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Border Patrol Entrance Exam (2017)

Border Patrol Entrance Exam (2017) provides a step-by-step approach to mastering exam topics, offering clarity and confidence for test-takers.

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    RB LeaArRNIiNGEXpRESS 5" p, EDITION 1 y (2 £2 l : re COMPLETELY ECAC Your Career le 0 Ri = Foie in SrBorder Patrol Agent! EES So ’ ¥ AR Sr TE Po ie SIL BLANC Sg gle : Rt Gat nn ps [en 1 wp——gs Pn ——————— ET © - (Yk A, aan a TE LT = i a . uy al = Ee i LS a i THREE PRACTICE EXAMS based on the 7 current Border Patrol Entrance Exam FREE ACCESS = EXPERT ADVICE on how to approach TO AN INSTANTLY SCORED the logical reasoning, Spanish, and ONLINE PRACTICE EXAM artificial language questions you'll find DETAILS INSIDE on the exam IT'S LIKE HAVING THE TEST IN ADVANCE!

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    BORDER PATROL > ENTRANCE EXAM Fifth Edition

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    Copyright © 2016 LearningExpress. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. Published in the United States by LearningExpress, New York. Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the Library of Congress. ISBN: 978-1-61103-052-5 Printed in the United States of America 987654321 For information on LearningExpress, other LearningExpress products, or bulk sales, please write to us at: 224 W. 29th Street 3rd Floor New York, NY 10001

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    CONTRIBUTOR Joseph N. Dassaro entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol in 1992 and served as a Senior Border Patrol Agent in Imperial Beach, CA. During his career, he worked as a field agent and an intelligence agent and was a member of the Border Patrol Criminal Alien Program (BORCAP). He holds a master’s degree in legal and ethical studies and is currently a labor relations consultant.

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    CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 Becoming a Border Patrol Agent CHAPTER 2 Other Opportunities with the DHS CHAPTER 3 The LearningExpress Test Preparation System CHAPTER 4 Logical Reasoning CHAPTER 5 Official Sample Questions for Logical Reasoning CHAPTER 6 Official Sample Questions for Language CHAPTER 7 Artificial Language Manual CHAPTER 8 Using the Artificial Language Manual CHAPTER 9 Checking Your Spanish Proficiency CHAPTER 10 Border Patrol Practice Exam 1 CHAPTER 11 Border Patrol Practice Exam 2 BORDER PATROL ENTRANCE EXAM ADDITIONAL ONLINE PRACTICE

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    CHAPTER 1 BECOMING A BORDER PATROL AGENT CHAPTER SUMMARY If you think you might like to pursue a career as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent, this chapter is the starting point for your journey. It provides a glimpse into the exciting and dangerous world of federal law enforcement with the U.S. Border Patrol. You'll also find out how to locate and apply for job openings, what the job requirements are, and what training you will need. he U.S. Border Patrol is a highly trained and extremely mobile uniformed federal law enforcement organization that relies on the latest law enforcement training techniques and operational technologies to prevent terrorists and illegal aliens from entering the country. It also prevents smuggling activities and handles the deportation of criminal aliens. The organization is statutorily authorized to enforce myriad federal laws anywhere in the United States and its possessions, which makes it the premier uniformed federal law enforcement agency. Border Patrol Agents operate in all types of environments—from remote areas of the southern border to the highly urbanized downtown areas of cities such as San Diego, CA. Today more than ever, the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol are relied on to protect the borders of the United States. Today’s Border Patrol Agent represents the convergence of tradition, modern technology, advanced training, and unique skills. A Short History of the U.S. Border Patrol

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    In order to fully understand all aspects of the Border Patrol Agent position, it is necessary to briefly review its proud tradition. As early as 1904, the U.S. Immigration Service assigned a token force of mounted inspectors to patrol the southern border of the United States to prevent illegal crossings. The officers were untrained and few in number, and authorities were unable to stem the rising tide of illegal aliens. In March 1915, Congress authorized a separate group of inspectors called mounted guards, or mounted inspectors, who operated from El Paso, TX. These guards, who never numbered more than 75, rode on horseback and patrolled as far west as California. On May 28, 1924, Congress established the U.S. Border Patrol as part of the Immigration Bureau, a division of the Department of Labor. In 1925, patrol areas were expanded to include over 2,000 miles of seacoast extending along the Gulf and Florida coasts. Initially, the Border Patrol recruited many of the early force of 450 officers from the Texas Rangers and local sheriffs and their deputies. These officers knew the land and the dangers it presented. Appointees from the Civil Service Register of Railroad Mail Clerks supplemented this rough-and- ready crew. The U.S. government initially provided the Border Patrol Agents a badge, a revolver, and an annual salary of $1,680. Since its inception, the Border Patrol has achieved an almost legendary status in the law enforcement community. As in the past, Border Patrol Agents today continue to provide a critical service as their duties have evolved to encompass much more than preventing illegal entry into the United States. What the Work of a Border Patrol Agent Is Really About Even today, the work of a Border Patrol Agent is difficult, diverse, and, more often than not, extremely hazardous. This position is best suited to the rugged individualist who is self-assured, well educated, and well trained. The important task of protecting our sovereign borders in a humane and compassionate way, consistent with American ideals and security needs, has

