A professional who investigates persons, common carriers, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States, to protect government and business interests and prevent irregular or prohibited importing and exporting. Responsibilities include:

• Develops sources of information to complete investigations of customs violations.
• Examines private and public records, interrogates and investigates persons, and uses technical and scientific devices to establish facts, verify data, and secure legal evidence.
• Determines investigative and arrest or seizure techniques to be used and directs activities of assisting agents.
• Analyzes and assembles facts and evidence.
• Seizes contraband, vehicles, and air or sea craft suspected of carrying smuggled merchandise.
• Arrests violators of customs and related laws.
• Institutes civil and criminal prosecutions.
• Investigates applications for duty refunds.
• Petitions for remission or mitigation of penalties.
• Testifies in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Coordinates activities with other federal or state agencies to enforce customs and related laws.
• May be required to carry weapon.