General Schedule Position Classification Standard		Classification Programs Division
Draft Job Family Standard for Administrative Work in the Investigation, Enforcement, Inspection, and Compliance Group, GS-1800
Release Date:  December 2001 - DRAFT		Section Six of Thirty-One

Contents

ENFORCEMENT WORK

INSPECTION WORK

ENFORCEMENT WORK

Customs Patrol Enforcement, GS-1884

Definition

This series covers two-grade interval administrative positions that supervise, lead, or perform work that involves:

• detecting and preventing smuggling, theft, pilferage, or diversion of contraband and controlled substances and materials into or out of the United States;
• conducting surveillance at, around, and between international ports of entry to the United States; and
• apprehending suspected violators of the criminal provisions of the customs laws of the United States.

Work requires:

• knowledge of customs and related laws, and precedent decisions;
• the skill to evaluate information, make timely decisions, and exercise judgment to take appropriate actions in all situations; and
• standard investigative and law enforcement procedures to enforce the customs laws and other Federal laws.

Titling

The basic title for this occupation is Customs Patrol Agent.

Occupational Information

General Occupational Information

The primary function of customs patrol agents is the enforcement of U.S. customs laws and other criminal codes. Customs patrol agents apprehend known and/or suspected violators of Federal and related laws in their assigned area. To accomplish this, agents engage in a number of operations and carry out duties to detect and prevent smuggling and contraband movements at, in the vicinity of, and between international ports of entry of the United States.

Persons and groups who engage in smuggling or who attempt to import contraband or intercept illegal export merchandise do so in a variety of ways. Some smuggling methods include:

• land crossings of the international boundary;
• use of vehicles with concealed compartments;
• use of aircraft; and
• hiding small packets in body cavities; luggage and toiletry articles; or a variety of innovative and cleverly concealed places.

Customs patrol agents must determine whether to seize contraband at the time of arrest or initiate a surveillance in order to identify and apprehend additional co-conspirators. Agents must take into consideration the totality of the situation and decide whether to commit additional resources. Trends that influence customs patrol work include:

• volume (bulk, type, and number of shipments) of smuggler and contraband movements;
• sophistication, ingenuity, and use of technology to smuggle contraband into or out of the United States;
• international trafficking in contraband, particularly narcotics, often involving organized criminal elements;
• continuing demand and the resultant increased trafficking of narcotics and other illegal or controlled substances;
• sensitivity to public attitudes toward law enforcement agents, including attempts by some citizens to hinder law enforcement activities; and
• awareness and concern for the rights of persons apprehended, questioned, or held in connection with suspected criminal violations.

Authority of Customs Patrol Agents

Customs laws permit agents to detain, interrogate, and arrest suspects and assist in prosecution by the Office of the U.S. Attorney or turn suspects over to State or local law enforcement agencies for prosecution. They seize baggage, merchandise, cargo, vehicles, and aircraft used in smuggling or transporting contraband. Customs patrol agents have the authority to board private and commercial carriers to search for contraband and evidence of smuggled goods. Agents are also empowered to execute warrants and other processes issued by competent judicial authority. Customs patrol agents initiate formal investigations based on information received though various sources.

Persons apprehended by customs patrol agents are already in the United States; therefore, the burden of proof concerning the illegality of their actions or activities rests with the agent who apprehends them. Any violation of laws is established by interrogation, by the use of witnesses, by reliable documentary evidence, or by the persons having contraband or smuggled materials in their possession.

Agents must be aware of and responsive to changes in customs patrol directives arising from court decisions, judicial rulings, and precedents. They must also be aware of changes in laws, conventions, and international trade agreements, and various export control acts, endangered species acts, international agreements and conventions relating to stolen materials, and criminal codes.

In detaining and interrogating persons and examining physical evidence (e.g., documents in their possession, law enforcement database information, tracks, signs of passage, sweepings, or contraband), the customs patrol agent must make judgments on such key elements as:

• which of the laws enforced by the U.S. Customs Service has been violated, and whether the person involved is connected with the violation; and
• admissibility and significance of evidence collected (i.e., all evidence must be collected, protected and recorded properly, and the "chain-of-custody" must be unbroken).

There must be probable cause and a reasonable assurance that a violation has occurred and that the suspect has committed it. Interrogations, searches, seizures, and arrests must be conducted in total conformity with pertinent laws and precedents regarding the rights of citizens and aliens.

Typical Duties and Functions

International Boundary Operations. Operating in areas adjacent to international boundaries, customs patrol agents:

• maintain general surveillance, observe people and events, and detain and question people when necessary in order to detect possible smuggling;
• use covert locations, such as listening posts/observation posts (LP/OP) to conduct extended surveillance of suspected illicit movements and activities, trends and patterns;
• establish the identity of individuals and relationships to organized smuggling groups;
• establish information about methods of operation;
• investigate suspected smuggling activity;
• collect information on movements of backpackers, horses, vehicles, and planes; and
• act on the information to interdict smuggling.

Tracking and Sign Cutting. Customs patrol agents:

• visually detect and interpret marks, tracks, and other physical evidence left by the movements of people, animals, vehicles, or other objects at or near international boundaries;
• determine whether the tracks are from local ranchers, hunters, recreational hikers, illegal aliens, or smugglers;
• categorize horse tracks to determine if horses are just grazing, if ranchers are using them, or if they are being used by smugglers;
• apply the indications and physical evidence obtained through sign cutting to formulate conclusions if the signs are left by smugglers; e.g., how heavy the load is by the depth of the prints, how often they rest, how many different tracks there are, and the routes they take.

Sensor System Operations. Customs patrol agents implant, camouflage, and adapt sensor systems using a thorough knowledge of the terrain and smuggling routes. Agents may locate the sensors semi-permanently or in temporary arrays based on the type of operation or intelligence of new smuggling routes.

Air Operations. In order to track and intercept backpackers, horses, vehicles, and other transportation used in smuggling, customs patrol agents:

• use air support to visually observe movements;
• use mounted electronic devices;
• coordinate ground teams in locating and surrounding smugglers; and
• assist pilots in navigating unfamiliar or hazardous terrain.

Special and Joint Operations. Customs patrol agents plan and conduct special operations pooling the manpower and law enforcement authorities from other agencies. Agents conduct these operations at high trafficking seasons, or when intelligence information indicates an increase in smuggling activities. They may target a known smuggling route or set up a perimeter to funnel the traffickers.

Intelligence Operations. Customs patrol agents:

• gather information during the initial investigation about smuggling routes, staging houses, persons involved, organized operations, vehicles used, and smuggling frequency in the area of responsibility;
• correlate, refine, evaluate, analyze, and use information collected from a variety of other sources (including paid and unpaid informants, reports from various State and local law enforcement agencies, private citizens, and law enforcement databases);
• plan and direct operational activities for a geographic area; and
• initiate safety alerts to other law enforcement agencies on trends such as types of weapons used and methods of concealment.