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    assumed an entirely new dynamic in a post-9/11 environment. So if you think this type of occupation is for you and you are prepared for the challenge of your life, read on! IMPORTANT WEBSITE ADDRESSES To find the latest information on all available federal law enforcement positions, including U.S. Border Patrol Agent, visit Www. usajobs.gov. To determine whether you are veterans’ preference eligible, visit www.dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/mservice.htm. Salary and Benefits As a Border Patrol Agent, you will receive all the benefits of federal employment. The generous benefits package includes personal leave days, health and life insurance, and a retirement plan that offers retirement at age 50 after at least 20 years of service or retirement at any age after 25 years of service. This generous Law Enforcement Personnel plan includes pension and savings plans to form a multitiered, diversified retirement portfolio. New Border Patrol Agents are always recruited at the GL-5, GL-7, or GL- 9 level unless they are transferring from another federal agency. Where you start on the pay scale will depend on your previous education and experience in law enforcement. Salaries are significantly higher in certain metropolitan areas (like San Diego, CA). However, in general, annual starting salaries begin at around $39,400 and rapidly increase. Senior Patrol Agents routinely earn in excess of $70,000 per year, while Supervisory Patrol Agents routinely earn in excess of $80,000 per year. Keep in mind that typically 90% of Border Patrol Agents in any location are assigned to work a regular schedule of 100 hours every two weeks, which includes 2 hours of overtime per workday. Those who work at this level receive a salary supplement equal to

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    25% of their basic pay. Additionally, Border Patrol Agents who work more than their agreed-upon hours are provided compensation in the form of time off (capped at 240 hours a year). Education and Experience Requirements for Border Patrol Agent Positions The following table shows the amounts of education and/or experience required to qualify for Border Patrol Agent positions. EDUCATION OR EXPERIENCE GRADE GENERAL SPECIALIZED GL-S four-year course of study above high one year equivalent none school leading to a bachelor’s degree to at least GL-4 GL-7 one full academic year of graduate none one year equivalent to at education in law or a field related least GL-5 to law enforcement or superior academic achievement GL-9 none none one year equivalent to at least GL-7 GL none none one year equivalent to at least GL-9 GL-12 none none one year equivalent and above to at least next lower grade level Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable. Note that academic study may be prorated to allow combinations of education and experience that total one year for GL-5 (e.g, one year of college study is equivalent to three months of general experience, two years of study to six months of general experience, and three years of study to nine months of general experience). Source: Office of Personnel Management, wwv.opm.gov. Under the accelerated promotion program, after six and a half months at the GL-5 entry level, you will be eligible for promotion to GL-7; individuals hired at the GL-7 level are eligible for promotion to GL-9. Border Patrol Agents are promoted noncompetitively to the GL-11 Journeyman level grade. However, these promotions are contingent upon new agents successfully completing their six- and ten-month probationary exams as well as the field training segment of the training program. Study

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    Where the Jobs Are Due to overwhelming illegal immigration originating from our southern border, first duty stations of new Border Patrol Agents are almost always along the Southwest United States/Mexico border in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Many initial assignments are located in small, isolated communities, and transfers from initial duty assignments are limited and normally at your own expense. It is important that prospective agents consider the impact on their families of moving to an isolated community along the border where healthcare access, educational resources, entertainment, and housing may be extremely limited. This cultural shift is most prevalent in families relocating from highly urbanized areas such as New York City to remote locations like Eagle Pass, TX. In cases in which agents are first assigned to large metropolitan areas such as San Diego or Riverside County, CA, prospective agents should consider the cost of housing in local markets to avoid sticker shock. It is always a good idea to first visit the location where you may be assigned prior to formally accepting a position. Trainee agents are not are not allowed to be assigned to stations within 100 miles of their hometown. Accordingly, when considering a position, be prepared for a complete household move. This move will be at your own cost (certain expenses may be tax deductible; check with your accountant). What Makes a Good Candidate? The task of a Border Patrol Agent is vital to the security of our country, inherently interesting, and exciting for the adventurous among us. If you are disciplined, physically fit, and up for a challenge, this position may be for you. Men and women leaving the military, recent college graduates, and current law enforcement officers are particularly good candidates for this position. Finally, because many local and federal law enforcement agencies seek the traits and training inherent in a Border Patrol Agent position and

