Retirement Surge May Leave Already Overworked CBP Officers Vulnerable

Retirement Rises

Currently, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employs about 28,500 officers across 328 ports of entry across the U.S. and 15 preclearance ports outside the country. According to the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), this leaves CBP short 5,850 officers.

The agency is anticipating a retirement surge among its employees, projecting a 400% increase in officer retirements in 2028, according to agency Commissioner Troy Miller. While about 500 CBP employees retire annually, 2,220 are expected to retire in 2028 when 20% of all CBP officers will stop accruing additional law enforcement retirement benefits because they were hired prior to CBP officers being granted law enforcement officer status.

Overworked Officers

CBP officers are already overworked from understaffing. Losing more officers will create worksites that are overwhelmed and prone to errors. NTEU warned that, without adequate hiring ahead of the retirement wave, CBP officers would be subject to excessive overtime. If CBP is unable to replace retiring officers, there may be a catastrophic breakdown in port operations.

Understaffing may lead to burnout, making CBP officers more vulnerable to mistakes and inefficiency. CBP officers are already highly scrutinized in their position, so any misstep will lead to calls for accountability that may lead to allegations and investigations, despite inadequate working conditions. Allegations and investigations can lead to suspensions, terminations, or even personal capacity lawsuits. If an allegation is made against you, it is a necessity, not luxury, to have knowledgeable and effective counsel advocating on your behalf.

FEDS PLI for Law Enforcement Officers

As the professional liability insurance (PLI) provider endorsed by the leading federal law enforcement employee associations, FEDS Protection offers federal employee PLI policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity.  The FEDS policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs. 

Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at $290.  Additionally, federal law enforcement officers, supervisors, and managers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% the cost of their PLI policy through their agency. To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm to speak directly to a representative.

*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.