Border Patrol recruiting in Southern Nevada

Kim Smith

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999 | 9:48 a.m.

The U.S. Border Patrol needs a few good people.

Because of a severe shortage of officers, the U.S. Border Patrol will be accepting applications at the Courtyard by Marriott, 3275 Paradise Valley Road, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday. Al Casillas, a spokesman for the U.S. Border Patrol office in Yuma, said the agency has more than 1,200 positions open nationwide. Thirty-five of those positions are in the Yuma Sector, which includes Las Vegas.

"We've tried hitting the universities and the military bases, too," Casillas said. "We're doing everything and anything we can do."

Beginning officers can earn between $37,000 and $45,000 per year, depending upon their education and any law enforcement experience, Casillas said.

Job applicants must be between 18 and 37 years old, be able to pass a background check, have a valid driver's license and be a U.S. citizen, Casillas said.

They must also have a high school diploma and either a four-year degree or 18 months in a job that required such things as decision-making, planning and coordinating, Casillas said.

U.S. Border Patrol agents will be on hand to answer any questions and to hand out information, Casillas said.

"It's a great job with good benefits," Casillas said. "You get to work outdoors and there are a variety of functions you can serve, depending upon where you are stationed. We have horse patrols and bike patrols and, in Texas, boat patrols."

Casillas said the Border Patrol is looking for people from all walks of life who have strong work and personal ethics, compassion and the ability to make good decisions.

"I know there are a lot of people out there who have jobs that they're not satisfied in who might enjoy working for the U.S. Border Patrol," Casillas said.

Anyone seeking further information can call (520) 782-9548 ext. 162 or (188) 376-6419.