Liaison and Training. Customs patrol agents must be alert to information that affects not only their activities, but also the activities of other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agents. Customs patrol agents:

• initiate and maintain good working relations with local, State, and Federal agencies;
• establish and maintain contacts with other persons who are in a position to obtain and provide information pertinent to suspected violations of the law;
• establish and maintain contacts with other persons who are in a position to obtain and provide information pertinent to suspected violations of the law;
• assist in investigations with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies; and
• train counterparts as part of international cooperative agreements with other countries in areas such as:
• teaching tracking, how to identify patterns, and how to tactically approach smugglers;
• meeting with ambassadors, high-ranking officials, and general agents; and
• serving as representatives of the U.S. Customs Service.

Border Safety and Rescue Operations. Due to their expertise in tracking and sign cutting, border safety and rescue operations are an integral aspect of everyday customs patrol enforcement operations. In the remote areas where they work, customs patrol agents are usually the first on the scene. Trained in trauma management, agents:

• evaluate the extent of medical aid required;
• administer first aid in a variety of situations including wounded agents, illegals who may be disoriented and dehydrated, or vehicle accidents;
• respond to downed private and military aircraft, secure the area, locate pilots, and administer required first aid; and
• track criminals or lost and missing persons, or locate murder victims for other law enforcement agencies.

Public Relations. Customs patrol agents must be aware of and sensitive to the effect their actions, behavior, manner, and bearing have on the public, both citizens and noncitizens, and on international relations across the border. They must:

• maintain control of difficult, sensitive, and dangerous situations;
• be tactful and courteous;
• display fairness and understanding; and
• respect the rights of persons encountered.

Hazards in Customs Patrol Work. Customs patrol agents must be alert to hostile and unpredictable behavior by persons apprehended for suspected violations of customs, immigration, narcotics, controlled substance, and other Federal laws. Agents encounter a variety of persons, including dangerous criminals carrying narcotics, contraband, and/or other illegal goods. Agents must be able to react instantly to threats of harm to themselves or to others. Other examples of hazards routinely encountered include:

• operating automobiles and specialty vehicles in pursuit;
• stopping suspicious vehicles;
• tracking on horseback or on foot over dangerous terrain in remote areas;
• working in inhospitable climates; and
• being exposed to hazardous materials and chemicals in the work environment (e.g., drugs and polluted waterways).

Border Patrol Enforcement, GS-1896

Definition

• detecting and preventing smuggling or illegal entry of aliens into the United States;
• conducting surveillance at borders and interior points in the United States to prevent entry of illegal aliens, narcotics, and other illegal or controlled substances;
• conducting surveillance at borders and interior points in the United States to prevent entry of illegal aliens, narcotics, and other illegal or controlled substances;
• detecting, apprehending, and arresting aliens in violation of the conditions under which they were admitted or who entered illegally by falsely claiming United States citizenship or legal status;
• detecting and arresting producers, vendors, and users of counterfeit, altered, and genuine documents used to circumvent the immigration and naturalization laws of the United States; and
• enforcing the criminal provisions of the immigration and naturalization laws and regulations of the United States as well as other Federal laws.

Work requires:

• knowledge of the statutes, regulations, instructions, and precedent decisions pertaining to the enforcement of immigration and naturalization laws;
• the skill to evaluate information rapidly, make timely decisions, and take prompt and appropriate actions under less than optimal conditions;
• knowledge of standard investigative and law enforcement procedures to enforce immigration and naturalization laws, and other Federal statutes that the border patrol agent may be called upon to enforce or assist in enforcing;
• fluency in a foreign language (i.e., Spanish); and
• an understanding of foreign cultures and customs.

Titling

The basic title for this occupation is Border Patrol Agent.

Occupational Information

General Occupational Information

The United States Border Patrol is the uniformed enforcement branch of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) within the Department of Justice. The primary function of the United States Border Patrol is to prevent the illegal entry and smuggling of aliens and/or contraband into the United States and to arrest persons suspected of such violations.

When a border patrol agent apprehends an alien who is already in the United States, the agent must establish the illegality of their entry or status. An alien in this country is afforded the same due process rights and protection as a United States citizen. Agents determine violations by a citizen or non-citizens through interviews, witness statements, physical evidence, fingerprints, or reliable documentary evidence. Agents do not detain bona fide citizens of the United States unless they are involved in smuggling activities or in violating the immigration and naturalization laws or other Federal laws in some other way.

Persons who enter the United States illegally may walk, ride, fly, or swim across the borders. They may use counterfeit or altered documents, impersonate the owner of a valid document, or make false or misleading statements at the time of inspection or at the time of encounter in an effort to assume a legal status. Persons who, through questioning, are found to be illegally in the United States are questioned further to determine:

• the time, place, and means of entry into the United States;
• whether the person was assisted in any way in entering illegally;
• whether a smuggling violation is involved;
• the names of other persons, if any, who accompanied them; and
• whether fraudulent documents were used to claim citizenship or legal status.

The duties of a border patrol agent require varying degrees of judgment and skill in:

• dealing effectively with persons from all walks of life, including those of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds;
• developing, evaluating, using, and controlling informants;
• using standard investigative techniques such as interviewing witnesses, searching records and databases, conducting surveillance, and analyzing intelligence information;
• using a variety of electronic equipment such as two-way radios, night scopes, and remote monitored sensor and video systems; and
• using 2- and 4-wheel drive vehicles as well as other types of mobile equipment.

Authority of Border Patrol Agents

Border patrol agents constitute a vital part of the total enforcement function of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Their role is to perform work designed to detect and prevent the smuggling and illegal entry of aliens, contraband, narcotics, and controlled substances into the United States. To arrest violators, there must be probable cause and a reasonable assurance that a violation has occurred and that the person of interest has committed it. Agents conduct interviews, interrogations, searches, seizures, and arrests in total conformity with pertinent laws and precedents regarding the rights of citizens and aliens.

After establishing probable cause and the existence of "articulative facts," border patrol agents may, without warrant, perform the following:

• interview any person believed to be an alien about his or her right to be in or remain in the United States;
• arrest any alien who, in their presence or view, is entering or attempting to enter the United States in violation of law;
• arrest any alien in the United States in violation of law if there is likelihood of escape before a warrant can be obtained;
• board vessels and other conveyances to search for aliens;
• enter private lands within a distance of 25 miles of any external boundary for purposes of patrolling the borders of the United States to prevent the illegal entry of aliens;
• arrest persons for felonies that have been committed and are cognizable under any law regulating the admission, exclusion, or expulsion of aliens if there is reason to believe the person is guilty of such felony and is likely to escape before a warrant of arrest can be obtained; and/or
• search a person and their personal effects when they are seeking admission to the United States.

