CBP does its part to stimulate economy

CBP does its part to stimulate economy    Companies are shedding jobs at an unprecedented rate as the U.S. economy weakens, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection is offering hope to thousands of people as it looks to fill 11,000 law enforcement officer and support positions this year.
   On Saturday, the agency launched a national recruiting campaign with open houses at 15 locations across the country. CBP said 22,400 applicants attended the one-day event to learn about CBP’s mission, career options and how to apply for a job.
   More than 6,000 people turned out in both Detroit and Laredo, Texas.
   Congress appropriated more money last year for CBP to expand its ranks. Most of the open positions are with the Border Patrol, but CBP is also looking to hire more than 1,500 officers for customs duties at ports of entry as well as back office positions such as chemists and accountants.
   Employment experts say that federal jobs such as those at CBP are growing in appeal because of their stability and benefits. CBP wages range from about $30,000 to $85,000 and above for non-executive positions, and come with health care and full pension.
   Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security scored a marketing coup when ABC began televising last month a 13-part reality TV series called “Homeland Security USA.” The show takes cameras to the CBP frontlines to document officers at land, air and sea ports of entry and along the border as they seize drugs and counterfeit products, stop human smugglers, and process people and conveyances for entry into the country. The show also showcases other agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, Coast Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
   The increased visibility of CBP and the other agencies during a time of high unemployment could help raise turnout for available jobs. ' Eric Kulisch