Customs officers play a front-line role in border control, preventing banned substances from entering or leaving the country. The work normally takes place at seaports and airports, and involves searching passengers along with their luggage and vehicles, checking documents and making arrests. It may be possible for job holders to specialise in a particular area, such as dog handling or undercover work
Customs officers need to be both tactful and assertive, with good questioning and listening skills and the ability to make sound judgements. They must be prepared to work unsociable hours and attend court hearings to give evidence, if necessary. It is also important for the candidate to have good written skills as the work may involve preparing reports and witness statements
Although officers may sometimes be recruited directly, the typical career route is to start as an assistant or an administrative officer and work up to officer grade. Successful applicants may be required to complete classroom-based and residential training, which could last up to nine months. Once qualified, salaries are between £20,175 and £25,710 a year, which could rise to over £38,000 after promotion.