crossers
- Gathering intelligence
- Using electronic surveillance equipment and responding to sensor alarms
- Performing traffic observations and checkpoints
- Performing city patrols and other law enforcement duties
- Writing reports
- Making arrests
22. What Do You Know About Access Control At The Border?
These controls are based on ID Systems, Special passes, and proximity cards.
23. As A Border Patrol Officer, What Is Your Emergency Response In A Situation?
Tackling with the emergency is my core duty too especially in this position. If there is an emergency, I would immediately inform the radio about the activity and request for teams as per protocol. I will be using available resources and making sure that the integrity of the country is not compromised at any stage.
24. Can You Use A Weapon To Diffuse A Situation At A Border?
At first, a warning would be given but if there is any life-threatening situation at the border, I would immediately inform my team on radio and observe the action while keeping my weapon in handy. If the intruder is in the process of escaping or harming anyone, I will be using the weapon against him.
25. As A Border Patrol Office, What Should Be Your Skillset?
- knowledge of public safety and security
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think using logic and reasoning
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of the English language
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Conclusion
We wish you all the best for the interview. If you have what it takes to join a force then why not go for it! It can turn out to be one of your best career decisions as per your interested career! Don’t forget that this is one of the opportunities that you should get prepared for. Border Patrol is in a constant search for qualified new agents, not everyone is fit to take on the demands that come with the job. Agents must be physically and mentally strong, with a willingness to work a variety of different shifts and relocate when necessary. Candidates for Border Patrol jobs face rigorous screening, including drug testing, medical examinations, background checks, and physical fitness tests. Among causes for disqualification are previous arrests and convictions, substance abuse problems, financial issues, and unstable work history. After hiring, intense physical training continues for two months. This training, called Basic Academy includes marksmanship and immigration law. Additional education is provided for cadets who do not speak the fluent language. Border Patrol jobs are often dangerous and demanding; with border, coverage needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Agents are expected to work most weekends and holidays and be willing to accept temporary assignments at different locations. Only US citizens under the age of forty who are healthy and passionate about protecting the borders are encouraged to apply. These 25 questions are surely going to help in acing the first round of interviews. Good luck!
