Border Patrol Recruitment: Waiving Polygraph for Experienced Officers and Veterans
This new law aims to streamline the hiring process for experienced law enforcement officers and veterans seeking employment with U.S. Customs and Border Protection by waiving the mandatory polygraph examination. This change allows qualified individuals with prior service to join the Border Patrol more quickly, enhancing border security. The act also includes provisions for monitoring the effectiveness of these changes.
Key points
Waives polygraph examination for experienced state/local, federal law enforcement officers, and military veterans applying to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Requires at least 3 years of service and a clean disciplinary record for candidates eligible for the waiver.
Allows for a polygraph examination if new information raises concerns about a candidate, even if initially waived.
Mandates annual reports to Congress for 5 years on the number of waivers granted and their impact on Border Patrol hiring.
Includes a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review comparing disciplinary actions of waived hires versus those who passed the polygraph.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_2163
Sponsor: Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]
Process start date: 2025-06-25