February 2, 2023
Rep. Dan Crenshaw introduced the Anti-Border Corruption Improvement Act of 2023 last week to remove barriers to CBP agent hiring for applicants with certain credentials.
The bill would remove the polygraph requirement for CBP applicants who have prior law enforcement experience or military security clearances. As CBP is overwhelmed with the out-of-control crisis at our southern border, they also are facing a recruitment problem.
Approximately 2/3 of applicants fail the polygraph test, which comes at one of the last steps in an extensive, long hiring process.
"The polygraph is an interrogation tool," Rep. Crenshaw said."It's useful for me as an intelligence officer when I want to vet an asset. It is not useful legally. It is thrown out in court. It is not useful for hiring purposes, and this bill aims to fix that."
“As this administration continues to fail to secure the border and put a strain on Customs and Border Protection, it is imperative that we use all tools available to us to protect our county and its citizens,” said co-sponsor Congressman Jake Ellzey. “For too long, the CBP has been understaffed and outmanned, and the Anti-Border Corruption Improvement Act will help address these problems. I am happy to join my colleague and friend Dan Crenshaw in reintroducing this legislation to help law enforcement officers do what they do best. Protect the American people.”
“I am proud to stand with my colleagues to introduce legislation to expedite the hiring process for veterans and former law enforcement to become CBP agents and officers,” said co-sponsor Congressman Juan Ciscomani. “With record numbers of migrant encounters and the massive increase in fentanyl trafficking, our agents need reinforcements right away. This legislation is an important step to address the crisis at the Southern Border and to ensure that CBP is properly staffed.”
As a knowledgeable expert in border security and law enforcement practices, I have a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding the hiring procedures and challenges faced by agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP). My expertise stems from a deep immersion in related fields and ongoing research, allowing me to offer insights based on intricate details and factual information.
In the article discussing Rep. Dan Crenshaw's Anti-Border Corruption Improvement Act of 2023, several critical concepts are highlighted:
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Customs and Border Protection (CBP): This is a vital federal law enforcement agency responsible for managing and facilitating international trade, enforcing immigration laws, and preventing illegal activities at the U.S. borders.
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Polygraph Requirement: CBP applicants are typically subjected to a polygraph test as part of the hiring process. Rep. Crenshaw's bill proposes to remove this requirement for applicants with prior law enforcement experience or military security clearances. The aim is to address the significant number of applicants failing the polygraph test, which impedes hiring efforts.
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Challenges at the Southern Border: The article emphasizes the overwhelming crisis at the southern border, leading to a strain on CBP's resources. Increased migrant encounters and the surge in illicit activities like fentanyl trafficking have escalated the urgency to reinforce CBP's workforce promptly.
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Legislative Measures: Rep. Crenshaw's bill, supported by co-sponsors Congressman Jake Ellzey and Congressman Juan Ciscomani, intends to expedite the hiring process for veterans and former law enforcement personnel to bolster CBP's workforce. The goal is to alleviate the understaffing issues and enable CBP to better fulfill its duties in protecting the country.
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Purpose of the Act: The primary objective of the Anti-Border Corruption Improvement Act is to ensure CBP is adequately staffed by easing the hiring process for individuals with relevant experience, thereby enabling the agency to address the ongoing crisis at the southern border effectively.
This legislation seeks to optimize CBP's recruitment strategies by leveraging the expertise and experience of individuals from law enforcement and military backgrounds while streamlining the hiring process to confront the challenges posed by the current border situation.
The provided permalink directs to Rep. Dan Crenshaw's official website, likely offering further details and updates regarding this bill and related legislative initiatives.
FAQs
If I do not successfully complete the CBP polygraph examination, will that preclude me from applying for other federal law enforcement positions? No. Other agencies can request the status of your application process with CBP, but the results do not preclude you from applying for other jobs.
Is CBP getting rid of polygraphs? ›
Representative Dan Crenshaw is a particular leader on this and he has a bill that “would remove the polygraph requirement for CBP applicants who have prior law enforcement experience or military security clearances.” This would expand some of the limited polygraph waivers the CBP currently offers, which are only ...
What is the Anti Border Corruption Act of 2010? ›
Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that: (1) by not later than two years after enactment of this Act, all applicants for law enforcement positions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) receive polygraph examinations before being hired for such ...
Do Border Patrol agents have to take a polygraph? ›
Applicants for law enforcement positions at CBP are required to undergo a polygraph examination as part of the background investigation. The final results of the polygraph examination will be utilized as part of the overall agency adjudication process for placement in a CBP law enforcement position.
Can you fail a polygraph if you are nervous? ›
Can You Fail a Lie Detector Test if You Are Nervous? Nervousness may result in a person failing a polygraph test. Even if you aren't lying but because you are nervous, your blood pressure is high, and you are breathing heavily. As lie detectors cannot differentiate between Anxiety, nervousness and lying.
Can you fail a polygraph and still get hired? ›
Some private sector recruiters may require a polygraph as part of their hiring process, particularly in industries such as finance or defense contracting. Failing the test could result in your disqualification from the process, and could also lead to termination if you are already employed.
How many people fail the CBP entrance exam? ›
The Border Patrol believes that individuals who marginally fail either the language or reasoning sections of the test can still pass the Academy and succeed as a Border Patrol agent. According to INS Human Resources personnel, the change has resulted in an increased average passing rate of 38-40 percent.
What are disqualifiers for CBP? ›
Some issues that may result in an unfavorable suitability determination include: financial irresponsibility; poor credit history; drug/alcohol abuse; arrest history; misconduct in prior employment; association with individuals involved in illegal activities such as drug use and drug trafficking; and demonstrated lack ...
What can throw off a polygraph test? ›
Drugs and Medication
These are drugs that can alter your blood pressure and heart rate, usually lowering both. The polygraph test detects small changes in these to detect deception, however if your medication is altering the normal rates then results could come back as inconclusive.
What is the Anti Border corruption Improvement Act for CBP agents hiring? ›
This bill revises the waiver authority of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for polygraph examinations of applicants for law enforcement positions in the CBP. Any individual who receives such waiver and holds a current background investigation may be subject to further background investigation.
The American Anti-Corruption Act (AACA), sometimes shortened to Anti-Corruption Act, is a piece of model legislation designed to limit the influence of money in American politics by overhauling lobbying, transparency, and campaign finance laws.
What is the Anti-Corruption Act 2018? ›
Key provisions of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018: Bribe-giving as an offence : Through this act, Bribe-giving was made offence with punishment of 7 year except when people are forced to give bribe. It will empower people to refuse to give bribes.
What happens if I fail polygraph with a clearance? ›
Will I lose my TS/SCI clearance if I don't pass that poly? A security clearance cannot be revoked solely based on an unfavorable polygraph test outcome.
How many people fail the Border Patrol polygraph? ›
Nearly 50% of recruits fail the polygraph or lie-detector component, the vice president of the National Border Patrol Council said. “They'll go any other place where they're not treated like a criminal during that portion of the hiring process,” Anfinsen said.
How many times can you take the CBP exam? ›
To be eligible, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70. Test scores prior to March 16, 2021, are no longer valid. After you take the Entrance Exam, you will not be able to retake the exam for six months regardless of whether you pass or fail. Questions about your CBPO application?
What happens if I fail the Border Patrol test? ›
You must pass the Entrance Exam with a score of 70 to be eligible. You will not be able to retake the exam for six months.
