see also: in April 2008:   U. S. Customs and Border Protection Seizes $1.3 Million Worth of Counterfeit Cigarettes   Border Patrol Launches Rhode Island Search   Border Patrol Agent Search Launches in Atlanta   Two Weeks = Two Tons of Marijuana Seized at Arizona Port of Entry   CBP Officers in Texas Find $3 Million Worth of Dope in 'Empty' Sea Container   New Jersey CBP Officers Make $4 Million Heroin Candy Bar Bust   Border Patrol Agents Locate More Than Half Ton of Marijuana ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   U.S. Border Patrol

contacts for this news release

Cleveland — The final count for the U.S. Border Patrol’s first-ever statewide recruiting campaign, the Buckeye Blitz, reveals a tremendous turnout as 1,537 Ohioans chose to pursue a federal law enforcement career. As Border agents, they will be a part of nation’s largest uniformed law enforcement agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

"Last week's one-day recruiting campaign hit all marks to educate the Ohio community on what the Border Patrol offers and what mission it accomplishes within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with surpassing our anticipated target number of Border Patrol applicants." said Joe Abbott, national recruiting director, "In fact, we experienced such wide interest throughout Ohio that we are discussing future statewide recruiting campaigns."

The April 19 Buckeye Blitz featured recruiting events in Ohio’s seven largest cities that include Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, Youngstown, Toledo, Dayton and Cincinnati.

The event resulted in the following numbers of participants registered:

• Akron: 100
• Cincinnati: 85
• Cleveland: 181
• Columbus: 124
• Dayton: 97
• Toledo: 143
• Youngstown: 212


• Pre-Registrants: 595

During May and June, hundreds of applicants will sit for the Border Patrol entrance exam at four Ohio locations. The entrance exam consists of logical reasoning, language aptitude (for persons who are not fluent Spanish speakers) and an assessment of job-related experiences. To continue through the hiring process, applicants must pass with a score of 70 percent.

Border Patrol agents earn up to $70,000 per year within three years of service. Successful Border Patrol candidates complete a rigorous screening process, which includes a written examination and structured interview, language aptitude or Spanish proficiency test, along with a physical fitness test and medical examination. Candidates hired for the position complete a 55-day basic training academy and an additional 40-day Spanish immersion program, if they are not proficient in Spanish. All basic training is conducted in Artesia, N.M. and initial assignments will be in Arizona, California, New Mexico or Texas.

To fulfill a June 2006 presidential mandate, the Border Patrol stepped up recruiting efforts to hire 6,000 additional agents by the end of 2008. Since then, the Border Patrol increased the number of agents on board by over 3,500, for a current total of 16,176 agents now serving.

To find out more information, visit the Border Patrol website or call 1-877-277-9527. ( U.S. Border Patrol )

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 our 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.