Border patrol agents are also empowered to:

• execute warrants and other processes issued by any agent under laws regulating the admission, exclusion, or expulsion of aliens;
• administer oaths; and
• take and consider evidence concerning the privileges of any person to enter, re-enter, pass through, or reside in the Untied States, or concerning any matter that is material or relevant to the enforcement of the immigration and naturalization laws.

The enforcement of the immigration and naturalization laws and other criminal law is carried out through a variety of duties, which may vary slightly from one part of the country to another because of sector requirements, geographical considerations, and program goals or objectives.

Typical Duties and Functions

Maintaining the Integrity of International Boundaries. Working at or near a land border or coastline, border patrol agents maintain general surveillance over the assigned area by observing people and events in the area and questioning persons when necessary. Agents may:

• "lie in" at selected strategic points along the border and intercept illegal entrants for subsequent detention or expulsion from the United States;
• detect and interpret tracks, marks, and other physical evidence left by the movement of people, animals, vehicles, or other objects; and
• interpret "sign cutting" to locate, identify, and apprehend illegal aliens and smugglers of narcotics or other contraband, who enter or pass through the area being worked.

Technology. Based on the area assigned, border patrol agents:

• use remote monitored electronic sensors to enhance their skill to detect, view, and intercept aliens who are attempting to enter the United States illegally;
• employ remote video systems that are tied into central computers and other electronic equipment; e.g. night vision goggles, pocket scopes, and fiber optic scopes, to detect and identify aliens or other persons; and
• access various databases, to record apprehensions and recidivists, track immigration cases, and check criminal and immigration records.

Tactical Infrastructure. Agents' recommendations are often the basis for deploying multi-million dollar infrastructure systems that span many miles of border. Border patrol agents:

• identify alien traffic patterns and narcotics smuggling routes and recommend the type, amount, design, and placement of lights, cameras, primary and secondary fencing, sensors, and vehicle barriers; and
• conduct analysis of the tactile infrastructure needs throughout an area for the most efficient, economical, and effective manner to meet the Border Patrol's overall operational goal of deterrence.

Narcotics Interdiction. The Border Patrol is designated as the lead agency in the interdiction of narcotics between the ports of entry. Border patrol agents have the authority to seize narcotics and other contraband such as firearms. They:

• interview or interrogate suspects or witnesses;
• search for physical or documentary evidence or clues;
• use evidence to substantiate findings or conclusions;
• establish a chain of evidence; and
• prepare reports of the apprehension in a clear and logical manner.

Work Site Enforcement. Based on information/intelligence received or developed or investigations, border patrol agents:

• obtain warrants to check farms, ranches, lumber camps, and other establishments for illegal aliens who have escaped detection at the border or are in violation of status and arrange for their detention, deportation, or voluntary departure;
• systematically check hotels, rooming houses, construction projects, camps, parks, urban areas, and institutions to locate undocumented aliens or aliens involved in criminal activity who are attempting assimilation into the community; and
• frequently coordinate with other Federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies.

Traffic and Transportation Check. Border patrol agents:

• establish and maintain traffic check points along with other agencies such as State law enforcement, on roads, highways, rail, and airports to intercept and inspect cars, trucks, buses, trains, aircraft, or other conveyances that may be used to smuggle and transport undocumented aliens and/or narcotics or other contraband from the border to the interior of the United States;
• question all occupants encountered concerning citizenship; and
• question any discovered aliens' right to be or remain in the United States.

Bike Patrol Operations. Due to their accessibility to the public, border patrol agents on bike patrol operations are able to develop valuable intelligence sources. They

• represent the service at community events;
• work in tandem with local police department bicycle units;
• perform liaison with business owners and local residents; and
• apprehend undocumented aliens, criminal aliens, narcotics, or other illegal contraband.

Marine Patrol Operations. Agents assigned to marine patrol must be certified in boat operations. Employing various types of marine patrol craft, the agents:

• patrol coastal and other boundary waters;
• board all types of water craft, ranging from freighters to commercial fishing boats, shrimpers, tugs, and pleasure craft traveling/working on coastal waters and other boundary waters; and
• locate and arrest undocumented aliens or aliens not authorized to be employed in the United States.

Crew Control. Border patrol agents performing crew control to prevent desertion of crew and landing of stowaways:

• establish and maintain good relations with ships' captains, agents, shipyard and dock personnel, and others having knowledge of shipping activities, ships' crews, schedules, ports visited, and other related activities;
• systematically check waterfront docks, warehouses, businesses, and crews on ships to locate and arrest undocumented aliens, aliens engaged in unlawful employment, crew deserters, and stowaways; and
• may order alien crew personnel detained on board ship by the captain of the vessel.

Intelligence Operations. Border patrol agents:

• gather information about alien and narcotics smuggling routes, employers of undocumented aliens, stage houses, smugglers and organizations, vehicles used, and frequency of smuggling operations in their area of responsibility;
• enter information and other data such as telephone numbers, employers, and guides into automated analytical data systems for archiving, statistical comparisons, dissemination, and to produce detailed investigative data; and
• research information for intelligence analysis, and matrix and link analysis for investigative offices or agencies.

Task Force Operations. Border patrol agents frequently perform duties with other law enforcement agencies as part of a task force. Task force operations serve as a secondary enforcement "tier" in efforts focusing on controlling the immediate border area through special initiatives and operations. Border patrol agents serving on a task force operation:

• increase intergovernmental cooperation and integration of activities between law enforcement entities at all levels of government to identify and apprehend criminal aliens and apprehend aliens involved in organized crime, violent gangs, and/or drug trafficking;
• perform activities such as surveillance, developing informants, executing warrants, Spanish language translation, and other integrated support operations; and
• target organized alien-smuggling organizations by apprehending, removing, and incarcerating criminal aliens involved in those enterprises.

Targeting Alien Smugglers. Smuggling operations range from small-time smugglers who guide individuals or small groups across the border on foot or in vehicles to highly organized rings that provide a "package" of services from counterfeit and fraudulent documents, transportation to the interior of the United States, jobs, housing, subsistence, to return trips if they are apprehended and deported. Border patrol agents analyze information/intelligence collected in performing operations including the enlistment, use, and control of confidential informants. Using this information, agents:

• identify, locate, and arrest smuggled aliens, and/or smugglers of aliens; i.e., individuals or organized smuggling operations who, for gain, abet, or assist aliens in entering the United States in violation of the law;
• uncover suspected conspiracies and attempted violations of law before they actually occur; and
• work in conjunction with other INS programs and other Federal, State, and local agencies to target alien smugglers.

