The Border Patrol Station at Richford, Vermont is located just south of the Canadian border on the western side of Route 139 of Vermont. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security operates it. This facility allows the agency to monitor 20 miles of the border between the United States and Canada.
The Richford Station dates back to 1926 and originally monitored nine roads crossing from Quebec into the U.S. The facility has waxed and waned in size in the years since then. In 1983 and again in 1997, it was reduced to a substation of the Swanton Station. With an increase in smuggling across the border, the Richford Station again became an independent station in 2002.
What to Expect From Border Patrol Jobs in Richford
Route 139 is fairly well traveled, with an average of 300 cars and 15 trucks crossing into the U.S. daily. As with most border crossings, a primary purpose of the station is to deter potential terrorists from entering into the U.S. In recent years, there has been a substantial amount of drug smuggling taking place across the border between Canada and the U.S. Additionally, foreign nationals have been intercepted trying to enter the U.S. illegally. Border Patrol jobs at the Richford Station involve guarding U.S. citizens against these threats.
The facility in Richford was upgraded in 2010 to enable Border Patrol agents to better monitor the border between the U.S. and Canada. The new station sits on 10 acres and is capable of stationing 50 agents, although it is estimated that there are currently 25 agents stationed in Richford. This new high tech facility boasts the latest in security measures, even having a helipad for helicopters to be able to land.
Border Patrol Requirements and Job Titles in Richford, Vermont
The constant stream of traffic from Canada into the U.S. has created a need for qualified personnel to work for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Richford.
Border Patrol Agent: Those who hold this position in Richford are on the front lines monitoring the entry of individuals and goods into the United States. This can involve inspections of vehicles as they cross the border or patrolling the land adjacent to this border crossing to detect suspicious individuals and potential contraband.
The following are required to become a Border Patrol Agent:
- U.S. citizenship
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
- Passing a background inspection
- Passing drug and alcohol screening
- Having experience, a four-year degree, or a combination of these
- Applying before 40 years of age
- Passing an entrance exam and oral interview