Customs Agents: Airport Protagonists

The airport is the ideal setting for a movie. In fact, several high-grossing movies are set or are about an airport including Love Actually, Maria Full of Grace and The Terminal. If life were a movie, you could find all film genres in an airport. You can see a family parted forever --- drama. You can also witness parted lovers meeting again who will live happily ever after --- romantic comedy. Above all, the most cinematic moments at an airport are the times when customs agents arrest someone --- thriller.

All around the globe, customs agents arrest thousands of people at airports for violations ranging from illegal entry to attempted terrorism. They are also involved with planning and conducting inspections and investigations relating to suspected violations of several customs laws including illegal contraband and fraud. They also intercept illegal high technology exports and prevent the use of currency for criminal activities. They perform search and seizure.

If you admire customs agents and you want to become one, you have to be a citizen of the country. In the United States, you will also have to undergo a 14-week training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. You will be trained in dealing with crimes including fraud, smuggling, and child pornography. You will also learn how to perform export investigations and surveillance techniques.

To become a US Customs agent, you have to be between 21 and 35 years of age. You must possess a valid driver's license. You must also have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college and must have at least a year of general experience plus two years of specialized experience. You also need to pass a medical examination to determine if you are physically fit for the job.

Custom agents usually work overtime and travel a lot. In the US, customs agents may be assigned to several units of the Customs Services including Pornography Enforcement, Export Enforcement and Currency and Money Laundering Program. They are also called upon to do undercover work.

Yes, airports are the hub of many real-life crime dramas. If you feel like living a movie every day of your life, this job may be perfect for you.