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    actively recruit agents, the U.S. Border Patrol often serves as an entry-level law enforcement position. Many Border Patrol Agents routinely move on to other positions throughout the federal government, including U.S. marshal, federal air marshal, drug enforcement agent, special agent, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, and even the Central Intelligence Agency. Duties of a Border Patrol Agent Border Patrol Agents are employed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Agents predominantly work to deter terrorism and prevent smuggling and illegal entry of aliens into the country. The duties of an agent include the following: patrolling urban and remote areas to apprehend persons seen or suspected of crossing the border illegally, conducting train checks, examining vehicles both at the border and at interior checkpoints, conducting surveillance of areas of the border, preparing intelligence reports and assessments, and conducting drug interdiction efforts. Agents also serve on Joint Terrorism Task Forces, joint operations with other law enforcement agencies, surveillance teams, extradition teams, and various intelligence operations. Many Border Patrol sectors utilize watercraft for patrol activities, particularly in California and Florida. Although most people normally associate a Border Patrol Agent’s duties with the external boundaries of the continental United States, Border Patrol Agents are authorized to engage in federal law enforcement activities anywhere in the United States, including Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. Consequently, Border Patrol Agents can be found in many interior locations of the United States at permanent and temporary checkpoints, major cities, airports, and even attached to some local law enforcement agencies. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Border Patrol Agents were deployed nationwide at U.S. airports as well as aboard commercial flights. Finally, Border Patrol Agents are one of the few law enforcement

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    positions authorized to carry firearms anywhere in the United States and aboard commercial aircraft in flight. Border Patrol Agents are also considered a quasi-national police force capable of rapid full-scale deployment anywhere in the country to represent the interests of the U.S. government. Agents have been deployed in desegregation efforts during the Civil Rights era, in Los Angeles during the riots that followed the Rodney King trial, and even in the Elian Gonzalez reunification operation. An example of one of the most routine daily activities of a Border Patrol Agent is linewatch. This activity involves the detection, prevention, and apprehension of undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens at or near the land border by maintaining strict surveillance from predominantly covert positions; following up on intelligence; responding to electronic sensor alarms; using infrared scopes during night operations; operating low-light level television systems; responding to aircraft sightings; and interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence. Some of the other major responsibilities are farm and ranch check, traffic check, traffic observation, city patrol, and transportation check. Duties may be administrative, intelligence related, undercover operations, or antismuggling - activities. An agent’s job normally involves significant physical exertion under harsh environmental conditions, often requiring exposure to extreme weather for extended periods of time. Border Patrol Agents are well known for their ability to engage suspects in protracted foot chases as well as their ability to track suspects over extended terrain. In recent years, agents have apprehended a million or more illegal aliens per year with as few as 5,200 agents nationwide. Most agents rarely work in pairs, and it is not uncommon for a single agent to arrest 20 or more illegal aliens without assistance at one time. It is routinely noted that Border Patrol Agents single-handedly operate in an environment that most law enforcement agencies consider a riot situation. Agents may routinely encounter an illegal alien looking for work or criminal aliens evading arrest warrants. In recent years, Border Patrol Agents have begun encountering extreme foreign criminal elements, including

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    terrorists and violent gang members. Border Patrol Agents have even engaged in running gun battles with elements of the Mexican military suspected of conducting screen operations for drug cartels. Border Patrol Agents make critical decisions—often in split seconds—that require excellent reasoning and critical decision-making skills. As with any law enforcement officer, decisions made by Border Patrol Agents in split seconds are subject to years of scrutiny and legal analysis. On occasion, Border Patrol Agents find themselves working in a highly politicized environment that brings even harsher scrutiny. Therefore, as an agent, you will be required to study and demonstrate comprehension of various types of laws and regulations as well as legal commentary. You will be trained to apply those laws and regulations in dynamic and confrontational situations and to later testify in court proceedings in defense of your decisions. It is critical that Border Patrol Agents are able to articulate and justify their actions in criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings. Prospective agents must have the ability to project a positive and confident image in the field as well as in the courtroom. Public speaking courses are highly recommended for Border Patrol Agent candidates. MORE INFORMATION ONLINE There are a great many unofficial sources of information for those considering the position of Border Patrol Agent. These sources of information are primarily Internet based and managed by current or former Border Patrol Agents. There is even a moderated Internet message board where you can talk to real Border Patrol Agents and ask questions. Here are a few sources recommended by Border Patrol Agents: » www.nbpc1613.org. This is the official website of the National Border Patrol Council, Local 1613. It provides information on the

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    latest workplace issues affecting Border Patrol Agents, pay, legislation, and general inside information regarding the work of agents. « www.honorfirst.com. This website is managed by a highly regarded former Border Patrol Agent. Current and former Border Patrol Agents recommend this site because it consolidates real-world information regarding testing, positions, academy schedules, and pay and benefits, and even includes an online message board (moderated by active Border Patrol Agents) to talk to real agents or with other applicants. Requirements and Qualifications Preemployment requirements consist of a thorough background investigation, medical examination, fitness test, and drug test. You may also be subject to a polygraph examination. If your background includes past or present arrests, convictions, dismissals from previous jobs, debts and financial issues, excessive use of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, or the sale or distribution of illegal drugs, you most probably will be rated unsuitable for this position. Job requirements: Border Patrol Agents must wear a uniform, carry a weapon, work overtime and shift work (sometimes under arduous conditions), and be subject to random drug testing. Agents undergo extensive background checks every three to five years. General Qualifications » Must be a U.S. citizen. The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants other than current CBP employees. If you are not a current CBP employee, CBP requires that for the three years prior to filing an application for employment, individuals must meet one or more of the following primary residence criteria:

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