The Qualification of the Customs Inspector Supervisor - Essay Example

Customs Inspector

Customs inspectors are individuals who work at the various ports of entry into the country and it is their duty to ensure that they carry out inspections of passenger bags and cargo so that no illegal items or substances can enter the country. They are also considered a line of defense against any forms of harmful pests that might be imported into the country as a result of being attached to the numerous agricultural goods that pass through the ports of entry. Goods manifests are checked by customs inspectors to make sure that there are no violations of the laws of the country as well as labor standards (World Customs Organization, 2007). Additionally, customs inspectors have the responsibility of making sure that passengers declare all currency and items that they have purchased abroad so that they can pay all the proper taxes that are required from the goods. However, while there are often numerous customs inspectors in ports of entry, it is important that they all receive a level of supervision.

Qualifications

Law and law enforcement

One of the most important qualifications that a customs inspector should have is experience working with law enforcement. This is especially the case in situations where there is need to work hand in hand with diverse law enforcement agencies at different capacities at the port of entry (Gilboy, 1997). Furthermore, as employees of the government, they should be conversant with the various laws concerning the control of imports and exports because these are directly in their domain. Such an understanding ensures that they know how to handle different issues that might arise throughout their workday in such a way that is not only legal, but also upholds the integrity of their employer. Customs inspectors should also have a level of training concerning how to handle criminal matters in the port of entry because there are often instances where they might detect the smuggling of such items as drugs and arms that are a danger for the entire country. This is where their law enforcement training comes in because they are able to not only stop the movement of such items, but also make sure that their presence is reported to law enforcement agencies so that investigations can be carried out (Hohzaki & Masuda, 2012). Additionally, as a result of the rising instances of terrorist attacks all over the world, it has become essential for individuals who wish to become customs inspectors to have received a level of anti-terrorism training. This is to ensure that they can be able to step in under those situations where law enforcement agencies might not be immediately available. During such circumstances, customs inspectors are required to be willing to risk their lives for protecting travelers’ lives as well as their place of work from damage.

Language

Knowledge of the national language as well as an international one such as English is important for customs inspectors because it allows them to be able to communicate effectively with travelers and to read documents that have been written in English. An understanding of the structure and content of the English language is, therefore, an important aspect of the qualifications that a customs inspector should have since it helps them achieve a level of competence in the way that they conduct their work at a port of entry.

Education

It is essential for the customs inspectors to have at least a bachelor’s degree in any field because it allows for additional competence in their tasks in their place of work. Having a degree in any field also advances their workplace because they bring in a wide diversity of knowledge from different fields, which are essential in making sure that there is no lack of capacity for handling situations originating from diverse origins at the port of entry.

Customer service

It is important for customs inspectors to have knowledge concerning the principles and processes involved in the provision of customer and personal services. This is because they have the responsibility of providing services to customers, which include assessment and other services, which also require that there is an evaluation of customer satisfaction (Kugler, 2014). Therefore, customs inspectors have to be willing to conduct their duties as best as they can, in order to not only fulfill them, but also to bring about customer satisfaction, which is likely to be an important factor in measuring their efficiency.

Psychology

A basic understanding of human behavior is important in any workplace and this is a reason why customs inspectors should be individuals who have knowledge in psychology. There are instances where it is essential for a customs inspector to observe the behavior closely individuals coming through the port of entry because of the risk that these individuals might be smuggling items into the country. It is, therefore, necessary to make sure that they have the necessary knowledge of human behavior in order to seek out those individuals who display suspicious behavior that might involve a risk to public safety, or illegal activity that might end up being detrimental for society.

Sociological and anthropological knowledge

An understanding of human behavior should also be accompanied by sociological and anthropological knowledge because it ensures that the customs inspector is able to determine the diverse aspects of group behavior that might be important for his line of work. The treatment of individuals often depends on their culture, history, and origins; meaning that the effectiveness of a customs officer is dependent on the knowledge of the latter so that he can ensure that he works effectively while at the same time not giving offense to those travelers he has to work with (Kugler, 2014). A customs inspector who has knowledge and appreciation for the cultures of other people is most likely to be more effective in his work because he is not only able to communicate easily with individuals from different cultures, but also gains maximum cooperation from these individuals as a result.

