Port and border security - their presence can be observed in many countries around the world. As a traveler, you are likely to notice them at border crossings and checkpoints. They’re the ones questioning you about where you’re going, for how long, and what you plan to do there. However, their duties go far past what you typically see.
Border security agents and officers play an important role in securing a nation’s border and port of entry. They are the first line of defense in the fight against terrorism, drugs, and contraband. Every day, they process people, vehicles, cargo, and shipments entering their country – constantly making decisions about the people and items passing through.
Roles of Port and Border Agents
Although different authorities manage different areas of border and port security, these agencies typically share some of the same overall security goals. To work toward these goals, border agents may specialize in a certain area or be trained to handle a wide range of matters.
Often times, border officers deal with:
- Traveler processing
- Immigration
- Terrorism
- Organized crime and criminals
- Duties and taxes
- Importing of goods
- Harmful pests and diseases
- Contraband and prohibited items
- Counterfeit items
- Drug smuggling
- Weapons smuggling
- Human trafficking
- Stolen goods and artifacts
- Money laundering
Border troops combat terrorism and protect the general public by uncovering concealed threats. They enforce laws protecting people, trade, agriculture, and wildlife. They disrupt illegal drug and weapons trade rings and capture criminals. They collect duties and taxes essential to the economic welfare of the nation.
Recently in the News
After conducting an X-ray scan of a trailer, U.K. Border Force officers discovered nearly three million cigarettes hidden inside cut-out sections of panes of glass at the port of Harwich. The shipment originated from the Netherlands and would have cost the Treasury £675,000 in unpaid duty. Read more
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) seized 110 kg of ivory being transhipped through Perth. The air cargo shipment originated from Malawi and violates wildlife protection laws. Read more
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Houston, Texas seized counterfeit apparel and jewelry valued at over $48,000 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The passenger arriving from El Salvador packed the counterfeit items with checked bags.
Border Services Officers (BSO) at a border crossing in Ontario, Canada sent a truck to secondary examination and found suspected cocaine. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) arrested the individual for attempting to smuggle 44.7 kg of drugs into Canada.
Supporting Frontline Security Personnel
Like other frontline security personnel, border agents need continuous training to remain vigilant and help prevent these kinds of illegal activities at borders and ports of entry. While some first-time offenders may simply be unaware of the law, offenders who deliberately and repeatedly conceal contraband and dangerous items will only get more creative in their tactics.
In turn, our tactics must advance as well so frontline security personnel are as prepared as we can make them. Access to high quality security training programs, information and intelligence databases, and X-ray images and photos of discoveries made on-the-job is vital to those working in the ports and borders industry.
Port and border troops around various regions of the world handle different matters. What other duties do your security agents take care of?
