Border Patrol snares more than 1,700 new hires

INS recruiters launched a media blitz on the Web-advertising on sites such as Monster.com-to attract applicants and offer them the opportunity to apply online. The agency also joined forces with local communities to organize more than 1,000 recruiting events nationwide, and contacted press and congressional offices to garner support for its hiring campaign.

The extra effort resulted in 73 percent more applicants in fiscal 2000 than in 1999, and was so successful that INS is not accepting applications in November and December for Border Patrol positions.

From fiscal 1996 to fiscal 1998, INS met or exceeded its hiring goals. But in 1999, the agency fell slightly short of its target.

Making personal contact with applicants and keeping in touch with them during the application process proved to have the greatest impact in attracting potential hires, according to the agency.

The INS also managed to reduce the application processing time by allowing applicants to take the agency's written exam at 10 sites across the country and see their results immediately.

Border Patrol applicants must pass a a written test and oral interview, have a valid driver's license and a year of experience or a bachelor's degree, and be under 37 years old. Those who qualify must pass a background investigation, a drug test and a medical exam, and complete training at the INS Border Patrol Academy.

For more information on the border patrol hiring process, go to the Border Patrol's Web site.