Attmt 10B - Customs and Border Protection Officer_Medical Requirements_051716.pdf

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Customs and Border Protection Officer, 1895 Series Medical Requirements

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

Office of Human Resources Management

1400 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20229-1144

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Customs and Border Protection Officer Medical Standards, Approved February 6, 2004

The medical qualifications required by this standard are based on the arduous or hazardous nature of the duties typically performed. The essential duties of the position are directly related to public safety and national security and require a high degree of reliability and dependability. The physical demands range from sedentary activities to moderately heavy manual work.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBP) is a “frontline” uniformed border security weapon-carrying position. The primary function of the position is to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the United States, and to enforce customs, immigration and agriculture laws, while at the same time facilitating the orderly and efficient flow of legitimate trade and lawful travelers.

The officer must exercise sound judgment, maintain mental alertness at all times, and function under dynamic and stressful conditions in which there are time constraints, concerns for national security, and threats of terrorism.

The officer must have the cognitive ability to analyze data and information quickly, make rapid decisions, and apply logical reasoning based on facts and the totality of the circumstances to make critical conclusions to support the reasonableness of actions. The CBP Officer must be able to perform visual inspections, physical examinations and searches of people, merchandise, agriculture products (e.g., plant and animal) and other items of possible interest; and carry out the same activities over and over with sustained attention to the job tasks. The officer must be prepared mentally and physically to respond to unexpected situations and have the functional capacity to defend self and others from threatening situations in which the use of deadly force may be necessary.

The standard requires that the person be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without aggravating existing health problems or endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. The individual must be free of any organic, structural or functional impairment(s) or existing health problem(s) that would be aggravated in response to the work environment and/or would affect safe and efficient job performance.

Therefore, any condition or history of a medical or physical problem resulting from an injury or disease (including psychiatric, emotional, psychological problem or anatomical loss) that may affect safe and efficient job performance or conduct or endanger the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security may be disqualifying if:

(1) the condition has not become well stabilized or

(2) recurrence cannot be medically ruled out or

(3) the person may experience sudden or subtle incapacitation or impairment of physical or mental function.

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Vision

Near Vision: Must test at least 20/40 Snellen binocular, (with both eyes viewing) with or without correction.

Distant Vision Acuity: Binocular visual acuity must be at least 20/30, with or without correction.

Uncorrected Vision: Uncorrected binocular vision must be 20/100 or better.

Color Vision: Must be able to distinguish primary colors as defined by color perception Ishihara Pseudoisochromatic plate tests; use of an X-chrome lens is not acceptable.

Refractive Surgery: LASIK-free from residual effects three months post-procedure; Other Procedures - Free from residual effects one year after surgery.

Audiometric (Hearing)

Average hearing in decibels (dB) for the 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 frequencies must not exceed 25 dB.

Hearing may not exceed 45 dB at the 4000 and 6000 Hz in either ear.

The difference in hearing levels between the better ear and the worse ear may not exceed 30 dB at the 4000 and 6000 frequency.

The difference in hearing levels between the better ear threshold and the worse ear threshold may not exceed 15 dB for the average of 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz.

The use of hearing aid is not allowed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIROMENTAL FACTORS

The essential duties and tasks are performed indoors and outdoors throughout the day and night under various environmental conditions. These conditions include working: in quiet and noise; in extreme outdoor temperatures (i.e., 90 degrees and above to below 32 degrees); when exposed to exhaust fumes and chemicals, dust and wind, dampness (humidity, rain, snow, sleet); under less than optimum viewing conditions (i.e., reduced lighting, bright sun light, glare, fog); around moving vehicles; on uneven ground with loose footing and slippery surfaces and above ground level at the high elevations (i.e., 5-15 feet or greater). Due to the unique function of the job, the officer may work extended or unscheduled hours including weekends and holidays and be required to rotate shifts, assignments and duty stations. The work may involve short term or long term assignments to any one of the following specialized duties: specialized enforcement and special response teams, targeting and analysis teams, canine/officer teams, as well as firearms, port security, or hazardous materials duties.

The physical demands range from sedentary to arduous and includes sustained heavy manual labor and the operation of hand controls and other equipment. The officer must have adequate range of motion in all joints, sufficient muscular strength, flexibility and endurance to perform sustained physical activities. The job tasks performed by the position are classified into the following categories: vision, read/comprehend, communicate, write, sit, stand, run/walk, bend/stoop, push/pull, lift/carry, climb, and drive.

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

The uniformed officer performs the essential job duties wearing a special holster to carry the agency issued firearm in addition to other personal protection equipment. The officer performs multiple job tasks simultaneously.

