see also: in September 2005 Press Releases:   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Stands Down Hurricane Operations in the Gulf Coast Area   40th CBP Container Security Initiative Port Operational   CBP Makes History with the Launch of Predator B   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize 1,134 Pounds of Marijuana   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Apprehends Fedex Bandit   CBP Employees Recognized for their Outstanding Contributions to Public Service at 2005 Service to America Awards Ceremony   CBP Pilot’s Heroic Efforts Save the Lives of 22 People Abandoned in the Desert ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will randomly distribute 40,000 comment cards to travelers at three ports of entry later this week in an effort to seek feedback about the quality of their border crossing experience, CBP officials announced today.

The two-fold, two-color document, to be offered in English and Spanish versions, will be distributed to cross-border travelers in the primary vehicle lanes at the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Calexico border stations on Thursday, September 15, and Saturday, September 17.

The card is stamped with each port’s identity code and asks a series of questions regarding the traveler’s impressions during his inspection by CBP officers, including the professionalism of the officer, the adequacy of the facility, and the quality of the signage. Additionally, the document welcomes travelers to the U.S. and includes CBP’s pledge of professionalism to travelers.

The postage-paid card is pre-addressed and can be mailed at no expense to the traveler while in the U.S. The card also lists an 800 number that border-crossers can use to provide feedback.

“We are undertaking this large research project as part of our CBP Professionalism initiative,” said Adele Fasano, CBP field operations director in San Diego. “Our goal is two-fold: we want to better understand the feelings of travelers as they relate to their experiences being processed, and we want to create a broader awareness among the public of the ongoing availability of this feedback document at all our ports of entry.”

Although massive distribution of the CBP comment card will take place over a two day period, travelers are welcome to request a comment card from a CBP officer whenever and wherever they enter the U.S., Fasano said. Supplies of the comment card are always available upon request at each port of entry.

Once traveler comments are tabulated following the two-day test, CBP will evaluate the positive and negative aspects of the border crossing experience and will use the feedback to measure the professionalism of its officers, Fasano said.

“We’ll use this valuable information to improve our officer training and evaluation capabilities,” Fasano said. “We hold our officers accountable for a high level of professionalism in their work and the comments gleaned from travelers will help us in this regard.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.