Interior Patrol. Often while performing routine border and interior patrols, agents encounter aliens on the street or during transportation check who claim to be employed in the United States. Invariably aliens who claim to be employed are normally not the only undocumented aliens employed by the company. Cases can involve asset forfeiture/vehicle seizures of the employer, administrative and criminal penalties consisting of monetary fines and collection, as well as detention of both the aliens and/or the employer(s). Agents:

• determine the aliens' current employment situation through questioning;
• routinely follow up on employer information and in many cases find that the employer has more aliens working for them;
• develop investigative leads and secure informants to infiltrate the employer's establishment;
• secure Blackie's Search Warrants;
• prepare prosecutable cases;
• take sworn statements from aliens and legal employees, employers, and co-workers; and
• coordinate with investigators in the Department of Labor, securing and serving warrants for both aliens and employment records.

Liaison Activities. Border patrol agents in varying capacities conduct liaison with their counterparts and foreign officials or on a more formal basis when assigned to the Mexican Liaison Unit. Agents:

• resolve conflicts, share intelligence information, and promote a good working relationship;
• diffuse incidents at the border such as incursions, shootings, deaths, and rescues; and
• work with foreign government officials to plan operations in the host country and train foreign law enforcement agents.

Border Safety and Rescue Operations. Border safety and rescue operations are an integral aspect of everyday enforcement operations. All agents must be trained in basic first-aid. Agents:

• perform rescues in high-risk areas, adverse climatic and diverse geographical areas, and render medical assistance; and
• conduct safety and rescue operations, working with a vast assortment of local, Federal, and foreign law enforcement agencies, rescue and fire personnel, and government institutions

Preparation of Reports. Border patrol agents may represent the United States in misdemeanor smuggling and illegal entry cases before a magistrate. In this capacity, agents prepare detailed paperwork that substantiates the allegations made against the defendant and presents the government's case in court. Border patrol agents prepare all reports relating to an apprehension or investigation for the purpose of sustaining:

• formal deportation/removal of an alien determined to have violated one or more provisions of the Immigration and Naturalization Act pertaining to the deportation/removal of aliens;
• removal of an alien who has waived his/her right to a deportation hearing;
• criminal prosecution of an alien for violation of provisions of the Immigration and Naturalization Act or other felonies committed in the agent's presence or view; and;
• criminal prosecution of a United States citizen for violation of any of the criminal provisions of the Immigration and Naturalization Act or other felonies committed in the agent's presence or view.

Public Relations. Border patrol agents work proactively with community leaders, advocacy groups, stakeholders, and State and local officials to identify and address issues related to immigration policies and procedures. The stakeholders often have diverse viewpoints, goals, or objectives. The issues raised often spark heated debates. Agents must rely heavily on effective problem analysis, negotiating skills, and public speaking skills to effectively engage in problem solving sessions and to resolve issues alone.

Risk Assessment. Border patrol agents work autonomously, in vast stretches of rugged terrain, where they are required to use their best judgment. Agents:

• conduct daily risk assessments to identify the hazards associated with the areas they are assigned;
• use risk assessment to prepare for and mitigate identified risks for themselves and the migrants they encounter;
• gather information by reading intelligence reports to identify the likely avenues of entry, keeping current on weather data and determining what extra supplies to carry (i.e., extra water and cold and hot weather survival kits);
• establish contact with the entities that control the flow of water in rivers and canals so that they are prepared in case of a change in water levels; and
• contact firefighters to direct them to fires witnessed in remote areas.

Environmental Stewardship. Every border patrol agent takes an oath to uphold the laws of the United States, including environmental laws. The border patrol agent's role is increasingly complicated by statutory responsibility to understand environmental issues. Agents:

• resolve and prevent conflicts between the environment and the execution of the INS mission;
• preserve and protect our lands and wildlife while carrying out the Border Patrol mission;
• maintain currency on how various enforcement activities affect the environment and what patrol activities are acceptable in environmentally sensitive areas; and
• maintain a detailed understanding of the local plant and animal life.

Border Patrol Enforcement of Other Agency Violations. Border patrol agents also encounter and arrest persons who they suspect of violating customs and narcotics laws. Consequently, agents are trained and cross designated with the authority and legal protection necessary to deal with violations as they encounter them. These delegations of authority authorize border patrol agents to arrest persons, search vehicles, and seize smuggled goods or contraband, including narcotics and controlled substances. Agents can exercise this authority when they encounter evidence of possible customs, narcotics, and/or controlled substance violations and an agent from the responsible agency is not available to respond immediately.

Hazards in Border Patrol Work. Border patrol agents must be alert to hostile and unpredictable behavior by persons apprehended for suspected violations of immigration, customs, and/or narcotics and controlled substance laws. Agents encounter a variety of persons and aliens, including dangerous criminals carrying narcotics or other illegal goods. Agents must be able to react instantly to threats of harm to themselves or to others. Other examples of hazards routinely encountered include:

• operating automobiles and specialty vehicles in pursuit;
• stopping suspicious vehicles;
• operating unstable watercraft;
• entering buildings in pursuit of suspects;
• boarding conveyances at night and in poor weather conditions;
• tracking over rough terrain in remote areas at night;
• working in inhospitable climates; and
• exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals in the work environment (e.g., drugs and polluted waterways).

INSPECTION WORK

Fish and Wildlife Inspection, GS-1813

Definition

This series covers two-grade interval administrative positions that supervise, lead, or perform work that involves inspecting, patrolling, enforcing, or providing advice to assure public understanding of and compliance with Federal statutes and regulations for the conservation and protection of fish and wildlife resources. Inspectors:

• administer and enforce laws and regulations governing the importation, exportation, interstate transportation, illegal removal of wildlife and wildlife products, and the humane transport of live wildlife; and
• collect fees and may issue and approve permits.

Work requires:

• knowledge of inspection techniques;
• taxonomic identification skills; and
• knowledge of laws and agreements that protect specific wildlife and inspection-related investigative work.

Titling

The basic title for this occupation is:

Wildlife Inspector - Work that involves conducting inspections and ensuring compliance with export, import, humane transport, and commercial trade of wildlife and wildlife products.

Fishery Patrol Inspector - Work that involves inspection, patrol, and surveillance of a variety of fishery and wildlife conservation laws, and detection of illegal fishing activity.

Game Law Enforcement Inspector - Work that involves inspection, patrol, and surveillance of Federal lands to enforce Federal, State, and local game, environmental, and natural resource laws and regulations.

Occupational Information

General Occupational Information

The wildlife inspector is the primary official responsible for monitoring the movement of wildlife and wildlife products to and from the United States. Movement involves:

• commercial trade of live wildlife, products, extracts, and wildlife used as food;
• personal pets and belongings;
• scientific and museum exchanges;
• medical supplies and research;
• art and historical exhibitions; and
• religious and cultural handicrafts.