The same physical and mental activities are performed over and over. The job duties are performed individually and as a team. The work may be performed in remote locations or in relatively isolated areas. The officer must maintain constant vision awareness of the surrounding area and be prepared to react quickly, make split second decisions and take appropriate action including the use of force to armed and dangerous situations or to information received after face-to-face contact has been made.

The CBP Officer is responsible for obtaining information from various sources, performing visual and physical inspections, and making complex risk assessments to identify those travelers and shipments which may be released or detained for further examinations. The officer screens travelers, luggage and traffic and must be able to communicate effectively and deal with all types of people. The officer reviews and compares printed documents and records; identifies and describes a person or suspect (i.e., by face or the color of articles worn or carried), vehicles (i.e., by license plate number, color and relative distance), the significance of objects (i.e., by size, shape and relative distance), merchandise and other conveyances (i.e., aircraft, railway cars, and ships);

and performs physical inspections and secondary examinations of suspects, vehicles, vessels, containers and cargo (i.e., mail, foods, plants and animal by-products and other items of interest). Performance of the physical inspections and secondary examinations or searches consist of the officer reaching above shoulder level, kneeling (on one or both knees), assuming awkward positions in confined spaces, crawling on the hands and knees, heavy lifting and carrying (50 pounds and more), climbing (ladders and scaffolds), and jumping from heights of 4-5 feet. The duties of the position are such that the officer must escalate quickly from performing sedentary activities to carrying out moderate to strenuous physical activities in which rapid and coordinated movements are necessary to pursue then physically control a suspect and sprint or run at full speed for 150 feet to respond to an emergency.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Applicants/employees are responsible for demonstrating that they are physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. These requirements must be met by individuals subsequent to appointment and for inservice placement actions, including reinstatement of former employees and transfers from positions not covered by this standard.

All applicants must undergo a medical examination provided by the agency before entering on duty. Individuals with a history of a particular medical problem or have an existing medical condition are required to provide objective information from their personal physician or practitioner that demonstrates the exact nature and stability of the condition(s) and/or physical defect(s). The decision as to the person’s medical acceptability for the position shall be made based on the information obtained during the general physical exam, consideration of the medical/mental documentation supplied by the individual and other employment factors.

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

The officer must maintain proficiency in the use of non-lethal techniques and qualify with the weapon on a recurrent basis in order to maintain authorization to carry a service issued firearm. Employees authorized to operate Government vehicles for official purposes are required to maintain a current driver’s license and demonstrate that they are medically qualified to operate the appropriate vehicle safely.

Suzanne T. Ashford May 17, 2016 Chief, Medical and Fitness Branch Benefits, Medical and Worklife Division

CBP Officer (1895) - Generalist Position Essential Tasks List

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

April 20, 2016 Page 1 of 7

Lift/Carry

Without assistance, lift and carry objects weighing 10 to 29 lbs (e.g., boxes, cargo, contraband, equipment, luggage, mail, tools, etc.).

Without assistance, lift and carry objects weighing 30 to 59 lbs (e.g., boxes, cargo, contraband, equipment, luggage, mail, tools, etc.).

With assistance, lift and carry objects weighing 30 to 59 lbs (e.g., boxes, cargo, contraband, equipment, luggage, mail, tools, etc.).

Lift/lower objects to/from heights shoulder level and above (e.g., boxes, cargo, contraband, equipment, luggage, mail, tools, etc.).

5 Lift objects (e.g., tire, luggage, boxes) out of trunk of vehicle.

Push/Pull

Perform a personal search and/or pat down of individuals for weapons or contraband (e.g., drugs) by running hands over clothing.

Drag/push heavy objects a short distance (e.g., boxes, cargo, contraband, equipment, luggage, mail, tools, gates).

Push/pull on objects (e.g., vehicle parts, luggage, seats, furniture) to conduct inspections or search for contraband.

9 Open/close container and trailer doors (e.g., gate doors, roll-up doors).

10 Place stamp on paperwork/documents, delivered items, or packages at airport, land border, or seaport.

Climb

11 Climb onto/into tractor-trailer, container, freight, cargo, or equipment to perform inspection or search activities.

Quick Movements

Move quickly to evade oncoming vehicles or equipment (e.g., forklifts, tugs, food service vehicles, emergency service vehicles, baggage carriers, fleeing vehicles/port runners).

13 Scramble over table/counter to pursue or restrain individual.

Use of Force

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

April 20, 2016 Page 2 of 7

14 Without assistance, pull/drag individual (e.g., smuggler, resistive person, incapacitated person).

15 With assistance, pull/drag individual (e.g., smuggler, resistive person, incapacitated person).

Without assistance, separate uncooperative persons by pushing, pulling, or using locks, grips, or holds (e.g., break up fights).