Skills

Problem solving

It is important for customs inspectors to have a diverse set of skills that can be used to enhance their work. The first of these is the need to have complex problem solving skills, which are essential in making sure that complex problems at the port of entry are identified, reviewed, and options for their solutions swiftly developed and implemented.

Service orientation

This attribute should also be accompanied by service orientation, which involves the customs inspectors being able to actively seek out ways through which they can help the people passing through their jurisdiction (Tabili, 2005). It is most likely that the help that they provide to travelers will reflect on their efficiency because it will allow for a faster delivery of services, where there would otherwise have developed massive traffic that would have hindered service delivery.

Negotiation skills

Moreover, being able to negotiate is an essential skill that a customs inspector should possess since it allows him to bring individuals together and trying to reconcile their differences so that they can achieve amicable solutions for their problems. This skill can be extremely useful for those customs inspectors who have the ambition of being promoted to supervisory roles because it is an essential leadership skill.

Time management

Time management is an essential skill that a customs inspector should have because it pushes him towards ensuring that schedules are cleared on time, especially considering that there is always constant traffic at ports of entry. Therefore, customs inspectors have to make sure that they take steps towards enhancing their efficiency in such a way that they are not only thorough in their work, but also do so within the assigned schedule.

Customs Inspector Supervisor

The role of the customs inspector supervisor is extremely important since this individual is responsible for monitoring the activities of customs inspectors as well as handling those cases that are considered too serious. Furthermore, the customs inspector supervisor has to make sure that he undertakes the task of supervising the manner through which customs inspectors conduct themselves. If there are any violations or problems on their part, that he either proposes that they be punished or provides them with guidance towards solving the problems involved so that they can work more efficiently.

Qualifications

Managerial experience

Among the qualifications that a customs inspector supervisor needs in order to have the job is a minimum of three years’ experience working with individuals in approved work situations (Joyner, 2016). This is an essential qualification because it ensures that the individual has the necessary experience needed to work effectively with others while at the same time promoting the development of knowledge concerning how to handle diverse workplace situations. By working in diverse managerial positions, it becomes possible for the individual involved to ensure that he has the knowledge needed to solve different workplace conflicts. At the same time, it helps in bringing about an understanding of the different motivations that guide his subordinates and working towards utilizing these motivations to make the customs inspectors under his supervision more efficient in their work. Thus, work experience in different situations enhances the capabilities of the customs inspector supervisor to such an extent that it leads to effective leadership.

Integrity and issues concerning corruption

Having integrity is vital for the supervisor because this characteristic is often developed during the period when the individual involved is having management experience. Therefore, integrity is important because it helps the customs inspector supervisor to gain the respect of those who work with him while at the same time preventing any type of illegal activities from taking place under his watch. It is imperative that the supervisor have a clean record which is not tainted with issues concerning corruption or abuse of office. Customs is extremely important in matters concerning governance because it is one of the major sources of income for the government. Therefore, it is important for the customs inspector supervisor to ensure that he conducts his work diligently in such a way that he is not only ethical, but also seeks to make sure that there are adequate attempts aimed at keeping records concerning all goods that pass through customs, and collecting all the revenues required from these goods.

The customs inspector supervisor should come up with innovative ways aimed at bringing about transparency in their work. This is done for the purpose of making the customs inspector supervisor able to conduct his activities with integrity while at the same time promoting effective revenue collection. Thus, he does not end up becoming a hindrance to the process of government revenue collection because of the refusal to get involved in corrupt practices (Joyner, 2016). An individual who has questionable integrity and who has a history of corrupt practices should not be allowed to take on the customs inspector supervisor position because to do so would end up exposing this individual to situations which would be difficult to manage; bringing about the development of administrative problems that have a negative effect their duties (Barr, 2007).

