Professional Ethical Standards
Kolby Moore
ADJ 235
Karen Bond
December 1, 2013
In the criminal justice system there are is a broad spectrum of different jobs that are all challenging in their own ways. This career field is so broad and complex it has a position for every different type of individual. The position that I choose to summarize is the US border patrol, this is the position that I have the most interest in and would like to know more about.
The United States Border Patrol, a federal government agency, frequently works with the Departments of Border Protection and Customs. It conducts operations under the supervision of the Department of Homeland Security. The Border Patrol is primarily responsible for protecting the nation's borders from drug smuggling and illegal crossings. When illegal border crossings are detected, Border Patrol agents are responsible for apprehending illegal immigrants. Because large quantities of drugs are smuggled into the U.S. through the border, Border Patrol agents also conduct operations to seize illegal drugs. Likewise, since terrorists have attempted to enter the U.S. via the border, Border Patrol agents are now involved with counter-terrorism. Demand is currently very high for qualified Border Patrol agents.
The Border Patrol is the law enforcement division within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, and it acts under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security. It was established by the U.S. Congress in 1924 to address illegal immigration. Prior to the establishment of the Border Patrol, the Bureau of Immigration was responsible for enforcing immigration law. The Border Patrol was primarily established to stop human smuggling.
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Border Patrol has been assigned counter-terrorism duties, including the apprehension of terrorists and weapon smugglers attempting to enter the country illegally. Even though this agency has undergone numerous changes through the years, its main duty remains to detect and apprehend illegal immigrants. In joint effort with other police agencies, the Border Patrol conducts surveillance and raids to stop drug, weapons, and human trafficking.
The Border Patrol is responsible for monitoring the U.S. Mexican and Canadian borders, covering more than 6,000 miles of land. Additionally, they're responsible for monitoring the 2,000 miles of coastline around Puerto Rico and Florida. Border Patrol agents can be assigned to shifts during all hours of the day, and they're required to frequently work in inclement weather and rugged terrain. Border Patrol agents also work in cities throughout the United States far from the border.
Border Patrol agents have dangerous jobs. Several agents have been killed or seriously injured at work. Border Patrol agents need to be desirous to protect and assist others and exercise self-discipline.
Border Patrol agents have many responsibilities, but detecting, stopping, and apprehending drug and gun smugglers, terrorists, and illegal aliens is their main responsibility. This is also known as the line watch. To do this, Border Patrol agents organize surveillance activities, monitor electronic surveillance technology, search land near the border for physical evidence of illegal crossings, conduct raids to apprehend illegals, and respond to leads provided by aircraft surveillance. Border Patrol agents are also responsible for monitoring traffic border traffic, inspecting ranches and farms for human and drug smuggling, manning checkpoint stations, conducting raids, collecting intelligence, patrolling cities, and arresting drug and human smugglers.
U.S. border and the challenges they face to follow the law and to uphold their personal values. It explores the dilemmas of employees who confront conflicting views of what is right and wrong about their jobs, both within their organization and among members of the public. These tensions create a range of ethical dilemmas that pit individuality versus community and herald deeply intertwined notions of honor, justice, patriotism, mercy, and compassion. The U.S. Border Patrol plays an important governmental role in immigration, narcotics deterrence, and national security. Border Patrol agents often face critiques that they do either too much or too little in preventing immigrants, narcotics, and potential terrorists from entering the nation through its more than 6,000 miles of land borders with Canada and Mexico.
Another ethical dilemma that border patrol agents face is might be the most difficult, even more than drugs, terrorists and other dangerous situations. This ethical dilemma is when border agents arrest and detain immigrates that are coming to this country for a new life. The countries they come from and the lives they are trying to leave behind. For agents this is no easy task because they see these people risk everything just for a chance at a better life in this country. This is one dilemma that can weight heavily on the agents hearts. There are endless possibilities in the criminal justice system, this field is constantly changing and is different and challenging every day, this is why that I want to be part of this great and rewarding field.