With assistance, separate uncooperative persons by pushing, pulling, or using locks, grips, or holds (e.g., break up fights).

Without assistance, physically restrain/subdue a resistive individual using reasonable and necessary force (e.g., violator, mental patient, drugged person).

With assistance, physically restrain/subdue a resistive individual using reasonable and necessary force (e.g., violator, mental patient, drugged person).

Place and remove hand restraints while an individual is in the standing, kneeling, or prone position (e.g.

handcuff, flex cuff, blue/black box, etc.).

21 Place and remove leg restraints on a resistive suspect.

22 Apply compliance holds/joint manipulation to control a person without injury.

Without assistance, remove resistant individual from, or place into, vehicle (e.g., car, tractor-trailer, under terminal restriction [UTR] vehicle, cage vehicle).

With assistance, remove resistant individual from, or place into, vehicle (e.g., car, tractor-trailer, under terminal restriction [UTR] vehicle, cage vehicle).

25 Pull non-resistive undocumented aliens out of hidden compartments (e.g., trunk, in dash, gas tank).

26 Block, evade, and deliver personal weapon strikes, with arms, hands, or legs.

27 Discharge OC spray at resistive individual (e.g., suspect) while avoiding blow back effects to others in the area.

28 Use asp/expandable baton to defend against an attacking or aggressively resistant person.

29 Physically restrain a combative person after running.

30 Escort detained individuals between locations.

31 Determine whether to use force and the type of force appropriate to the situation.

32 Load and unload handgun, shotgun, or rifle.

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

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Fire 30-170 rounds with handgun, shotgun, or rifle at target during firearms practice or qualification using dominant and off hand from all positions (stand, prone, crouched, kneel, behind barricade).

34 Fire weapon on the job.

35 Draw and maintain weapon on target until back-up arrives.

36 Assemble/disassemble and clean hand gun, shotgun, or rifle.

37 Complete combat-style shooting course with handgun, shotgun, or rifle as part of firearms training.

38 After running in pursuit of a subject fire handgun, shotgun, or rifle.

Bend/Stoop

Bend/stoop/squat to look for contraband or physical evidence during passenger, ship, vehicle, tractor-trailer, railcar, or aircraft inspection or searches.

40 Bend/stoop/squat to inspect tires, wheels, and underside of vehicles, trailers, and aircraft.

41 Bend to lift or place boxes, objects, luggage, or contraband from pallet or floor.

Stoop/squat to walk in confined areas (e.g., tunnels, cargo containers, cargo holds of aircraft and ships) or to maintain cover.

Bend/stoop/squat to get into position or maintain position during operations or emergency incidents (e.g., armed and dangerous situations).

Reach up/overhead to complete processing, inspection, or search activities (e.g., pass documents to travelers, search for contraband, etc.).

Reach down to complete processing, inspection, or search activities (e.g., pass documents to travelers, search for contraband, etc.).

Reach into confined spaces (e.g., inside container walls, compartments in vehicles, cargo, etc.) to remove evidence or contraband.

47 Turn at shoulders, waist, and/or hips to access small confined areas/cavities of aircraft, ship, or container.

Stand

Stand for extended periods of time at airport, land border, or seaport (e.g., to process travelers, inspect cargo, monitor traffic).

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

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Stand on unstable or uneven surfaces to conduct inspection, or search activities (e.g., freight, airplane armrests).

Walk

50 Walk continuously at land border, airport, or seaport (e.g., to conduct scans, searches, escort vehicles).

Walk up and down between stopped and moving vehicles/tractor-trailers to check vehicles/tractor-trailers and question travelers.

52 Walk on uneven or unstable ground at land border, airport, or seaport.

53 Walk up 1 to 3 floors of building stairs.

Run

Run in pursuit of fleeing person, in response to a dangerous situation, to assist another officer, or to cover and concealment.

Sit

Sit for extended periods of time at airport, land border, or seaport to complete/process paperwork, review travel documents, process seizures or detainees, or to operate computers and controls.

Operate Hand Controls

Operate stationary or mobile X-ray unit (e.g., VACIS, low z imaging to detect materials with low atomic elements which are in narcotics) to detect drugs, smuggled goods, or smuggled individuals.

Use fiberscope (a bundle of fiberoptic cable that looks into a non-accessible area) and eyepiece to search a non-accessible area for contraband.

58 Operate radiation detection device (e.g., RIID) to identify radioactive materials.

59 Operate equipment that requires pushing buttons (PRD, portable radio, range finder, density meter).

Operate computer to enter and retrieve data (e.g., ACE, MARC, TECS, IRIS, CIS, NCIC) or complete reports/paperwork.