Wildlife inspectors monitor the movement by enforcing Federal, State, tribal, and foreign laws in addition to international treaties and agreements pertaining to wildlife conservation, hunting, fishing, import, export, commercial trade, and humane transport. Work is typically carried out in or around seaports, airports, international mail facilities, and international border crossings.

Typical Duties and Functions

Documentation Review. Wildlife inspectors conduct a document review of all pertinent paperwork for compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations. Inspectors:

• cross-reference foreign and domestic permits, invoices, packing lists, manifests, airway bills, sale receipts, passports, affidavits, and U.S. Customs declarations and certificates for inaccuracies and/or falsifications;
• collect all required import/export fees and determine applicability of licensing based on commercial status;
• apply the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora to review and approve imports and applications for the issuance of export and re-export permits for specified species; and
• maintain a detailed knowledge of taxonomic references, trade names, key foreign phrases, product values, manufacturing processes, trade routes, foreign management authorities, and authorized signatures to use in determining import/export clearance;

Physical Inspections. Wildlife inspectors perform physical inspections of shipment contents, wearing protective garments, respirators, and shields to reduce the risk of exposure to contagious diseases from human and animal sources, as well as contamination from hazardous chemicals and preservatives. Inspectors apply an understanding of taxonomic and/or forensic characteristics of a multitude of animal species and subspecies, such as live venomous reptiles and other whole live specimens, hunting trophies, raw skins, and manufactured leather, fur clothing, art objects, food, tissue samples, oil extracts, feathers, or jewelry, as they:

• verify accompanying documents, any omission or falsification of container labels and specimen tags, and species shipped;
• assess packing design and materials, animal densities, and food, water, and temperature controls for violations of humane transport; and
• identify smuggled and prohibited wildlife.

Case Disposition. Wildlife inspectors work closely with importers/exporters, customs house brokers, air, ocean, and landline personnel, other law enforcement agencies, and foreign management authorities to correct minor violations; the solicitor for administrative forfeitures and civil penalties; and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for judicial forfeitures. Inspectors:

• generate investigative case reports for civil prosecution;
• provide advice in developing cases in civil trials and assist in developing information relative to penalty recommendations;
• conduct compliance interviews for minor violations with multiple subjects and their legal representatives;
• contact foreign suppliers, posing questions to foreign government authorities, researching trade and violation histories, interpreting scientific information and data, assessing values, conducting additional interviews, and ensuring proper chain-of-custody procedures; and
• conduct investigations for gross violations that lead to merchandise and document abandonment, re-exports, seizures, or civil penalty assessments, involving collecting, identifying, and preserving evidence, that may require inspectors to:
• take photographic and video recordings;
• take samples for species, age, and value determinations;
• take measurements of shipment data (temperature, box sizes, ventilation);
• interview potential subjects and witnesses;
• house and care for a variety of live animals (e.g., marine corals, tarantulas, tortoises, butterfly pupae, snakes, chameleons, parrots, or fish); and
• determine situations for criminal investigation and referral.

Fishery patrol inspectors conduct on-board inspections of fishing vessels for compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing the nature of the catch and the processes used; e.g., the types of nets used which ensure minimum damage to endangered species. Fishery patrol inspectors are commissioned to make arrests for alleged criminal activities violating the laws of the United States that are concerned with conserving and protecting ocean fisheries, marine mammals, and endangered species of fish and wildlife.

Game law enforcement inspectors perform a wide variety of duties encompassing the protection of the environment, marine, and wildlife resources. They may conduct investigations relating to alleged or suspected violations of Federal laws.

Immigration Inspection, GS-1816

Definition

This series covers two-grade interval administrative inspection positions that supervise, lead, or perform work that involves enforcing and administering laws relating to the right of persons to enter, reside in, or depart from the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Immigration inspectors:

• interview persons and examine documents to determine citizenship and immigration status;
• make informed decisions regarding the admissibility of aliens into the United States; and
• exercise sound judgment to apprehend, detain, or arrest persons who violate immigration or other Federal or State laws.

Work requires knowledge of laws, regulations, procedures, and policies governing the entry and departure of persons from the United States.

Titling

The basic title for this occupation is Immigration Inspector.

Occupational Information

General Occupational Information

The work and responsibilities of immigration inspectors have changed over time, as international travel becomes more accessible and immigration laws are expanded to delegate removal authority under certain conditions to inspectors. Inspectors conduct immigration inspections and related tasks pertaining to citizens and non-citizens entering and departing the United States. They perform their duties at:

• land ports along the borders shared with Mexico and Canada;
• air ports-of-entry throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands;
• seaports along the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes;
• pre-inspection sites abroad; and
• other designated locations.

Basic Authority and Responsibilities

Immigration inspectors establish each applicant's citizenship, identity, and whether the applicant must present documents for entry and, if so, which kinds. Inspectors then assess the documents and the circumstances surrounding the application to make a determination of admissibility. Inspectors query various databases for existing records on the applicant and take further action such as detention if there is a match. If the applicant is wanted by another law enforcement agency, the inspector refers the applicant to a secondary area for further inspection.

Immigration inspectors must have the knowledge and skill to carry out the following:

• evaluate information rapidly, make judicious decisions promptly and take appropriate action immediately, while remaining courteous and professional;
• interview persons quickly, face to face--while a line of people waits for similar processing--maintaining focus and control over the process;
• extract information from sometimes uncooperative applicants by skillful questioning techniques;
• take sworn statements and substantiate all elements of a charge in the statement;
• write concise, accurate, grammatically correct, and effective reports and other narrative documents;
• communicate effectively, when required, in a second language with native speakers of that language;
• conduct searches of vehicles, conveyances, vessels, luggage, other belongings, and individuals;
• recognize a counterfeit document versus an authentic document that has been altered;
• recognize when an individual is trying to imitate different speech patterns, accents, and intonations that indicate a geographic area;
• recognize body language that indicates a person's feelings, whether they may be withholding information, are under stress, are lying, are about to act explosively, or feel at ease in the situation;
• develop a profile to fit a particular situation and recognize when individuals fit a profile;
• understand court procedures, how to testify, and the protocol used in court proceedings or hearings;
• utilize and generate intelligence information concerning applicants and trends in law violations; and
• carry out expedited removals while protecting the applicant's right to request asylum if the person fears persecution after returning abroad.