Education

In addition, of managerial experience, it is essential for a customs inspector supervisor to have at least a bachelor’s degree in any field that deals with management issues and leadership. Such educational experience is important in ensuring that the customs inspector supervisor is able to communicate effectively, keep records, as well as conduct inspections in such a way that promotes the highest efficiency possible. Furthermore, it is through having education in management that it becomes possible for him to promote good working relationships, listening to advice, finding innovative ways to make tasks easier, as well as encouraging teamwork, which are essential in making customs inspectors under him more effective. Managerial education is also important because the customs inspector supervisor is better able to place himself in a position where he become invigorating force that enables the team to make sure that all functions are conducted efficiently.

Law enforcement experience

It is important for a customs inspector supervisor to have several years’ experience working in immigration, customs inspections, or law enforcement in order to have the necessary experience needed to handle diverse situations in the port of entry (Gilboy, 1997). Experience working in an environment dealing with suspected illegal aliens is also important for an individual who wishes to have the supervisor position because it allows for an understanding of how to handle issues concerning illegal immigration as well as how best to ensure that suspected aliens are dealt with before being handed to law enforcement (Anton, 2013).

Performance

In this circumstance, it is essential for the customs inspector supervisor to ensure that he not only behaves ethically, but also aims at excellent performance because it is one of the ways through which it becomes possible to bring about the trust and respect from the team that promotes the effectiveness of the customs inspector supervisor in his work. High performance targets set by the supervisor become an example, which ends up being followed by the customs inspectors within the team to such an extent that it leads to their ability to not only reach revenue collection targets, but also to exceed them (Cheng, 2010). Therefore, performance excellence is a considerable addition to educational experience, which allows the customs inspector supervisor to apply his knowledge in the workplace in the correct way.

Skills

Leadership

It is essential that a customs inspector supervisor is able to apply management principles and techniques effectively in order to make sure that the tasks given to his team are conducted in a well-organized manner. As a leader, he should make decisions based on what is good for the team in such a way that promotes greater efficiency because making impulsive decisions can be highly risky in fulfilling his duties.

Communication

There are a diverse number of skills that a customs inspector supervisor has to have to ensure that he works efficiently. The first of these is the need for them to ensure that they have good oral expression because they have to communicate information and give instructions to those under their direct supervision. This means that they have to be able to communicate in such a way that they are not only understood, but also have their ideas well-articulated so that the customs inspectors can be better able to perform their duties.

Problem sensitivity

The supervisor also has to have problem sensitivity, which is highly important when it comes to working within a port of entry. This is because problem sensitivity involves being able to tell whether something is wrong or that there is the possibility of something going wrong. Therefore, while it does not involve solving the problem, it is the recognition of the problem itself that ensures that steps are takes to resolve it.

Writing and comprehension Skills

Writing skills are important for a customs inspector supervisor to have because it is essential for the purpose of making sure that information is not only communicated in writing so that others can understand it, but it is also necessary when writing reports concerning the work progress of the team. Written comprehension is another skill, which a customs inspector supervisor has to have in order to achieve efficiency in their work. This is because it involves the ability to read and understand information that has been put in writing so that they can take action concerning the information whenever the need arises. Through written comprehension skills, one can get ideas concerning the best way through which to handle diverse situations that arise while at the same time acting swiftly on the information provided.

Near vision

In addition, near vision is necessary because it allows the customs inspector supervisor to ensure that he sees details concerning different aspects of the workplace at close range. In this way, it contributes to the advancement of observation of matters, which would have otherwise passed the notice of an individual without this skill.

Good memory

A good memory helps the customs inspector supervisor to make their work more efficient because he is able to remember information such as words, procedures, among others, which are essential in making sure that in case of any errors or misunderstandings. The supervisor is better able to bring about a swift solution that prevents the entire situation getting out of hand.

Perceptual speed

Perceptual speed, which involves being able to swiftly and precisely compare similarities and differences in letters, numbers, pictures, among others, which allow for the comparison of an object with a remembered object.