see also: in February 2002:   U.S. Customs Airspace Security Effort at 2002 Winter Olympics A Success   U.S. Customs Inspectors Apprehend Fugitives Wanted by FBI on Murder Charges in Oklahoma   Seven Arrested in U.S. Customs Seizure of 4,320 Pounds of Marijuana in Philadelphia   Operation Green Quest Overview   U.S. Customs to Begin Collecting Duties on Imported Costumes on Saturday   U.S. Customs Service Inspectors Seize $100,000 at Sasabe Port of Entry   U.S. Customs Inspectors at World Trade Bridge Seize Nearly Four Tons of Marijuana in Nine Days ...more

contacts for this news release

Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Customs Service is recruiting 1,300 inspector vacancies throughout the country in anticipation of staffing needs on both the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders in support of anti-terrorism efforts.

U.S. Customs Service inspectors are uniquely positioned at border ports of entry. Inspectors play an integral part in protecting the American public from terrorists who attempt to enter the country and from the introduction of deadly biological, chemical, or nuclear material into our society.

Since September 11, 2001, the U.S. Customs Service has maintained an Alert Level l, which calls for sustained enhanced security at all border locations for an indefinite period. These new inspector positions will help to maintain this highest level of security along the borders.

The vacancy announcements for U.S. Customs Service inspectors and canine enforcement officer positions can be found on the U.S. Customs Service Web site under the Careers heading. Candidates may apply until February 17, 2002, online for U.S. Customs inspector positions at the southwest border and within the continental United States vacancy announcements. Interested candidates should also check the Customs Web site over the next few weeks to find out more about on-site testing and interviewing at specific U.S.-Canada border locations.

U.S. Customs Service inspectors examine persons, vehicles, aircraft, baggage and vessels to prevent terrorists and weapons of terrorism, along with illegal drugs and other contraband from entering the United States. The starting salary of a full-time, permanent inspector ranges from $24,701 to $30,597 with as much as $30,000 in additional overtime pay. Benefits include health and life insurance, a thrift savings plan, and a superior retirement plan.

U.S. Customs Service inspectors must complete 11 weeks of rigorous physical and educational training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga. A firearm training is also required and inspectors must continue to maintain firearm proficiency.