If the inspector determines that an alien's application for admission into the U.S. is inadmissible, the inspector must choose the alternative action that is best for the circumstance:

• if additional documentation or a waiver are missing, the inspector provides the alien with the documents to complete;
• if the inadmissibility cannot be corrected, the inspector may formally refuse entry, return the alien abroad, and create a record of the action;
• if the alien falls under removal guidelines, the inspector carries out formal removal action;
• if the alien falls under prosecution guidelines for a criminal charge, the inspector prepares the case for presentation to a magistrate; and
• in the case of a vessel inspection, the inspector may detain any inadmissible alien on board the vessel by refusing landing privileges.

The inspector proceeds with formal removal action when the alien falls under removal guidelines. The inspector:

• prepares sworn statements, and advises the alien of his or her status;
• prepares a permanent record for the file, and arranges for the alien's physical removal; and
• detains the alien for an interview with an asylum officer if the alien claims fear of prosecution during the interview process.

The inspector may be tasked to coordinate a hearing with the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) and prepare the Government's case. The inspector serves the alien and the EOIR with a notice of the inspector's findings and the scheduled hearing date. If the alien must be detained until the hearing, the inspector coordinates the detention and in some circumstances transports the alien to the detention facility.

If an applicant requests asylum at the port or presents refugee documentation provided by the INS abroad, the inspector:

• determines whether the applicant:
• has the proper documentation for the status sought;
• should be interviewed by an asylum officer; or
• submit to a different type of processing depending on the circumstances as defined by law;
• prepares sworn statements, and advises the alien of his or her status;
• prepares a permanent case file, and arranges for the alien's physical removal; and
• detains the alien for an interview with an asylum officer if, during the interview process, the alien claims fear of prosecution.

The inspection process is moving towards greater use of technology to streamline entries, especially for pre-enrolled, frequent travelers, and to utilize law enforcement information developed by others. Technology that inspectors use includes:

• computerized inter-agency database systems, such as the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS), INS systems such as the National Automated Inspection Lookout System (NAILS), and other law enforcement systems such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) wants and warrants lookouts;
• document readers that record entries, query databases, and match biometric identifiers on a document to the person presenting the document; e.g., fingerprints and handprints;
• document scanners that help detect alterations in passports, visas, and other documents;
• forensic equipment such as fiber-optic microscopes and ultra-violet light to examine documents and concealed checkpoints on them;
• photo-phones that allow inspectors to communicate and consult with INS Forensic Document Laboratory using images of documents transmitted by phone line;
• license plate readers that "read" programmed vehicle license plates and query the IBIS database, which the inspector monitors for results and may override if a misreading occurs; and
• biometrics identification of applicants.

Automated inspections of various kinds are in use at more and more ports. Examples include:

• remote video inspection of vehicles and their occupants through closed-circuit television transmission and remotely controlled cameras from a staffed port to a remote unstaffed port many miles away;
• videophone inspection of boaters who phone in from dockside to an INS port;
• on-screen monitoring of pre-enrolled vehicles and their occupants who enter through land ports via dedicated commuter lanes to verify that the vehicle's authorized users matches the occupants; and
• automated inspection at airports and other locations of pre-enrolled travelers who process their own entries at special lanes using identification cards that contain a biometric component.

Inspectors must apply frequently changing laws, INS priorities, and new initiatives that may require additional training. Responding to international trends and policies, immigration inspectors stay current in changes such as vehicle seizure procedures, expedited removal authorities, definitions of categories of immigrants and non-immigrants, stowaways, and how to treat aggravated felons. Inspectors are also cross-designated to carry out basic screening/processing functions for other agencies, such as the U.S. Customs Service and the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The cross-designation duties also require frequent additional training and adopting new processes.

The inspection process is frequently carried out in a language other than English. Inspectors either are proficient in the language or work through an interpreter in person or by teleconference. Conducting inspections may be complicated when the inspector must communicate with applicants using a second language or an interpreter. The inspector may miss nuances of the other language, making it more difficult to detect clues to an applicant's actual intent. In using interpreters, inspectors take precautions so an interpreter understands the questions asked and translates them with the proper meaning.

Inspectors must deal with whoever appears and in whatever numbers. There is no control over the workflow; e.g., citizens, aliens, immigrants, non-immigrants, or refugees, or the nationalities that present themselves for inspection. There is a certain stress created due to the numbers waiting for processing. People have often traveled great distances, and by the time they present themselves for inspection, they are tired, short-tempered, and even hostile.

Inspectors typically rotate assignments, working both primary (initial entry) and secondary inspection where the applicant is referred to other inspectors for a more detailed inspection. When an inspector refers an applicant to secondary inspection, any evidence goes through a chain-of-custody. All questions must be resolved in secondary inspection before the applicant is admitted or an enforcement action takes place. Sometimes during the shift change, an inspector may inherit an unresolved admission and must be able to continue and complete the entry process. This requires inspectors to work as teams to ensure all evidence is considered and questions are satisfactorily resolved.

When an applicant is not immediately admissible, the applicant is passed from the inspector working primary inspection to another inspector working secondary inspection for further questioning so that the queue of applicants waiting from primary inspection continues to move at a steady rate. With this type of processing, inspectors work as a team. When applicants present questionable documents or are evasive in the initial interview, it is not unusual for one inspector to complete a sworn statement, while another fingerprints and photographs the applicant, and another prepares documents for court and searches databases for previous records. The inspectors' roles are interchangeable. Processing must be completed within a short timeframe.

The most frequent immigration violations are imposters presenting other persons' documents. In such situations the primary inspector may question whether:

• the person is an imposter;
• is carrying counterfeit or altered documents; or
• he or she has a criminal or prior immigration record that produced a "hit" on the IBIS database.

Customs Inspection, GS-1890

Definition

This series covers two-grade interval administrative positions that supervise, lead, or perform work that involves the enforcement and administration of laws governing the importation or exportation of merchandise. Customs inspectors:

• obtain data about the description, characteristics, value, and country of origin of imported merchandise by questioning and eliciting information from people;
• search baggage, persons, cargo, and carriers for contraband;
• make sound decisions regarding admitting and holding, or releasing merchandise; and
• make sound judgments regarding whether to apprehend, detain, or arrest persons at the point of entry who are violating customs or other laws.

Work requires knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures concerning the entry, inspection, examination, classification, and release of merchandise.

Titling

The basic title for this occupation is Customs Inspector.

Occupational Information

General Occupational Information

Customs inspectors perform two major types of inspections:

• control and inspection of baggage and persons entering and exiting the U.S.; and
• control and inspection of cargo.

Inspectors perform other inspectional functions (e.g., examination of merchandise, informal entry, export inspection, and boarding vessels and aircraft) as a part of these two major types of inspections. Inspectors at some ports may perform very limited portions of these inspections. Others may perform most of the different types of inspections or additional types of work, such as serving as a member of a special investigating team. Inspectors must be familiar with a wide range of electronic devises, such as portable X-ray vans, body scanners, density measuring devices, and fiber scopes.

