Heather Sutton
Eastvale,CA
Summary
Dependable Border Protection Officer with experience investigating and inspecting people and carrier goods. Adept at detecting border law infractions and violations. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Passenger Enforcement Rover Team (CBPO)
US Customs And Border Protection
10.2015 - Current
- Reported seized contraband or attempts to illegally transport goods to proper authorities and documented observations and evidence for future actions.
- Evaluated shipments to determine duty and taxes due, completed applicable paperwork and informed individuals of expected liabilities.
- Enhanced border security by conducting thorough inspections of luggage, and personal belongings.
- Utilized advanced technology tools such as x-ray machines and radiation detectors for efficient detection of prohibited items or substances during inspections.
- Located and procured undeclared items or contraband and processed according to protocol to prevent entry into sovereign soil.
- Detected and prevented terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering country.
- Completed investigations of applications for refunds of duties or mitigation of assessed penalties.
- Provided excellent customer service while handling sensitive situations involving distressed or uncooperative travelers.
- Maintained accurate records of inspection activities, traveler information, and enforcement actions taken during the course of duty.
- Prevented illegal trafficking of people and narcotics.
- Summoned law enforcement to detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal actions.
- Explained laws and regulations to travelers and distributors and promoted comprehension to foster adherence to requirements.
- Identified and reported suspicious behavior patterns or trends observed during inspections to appropriate authorities for further investigation.
- Identified and seized contraband, undeclared merchandise and currency\
- Managed high-pressure situations effectively by maintaining composure and utilizing problem-solving skills under stressful circumstances.
- Used variety of law enforcement databases such as USEC, CCDI, ESTA and TECS, ATS-P.
- Identified contraband items and seized according to customs laws.
- Initiated civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperated with law enforcement agencies in investigation and prosecution of persons in violation of immigration or customs laws.
- Intercepted illegal goods by performing detailed examinations on cargo shipments and packages.
- Promoted teamwork among officers through open communication channels, regular briefings, and shared responsibility for maintaining an organized work environment at checkpoints.
- Performed intelligence analysis and law enforcement activities such as apprehension, detention and arrest.
- Supported law enforcement agencies by providing accurate and timely data regarding illegal activity and testimony to facts related to cases.
- Developed, planned and participated in tactical operations.
- Coordinated with other agencies for joint operations targeting specific criminal activities or trends near the border area.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of immigration laws, regulations, and procedures to ensure accurate enforcement actions were taken when necessary.
- Interacted with carriers, agencies and foreign entities to provide guidance on admissibility and compliance.
- Analyzed intelligence reports to identify potential threats related to terrorism, smuggling, or trafficking activities within the region.
- Detailed persons violating duly established laws and followed orders for further processing.
- Conducted interviews with travelers to determine admissibility into the United States based on immigration laws.
- Validated immigration documents, asked questions and reported discrepancies to authorities for further review.
- Provided guidance and mentoring to new CBP Officers, sharing expertise in inspection procedures, documentation evaluation, and problem-solving techniques.
- Achieved timely processing of traveler queues by balancing strict adherence to inspection protocols with efficiency measures during peak times.
- Prevented entry of dangerous materials into the country by identifying hazardous cargo during inspections and ensuring proper disposal procedures were followed according to regulations.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a safe and secure environment at the border checkpoint.
- Conducted K-9 inspections to detect drugs, explosives and cash.
- Documented activities in reports and testified in court proceedings to actions.
- Collected samples of import merchandise for additional testing, examination and appraisal.
- Completed extensive training programs in customs enforcement techniques to enhance overall effectiveness as a CBP Officer.
- Examined baggage and personal items upon entering or leaving country to verify adherence to customs requirements and identify suspected violations.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
(A) Supervisory CBP Officer
US Customs And Border Protection
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Supervised three units TTRT/PERT/PAU
- Coordinated and assigned daily tasks within the unit
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Identified individuals of National Security Interest
- Coordinated inspections with other government agencies (HSI,FBI, US Marshals, etc)
- Interpret laws applied to the entry of persons or shipments arriving and departing the United States
- Enforce all laws on the Federal State and Local Level
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple teams
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Evaluate employees performance and document disciplinary actions
- Assign overtime while monitoring unit budget
- Completed nightly reports for Watch Commander and Port Director
Education
U.S. Customs Service Basic Training Program
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Glynco, GA06.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
California State University - Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05.2000
Skills
- Investigative procedures
- Drug Interdiction
- Counterterrorism
- Intelligence Gathering
- Government policy regulations
- Law Enforcement Collaboration
- Search and seizure
- Government Regulations
- Integrity and Honesty
- Active Listening
- Supervision and leadership
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
Timeline
(A) Supervisory CBP Officer
US Customs And Border Protection
03.2019 - 06.2019
Passenger Enforcement Rover Team (CBPO)
US Customs And Border Protection
10.2015 - Current
U.S. Customs Service Basic Training Program
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
California State University - Fullerton
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