Useful Tips For Future Customs Agents

The life of the average customs agent may not be as exciting as say James Bond's foray into foreign ports, but depending on the area that you will be serving in, the duties can range from checking through luggage all the way to inspecting the aircraft. There is extensive training to be taken to become a customs agent. It is only after many years on the job working in the various departments that a custom agent is considered interchangeable with military trained security personnel.

Here are some of the things you can expect when you are serving as a customs agent:

1. Inspection of aircraft and aerodromes

2. Prevention of departure of an aircraft that has not been authorized to depart

3. Stop ships in territorial waters in order to check their clearance papers

4. Examination of goods that will be carried aboard transportation that leaves the country

5. You may be required to inspect baggage of entering or departing citizens

Obviously interacting with the public is going to be a huge part of the job. Being able to relate to individuals in a friendly, helpful manner while at the same time maintain your professional demeanor is not always easy. You are taught to suspect everyone, to trust no one even if they do seem like an up and up sort of person. This is not a conflict with being friendly and helpful. Being aware of the situation and being fully mentally present in that situation is the way to ensure that you are performing your job. To be a people person takes a special personality.

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When dealing with an international flow of people through customs points, safety must be your first consideration. There are too many officers that never left their duty post because they were caught off guard. The global situation with terrorism and smuggling of cash, jewelry, drugs and many other items puts you at risk each day as you serve as a customs officer.

Some of the preparatory endeavors you might want to undertake are becoming very physically fit. Being able to move agilely and with accuracy will be a vital skill as a customs agent. Though the average customs agent is not normally involved in a high speed foot chase, it does sometimes occur. Being prepared for any eventuality is part of the job of the custom officer.

You may want to check various colleges for their classes on Criminal Justice. Some countries require their agents to have at least a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Every program is different. Each college has enrollment counselors who can assist you in your goal to become a customs agent. A working knowledge of the law you are trying to help apply is necessary in order to have a customs department that really does protect its country.

Checking each program out is easily done through the internet. You need to visit more websites that cover the profession. Some of them have ways for you to request for more information.

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