61 Take usable rolled fingerprints of individuals.

Use hand tools (e.g., wire cutter, screw driver, knife) to remove vehicle parts or access and/or destroy contraband.

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

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63 Use drug test kits to field test drugs (e.g., break glass ambule and observe color change).

64 Communicate with people (travelers, other officers) or canine using hand signals.

Drive

65 Safely operate vehicle on roadways, highways, airport grounds (airside), or container terminals.

66 Drive mobile non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment (e.g., VACIS, x-ray and radiation machines).

Write

67 Complete forms consisting of short descriptive phrases, fill in the blanks, and/or checking boxes.

68 Complete narrative reports.

Complete forms or reports while interacting with others (e.g., affidavits, depositions, sworn statements, criminal complaints).

Read

Read and comprehend words, numbers, and graphs in documents, forms, reports, computer screens, and other printed or written materials (e.g., cargo, container, shipping, immigration, or vehicle documents, CBP policies and procedures, referral slip, etc.).

Critical Thinking & Analysis

Gather facts, data, or evidence through sound investigative procedures (e.g., interviews, observations, interrogations, records analysis, scene survey, targeting, etc.).

72 Review information, data, or evidence to determine if discrepancies, irregularities, or fluctuations exist.

Analyze and integrate information to identify trends, rules, and relationships, draw appropriate conclusions, make recommendations, and address issues or problems.

Make sound, timely, and well-informed decisions or recommendations based on available information, data, or evidence.

75 Plan, organize, and balance tasks and assignments to accomplish work in a timely manner.

Calculate

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

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Perform simple arithmetic calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) to determine whether cargo matches bill of lading or invoice, calculate duty, calculate security features in visa, canine stats on training aids, baggage counts, etc.).

Communicate

Communicate effectively with others by speaking in a clear, concise, and well organized manner and listening (e.g., citizens, travelers, importers/exporters. USA, AUSA, etc.) to exchange information or provide instructions.

78 Testify at a trial or hearing.

Communicate with Spanish speaking travelers.

Hearing

80 Hear an order or instruction spoken in a normal tone from a distance of 10-25 feet.

Hear conversation or instruction over the sounds of background noise (e.g., machinery, traffic, boat motors, jet engines, crowd noise) at airport, land border, or seaport.

82 Listen to radio and distinguish appropriate calls.

83 Identify speech and voice characteristics of individuals (e.g., sex, age, accent, inflection, speech pattern).

Hear sounds that should be investigated and approximate their origin (e.g., breaking glass, gun shots, alarm, screeching tires, angry or fearful voices).

85 Listen for sounds while searching an area for an individual/person (e.g., whispering, movement, breathing).

Listen for traffic on dock, airfield, or warehouse in immediate area where inspecting cargo or talking to individuals.

Detect differences in sounds (e.g., differences in sounds resulting from tapping on tires, metal tanks, aircraft compartments, or container walls to determine if they contain objects or are full or empty).

Vision

88 Visually inspect luggage, individuals, vehicles, cargo, containers, etc. for abnormalities.

89 Visually inspect color, stamps, printing, and other security features of documents to detect alterations.

Permission to make derivative documents must be obtained from the Chief of the Medical and Fitness Branch

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Visually estimate the length, width, or depth of objects to assess whether they are consistent with expected or conventional sizes.

Read numbers and letters on vehicles, containers, vessels, railcars, aircraft or other conveyances from a distance of 10-25 feet.

92 Visually compare facial features to photographs to identify imposters.

93 Monitor vehicles or people for unusual activity (e.g., passengers changing lines, vehicles changing lanes).

94 Visually check for moving equipment or traffic on airport grounds, in warehouses, at land borders, or seaports.

Distinguish between different colors on hazmat placards, computer screens, documents, drug tests, pH strips, etc.

96 Identify contraband by observing x-ray screen.

Use flashlight to search areas (vehicles, containers, aircraft, ship) or read documentation (e.g., license, registration, identification number).

98 Use UV lights to examine documents for authenticity.

Miscellaneous

Detect smells that should be investigated and approximate their origin (e.g., narcotics, smoke, soap, coffee, gas, alcohol, chemical agents).

100 Feel travel documents for textures, ridges, or thickness and to identify security features and tampering.

101 Feel for differences/abnormalities in various objects (e.g., cargo, luggage, tires, quarter panels, etc.).

102 Deal calmly and effectively with high stress, dangerous, or emergency situations.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection - CBP Officer, Technical Report No. 620 Physical Abilities Job Analysis for Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) Positions, July 2009.