Baggage Inspection. Customs inspectors inspect baggage, personal and household effects, temporary importations, and gifts accompanying travelers using commercial or private conveyances. Inspectors carry out a wide range of responsibilities in applying regulations and procedures for many kinds of goods accompanying all types of travelers (e.g., returning residents, immigrants, tourists, diplomatic personnel, crew members, commuters, businessmen). At many ports of entry, the volume of traffic requires quick decisions based on skillful questioning and observation to ascertain when a search is required of persons and/or baggage to detect possible smuggling. This may include appraising merchandise, or determining if a special clearance is required to admit merchandise or to allow exemptions. Inspectors apply sound judgment to:

• question travelers and review documents as appropriate to determine:
• residence for customs purposes;
• what articles were acquired abroad;
• the value of such articles; and
• presence of prohibited or restricted items;
• inform travelers of customs requirements and travelers' obligations in declaring articles acquired;
• determine need for perfunctory or thorough examination of baggage, vehicles, and persons;
• grant customs clearance to travelers entitled to free entry;
• determine what special exemption privileges are appropriate and personal exemptions to be allowed;
• examine baggage and commercial imports to detect contraband, prohibited or restricted items, and undeclared or undervalued items;
• pass all duty-free merchandise and items;
• determine allowances for wear and tear of items purchased and used abroad;
• classify and determine dutiable value of, and taxes to be collected on:


• articles for personal and household use above the allowed exemptions, and
• commercial importations up to the value that can be entered on a baggage declaration or informal entry;
• seize prohibited, undeclared, and undervalued items and detain designated items for inspection by other Government officials or other clearances;
• detect whether violations with respect to prohibited, undeclared, or undervalued items are due to misinformation, inadvertence, or inexperience;
• determine the appropriateness of collecting regular duty without a penalty in instances where a penalty might otherwise be levied;
• conduct personal search of travelers when indications of smuggling of contraband have been detected, and make arrests if warranted;
• collect and safeguard evidence in cases of smuggling and/or fraud when either a penalty or criminal prosecution may be warranted;
• release examined baggage or vehicles after ascertaining that all laws and regulations have been complied with and all duties and taxes paid;
• initiate reports; e.g., seizure reports, detention reports, and minor incident reports, and summarize charges and events;
• give instructions or appropriate forms to travelers in cases of:
• articles not accompanying them;
• commercial shipments in excess of the value that can be entered on a baggage declaration or informal entry, or requires special approval;
• seizures that may be petitioned for return; or
• other similar circumstances;
• determine appropriate entry and bond for temporary importations and prepare them as necessary;
• determine if descriptive lists include correct description and value of such importations as commercial samples or tools of the trade; and
• fix the amount of bonds and penalties to be applied if not delivered for exportation.

Cargo Inspection. Customs inspectors work in connection with all imported cargo whether entered for consumption, warehouse, export, or transportation in bond, released under an immediate delivery permit, or placed in general order or bonded warehouse. Inspectors carry out a wide range of responsibilities in applying regulations and procedures for entering, examining, and releasing a variety of merchandise from all parts of the world. At many ports, inspectors may rotate among various cargo stations. Some stations may be terminals for general cargo from several countries; others may be terminals for one bulk product (e.g., crude oil or sugar). Inspectors use sound judgment in performing such duties as:

• overseeing the unlading (as required, oversee or perform the prescribed weighing, gauging, measuring, and sampling) and account for the disposition of all unladen cargo, restricting the delivery of merchandise without required permit and releasing merchandise under proper permit;
• comparing invoices, entry permits and the bills of lading listed on carriers' manifests to ensure that all required documents are complete and in proper form;
• identifying and detaining merchandise subject to inspection by other agencies (e.g., Department of Agriculture or Department of Transportation) and performing examinations or notifying appropriate officials;
• forwarding samples of designated merchandise to be examined and appraised by import specialists or for analysis by the U.S. Customs Laboratory;
• selecting samples from each invoice for physical examination, particularly choosing cases that appear unusual for any reason;
• verifying that the merchandise is correctly invoiced for classification and value purposes and is entitled to admission into the commerce of the United States;
• noting discrepancies and additional information needed on invoices for proper classification and value determinations;
• holding up release of shipments and reporting findings of contraband, undervalued, or undeclared items, and other violations of customs regulations and those of other agencies which customs inspectors are required to enforce (e.g., marking of country of origin, proper labeling, license or permits for restricted drugs, firearms, or other restricted items);
• checking on sufficiency and type of bond before releasing merchandise for immediate delivery, immediate transportation, or other shipment in bond, entry into warehouse, or other disposition;
• initiating action to place shipments in a customs warehouse for which entry has not been made within the allotted time;
• reporting action on all merchandise manifested to show findings of overages, shortages, pilferage, and damages for each shipment;
• inspecting unaccompanied baggage for contraband;
• seizing prohibited items;
• determining free and dutiable items;
• classifying and assessing duty and taxes on dutiable merchandise; and
• ensuring that cargo remains in customs custody until all requirements for release are met.

Informal Entry. Customs inspectors inspect small, lower-valued commercial shipments that do not exceed a specified value and noncommercial importations. Informal entries are still subject to the same requirements for classification and appraisal that are required for "formal entry." Inspectors are authorized to prepare entries (or complete entries on which estimated duties have been paid) under the informal entry procedures. If commercial shipments exceed the amount that can be entered informally, they advise the importer to make formal entry through other designated offices. When processing informal entries, inspectors:

• inspect for and seize prohibited and restricted items;
• examine merchandise to determine or verify accuracy of tariff classification and value;
• review invoices and other documents for required data;
• report violations of customs laws and those of other agencies;
• determine free or dutiable status;
• ensure that merchandise for sale is properly invoiced and meets the requirements for admission into commerce;
• hold merchandise requiring inspection by other agencies; and
• release unrestricted, free and dutiable shipments, collecting and accounting for duty and taxes.

Primary Inspection. Customs inspectors conduct preliminary screening at all ports of entry. During primary inspection, inspectors quickly determine whether a detailed inspection (secondary inspection) is necessary through questioning and observing pedestrians or passengers in vehicles. When the inspector determines that a more detailed inspection is required to search baggage, vehicles, or persons for suspected smuggling of narcotics or other prohibited items, he or she may accompany the person or vehicle and assist in or perform the secondary inspection. The inspector can do a pat down to look for weapons and drugs. The customs inspector has the authority to randomly open and inspect all travelers' baggage or vehicles. The inspector looks for suspicious indicators by:

• observing persons;
• checking the interior of vehicles, tires, and other features of the vehicle; and
• reviewing documents for purchases, permits, or other entry documents.

