The state of Washington is patrolled by border patrol agents in the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sectors of Blaine and Spokane. Under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, border patrol jobs in Washington are vital to the security of the United States’ international land and water borders.
Not only are CBP employees responsible for guarding the border that the U.S. shares with Canada; they also must protect the waters that illegal aliens or possible terrorists could use to enter the United States. The territory that CBP agents and officers in Washington must patrol includes coastline and mountains, making the area one of the most geographically diverse of all the areas in the United States that CBP employees patrol.
Border Crimes in Washington
Fiscal Year 2011 crime statistics notated by the CBP for the Blaine and Spokane Sectors are as follows:
- Blaine Sector:
- Apprehensions: 591
- Marijuana pounds seized: 41
- Cocaine pounds seized: 93
- Spokane Sector:
- Apprehensions: 293
- Marijuana pounds seized: 286.45
- Cocaine pounds seized: 71.64
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Washington
In addition to border patrol job titles that one would expect to find in Washington, there are other needs besides the typical Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers. Some of the unique job titles to be found in Washington State include:
- Explosive Detection Canine Handler – These professionals are trained to use dogs in the detection of explosives at border crossings and ports of entry. They collect evidence to use in enforcing customs laws regarding explosives entering the United States. They also maintain the dogs’ health, grooming and feeding/watering and must pass certification standards annually in handling dogs. Requirements of the job include:
- US citizen
- Have a bachelor’s degree in any field, OR
- Have three years of general work experience, OR
- Have a combination of experience and education
- Pass a background investigation
- Pass a drug test initially and randomly
- Have a valid driver’s license
- If selected for the position, complete a 5-week Basic Security Inspections Training Course in Oklahoma City, OK; as well as a 12-week canine handler course at the Canine Training and Explosives Branch at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.
- Financial Specialist – These professionals work at ports of entry in Washington and handle financial management and budgetary matters relating to the day-to-day operations of the CBP. Requirements for the job include:
- US Citizen
- Pass a background investigation
- Have one year of specialized experience in financial matters including accounting, researching, counseling and presenting financial reports, OR
- Have a Ph.D. in Accounting, Finance or a similar field, OR
- Have completed three years of graduate education towards a doctoral degree, OR
- Have a combination of experience and education
Border Crossings in Washington
Border Crossing Stations in the Blaine Sector in Washington are:
- Sumas
- Blaine
- Bellingham
- Port Angeles
Border Crossing Stations in the Spokane Sector in Washington are:
- Oroville
- Metaline Falls
- Colville
- Curlew
Ports of Entry in Washington State include:
- Tacoma
- Sumas
- Seattle
- Oroville
- Longview
- Blaine