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NFORCEMENT
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XAMS
After gathering and analyzing all available facts and evidence in a case, Special Agents plan what
investigative, seizure, and arrest activities should follow. These Agents have special powers of entry, search,
seizure, and arrest when enforcing customs laws and regulations. They are authorized to board common
carriers and search both property and people, using firearms or other means to gain access. Customs Special
Agents have the broadest powers of search of any law enforcement personnel in the United States. Probable
cause is not needed to justify search or seizure near a border or port of entry. Probable cause, but not a warrant,
is necessary to conduct a search in the interior of the United States. In cases in which arrests take place for
violations of Customs laws, Special Agents play an active role in starting criminal or civil proceedings along
with seizing contraband, vehicles, aircraft, or seacraft suspected of carrying smuggled merchandise. They
write detailed reports of all facts and evidence gathered during investigations and assist prosecuting
attorneys in readying cases for prosecution. Special Agents are frequently called upon to testify for the
prosecution during court proceedings. In addition, they investigate applications for duty refunds to
determine whether they are legitimate, and they make recommendations regarding increases or reductions
in penalty payments owed to the U.S. Customs Service.
Working Conditions
The Customs territory of the United States consists of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Special Agents are generally assigned to any of the nearly 300 ports of entry
as well as land and sea borders in these areas, but some are given overseas assignments. Agents often work
shifts and weekends in excess of 40 hours a week and may be required to travel during investigations. At
some point in their career, relocation to other work stations may also be required. Persons considering
this career should note that hazardous duty, working under stress, and the risk of physical injury are typical
conditions of this work. The fringe benefits of work as a Special Agent include paid vacation and sick
leave, low-cost group hospitalization plans, low-cost life insurance plans, military service leave, and a
retirement plan covered by the Bureau of Retirement of the Office of Personnel Management.
Promotion Opportunities
Entry-level appointments from the TEA register are made at grades GS-5 and GS-7. Applicants with
sufficient specialized law enforcement experience or education should establish eligibility on the Mid-
Level Register for appointment at grades GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12. Positions offer extensive opportuni-
ties for paid overtime and have excellent advancement potential, with slots at GS-13 and above available
on a competitive basis to those who qualify.
U.S. PARK POLICE OFFICER
U.S. Park Police Officers serve as law enforcement officers at a number of urban federal parks. U.S. Park
Police Officers have arrest authority under Federal law. In addition, they have state arrest powers within
and outside of federal parks.
Working Conditions
U.S. Park Police Officers are assigned to patrol federal parklands in San Francisco and in Washington,
D.C. All other U.S. Park Police Officers are located in the New York City area at the Statue of Liberty,
the Ellis Island National Monument, and the Gateway National Recreation Area in Brooklyn, Queens,
and Staten Island.