Preliminary screening for customs purposes is often combined with similar preliminary screening for immigration, public health, or agricultural purposes at border stations or passenger terminals. After a period of training, a customs inspector or an inspector for one of the three other services, may be cross-designated to perform preliminary screening for all of the services. This requires making judgments such as whether individuals or importations may be allowed to enter or should be referred to the appropriate service for more detailed examination.

Secondary Inspection. Customs inspectors conduct thorough searches of vehicles, baggage, cargo, and persons that have been referred for either observed or stated concerns on a primary inspection or for routine examinations that are part of computer-generated random exams, or management-directed enforcement operations. Most violations are found in secondary inspection. Secondary inspection can include full truck x-rays; complete breakdown of tires; scoping gasoline tanks; and persons, including pat down, complete body search, monitored bowel movement, or x-rays.

Inspectors can require that the cargo be "de-vanned" or "unstuffed" in truck trailers or cargo containers. They use various hand-held detection devices such as density meters to scan for abnormal readings. They also use fiber optic scopes to look into walls, cargo containers, or gasoline tanks; and K-9 detection dogs to inspect vehicles, luggage, and cargo.

Export Inspection. Customs inspectors ensure that restricted or prohibited merchandise is not smuggled out of the country. This includes:

• importations that are prohibited items, and consequently must be exported out of the country;
• importations that are withdrawn from bonded warehouses on which duty and taxes have not been paid;
• merchandise that must have licenses or permits for exportation; or
• cargo that is just passing through the United States bound for other countries.

Inspectors make judgments about prohibitions, restrictions, or regulations for merchandise being exported in the same manner as judgments made about importations. Inspectors:

• inspect pedestrians and vehicles for currency violations;
• inspect export shipments and, if required, supervise lading on carriers;
• verify quantities and condition for compliance with customs in-bond or other entry requirements;
• inspect for weapons of mass destruction and their parts;
• inspect for restricted technology;
• verify that exports are not bound for embargoed destinations;
• inspect Department of State licenses for export of critical technology;
• inspect permits and licenses required by other government agencies;
• check seals and condition of containers; and
• check for smuggling of stolen vehicles, weapons, narcotics, and other restricted or prohibited items.

Boarding Vessels or Aircraft. Customs inspectors board or give entrance and clearance to all vessels and aircraft before they unlade their cargo, and discharge crew or passengers. Inspectors have the responsibility for boarding and/or granting preliminary entry when documents are in order (e.g., complete manifest listing cargo in bill of lading, passenger and crew list, or clearance from last port). Trains, trucks, and other vehicles must also present manifest, bills of lading, or invoices. Generally, inspectors give oral permission to unlade and discharge passengers. Inspectors must ensure documents are in order before authorizing. Inspectors:

• verify documents, collect and give receipt for fees and taxes as applicable, such as tonnage taxes, entry fees, and harbor maintenance fees;
• ensure that other agency requirements are met;
• question the master of the conveyance concerning the presence of any contraband on board and explain customs entry and discharging procedures;
• seal stores, crew purchases, and medicinal narcotics;
• search vessels or aircraft if necessary or oversee the discharge of cargo; and
• issue permits to proceed to travel to the next U.S. port or to a foreign destination.

Merchandise Examination. Customs inspectors ensure that imported merchandise is correctly invoiced and admissible into the commerce of the United States. Inspectors examine two broad categories of importations:

• merchandise being imported on a baggage declaration or informal entry basis for private use in small commercial shipments or for temporary purposes; and
• merchandise being imported in large commercial quantities which does not require examination by import specialists.

In general, merchandise is designated for examination based on past history of the importer, risk assessment criteria, and selectivity procedures. Customs inspectors:

• detect contraband and prohibited and restricted items, and seize or detain such merchandise;
• determine or verify the proper tariff classification and appraised value of merchandise acquired abroad;
• determine for commercial and informal shipments that various requirements for admission into commerce of the United States are met; and
• examine, classify, appraise, and collect duty and taxes on merchandise for personal use with unlimited value and for commercial importations up to the value that can be entered on a baggage declaration or informal entry.

Inspectors verify that the information on the invoice is sufficient for classification purposes for commercial or informal entry. Inspectors also take note of unusual containers that may be designed for use other than transporting the item and may then be dutiable. Specifically, in both instances inspectors determine that the:

• description of the item on the invoice matches what they see and contains the characteristics needed to classify it by a physical examination; and
• item appears to be correctly valued.

For commercial shipments, inspectors ensure that invoices meet legal requirements for acceptance. The invoice must contain the following types of factual information:

• the articles must agree with the invoice description;
• the seller's, shipper's, and consignee's names;
• country of export;
• grade or quality, trademarks, quantities; and
• unit price.

If the importer does not provide data, the inspector informs the importer what is required before the merchandise can be inspected and released. In the case of immediate delivery, a conditional release of the goods is given and payment of duty must be made within 10 days. When a pro forma invoice is used, legal requirements are satisfied and the pro forma invoice is considered a binding document. For importations for personal use, the inspector uses the invoice primarily for information about the purchase and its price in determining the dutiable value of merchandise.

Some inspectors conduct specialized merchandise examinations in vessels and shore tanks. The inspector files a report by computer or handwritten notes showing date of examination, and any other notation concerning the examination of the merchandise. That report becomes the official record of the importation upon which the duties and taxes are determined.

If the inspector determines that the invoice description of the merchandise is inadequate or incorrect, a commodity classification determination is necessary to properly describe the merchandise. To check and report on a variety of merchandise, inspectors must be familiar with a vast amount of information in examining manuals and tariff schedules. These guidelines identify the variety of features to be checked and the action to be taken by the inspector, the critical points in the classification value, and the release requirements for specific classifications.

To classify importations it is necessary to know how to apply the principles of categorizing merchandise. An item may be listed under the material of which it is made, its use, or its name. The guidelines for examining merchandise may require the inspector to determine if a more specific classification is in order such as a commonly imported item that has a higher duty rate.

The inspector must be familiar with a variety of tools used to examine merchandise such as hand tools, power tools, forklifts, and full cargo x-rays. The inspector must also be familiar with the loading and unloading procedures for cargo trucks, including safety procedures. There is often the requirement to handle hazardous materials, chemicals, and gas. This requires knowledge of specialized handling procedures, temperatures, equipment, and type of Department of Transportation placards required for transport.

The accuracy of the commodity classification is important for Department of Commerce statistics on commercial importations. Similarly, some items may be prohibited only from certain countries, items under quota, and trademark issues. Improper determinations or misclassifications of quota restrictions, foreign asset control regulations, copyright and trademark regulations or provisions and treaties concerning merchandise are critical determinations that may be injurious to the health of the community or to plant and animal life and other similar conditions. Inspectors must be familiar with various lists and manuals that identify products covered by these restrictions and regulations.