CBP officers are armed. The primary duty of CBP officers is to protect the U.S. and its citizens from terrorist intrusion, identify high-risk individuals and prevent criminal activity. They inspect vehicles and trucks and prevent the illegal entry of individuals and smuggling of prohibited goods. They can be armed with Glock G19 pistols chambered in 9mm, expandable batons and x26 Tasers, and they are protected by a special law enforcement retirement plan.

LEOSA exemptions for carrying concealed firearms in federal parks and gun free school zones

Fortunately, LEOSA allows qualified law enforcement officers to carry a concealed handgun in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions, and it does not apply to private property or government or private entities property. Here’s why. LEOSA was passed with the goal of uniformity and consistency.

A valid military identification card is needed for LEOSA approval. Several different military ID cards are valid for LEOSA approval, including the Uniformed Services ID Card or Common Access Card. A member of the Armed Forces is also allowed to carry a concealed firearm if he has the proper documentation. In addition, sheriffs are required to waive license fees for active or honorably discharged military personnel. However, this waiver is subject to a statewide cap, so it ends once the cap has been reached.

Qualifications to become a CBP officer

In general, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree, one year of graduate level education, and relevant experience. While no specific major is required, coursework in law, criminal justice, or ROTC will give applicants an advantage. In addition to the required educational background, applicants must be a US citizen, be under 37 years of age, and pass a medical examination and drug test. Applicants must also demonstrate their skills in critical thinking, reasoning, and knowledge of relevant laws.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, candidates should possess excellent interpersonal skills and a strong academic foundation in Spanish. The Spanish language is a definite plus for the CBP, as illegal border-crossing activities initiated by Hispanics comprise a substantial part of its operations. Further, formal education develops soft skills, including effective oral and written communication skills, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are essential in a career at CBP, as advancement is possible after a few years.

Firearms use by cbp officers is declining

According to the latest statistics, firearms use by CBP agents is down compared to the previous fiscal year. The decrease in force is largely due to less aggressive behavior by border agents. There were only seven reported firearm incidents during the first five months of fiscal year 2018, which is lower than last year’s total of 28. The decrease is partly due to the use of “less lethal” weapons such as stun guns and pepper-ball guns by border agents.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, only 30 homicides were committed by CBP agents in the past year. This represents just 4% of homicides. However, many more people have been shot, brutalized, or died of other causes. The number of deaths caused by firearms by CBP agents is likely undercounted. In fact, a 2020 report from the Government Accountability Office shows that the agency doesn’t consistently report death-related information to Congress.

Less-lethal force is also down

The use of firearms by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers is on the decline. This comes as the number of illegal crossings drops and the agency overhauls how border agents use their force. In the 2018 budget year, 15 instances of firearm use were reported, compared to 55 during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Of these, two ended in reprimands, one in counseling.

The CBP is the largest federal law enforcement agency in the country. The agency has a lack of accountability and oversight. No CBP agent has ever been convicted of a homicide while on duty. Despite the lack of oversight and accountability, CBP agents have killed and injured many people with deadly force. Yet, many Americans have lost loved ones to these deadly encounters.

Agents face arrest, fines, and imprisonment if they bring a weapon to the grounds

The incident was captured on video, and the man, a 27-year-old CBP agent, was not disarmed upon his extraction from the demonstration. While officers asked him if he was an undercover officer, he did not comply with the command to disarm himself. Instead, they arrested the man and asked if he was undercover.