Border Patrol Will Hold Recruitment Event in Salem

Qualified candidates have the potential to earn what the Border Patrol describes as "a great salary and generous benefits."

(SALEM, Ore.) - The United States Border Patrol will hold a national recruiting and hiring event in Salem, Oregon for individuals interested in pursuing a career in border law enforcement. The event will be held on Thursday, June 12th, 2008, at The Red Lion Hotel, 3301 Market St NE in Salem from from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

According to the U.S. Border Patrol, they are searching for qualified men and women in the state of Oregon to join the ranks of the thousands of agents who represent the enforcement of U.S. borders.

The Border Patrol has stepped up its recruiting efforts to hire 6,000 additional Border Patrol agents by the end of 2008. This national hiring event is in direct response to President Bush's May 2006 announcement to enhance border security by increasing the size of the Border Patrol.

"There is no career quite like being a Border Patrol Agent," said San Diego Sector Border Patrol Agent, Robert Cortez.

"It’s the only profession in our country specifically aimed at preventing terrorists and other criminals from entering the United States between the ports-of-entry," he added.

The Border Patrol is looking for candidates who can successfully undergo a rigorous screening process, which includes a written examination, structured interview, language aptitude or Spanish language proficiency test, medical examination and drug test, a physical fitness test, as well as a background investigation.

Qualified candidates have the potential to earn what the Border Patrol describes as "a great salary and generous benefits including; federal health insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, up to an additional 25% in overtime pay, and many opportunities for career advancement."

New hires must complete the Border Patrol basic training academy in Artesia, New Mexico as part of a two-year internship program. Training includes rigorous studies on immigration and national laws, Spanish, physical training and marksmanship.