|
April 13, 2000 INS Names New Chief of the Border Patrol Academy WASHINGTON The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) announced this week the selection of Thomas J. Walters as the new Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol Academy. Walters, with nearly 25 years of Border Patrol experience, began his career as a Border Patrol agent in 1975 in El Paso Texas. "Tom Walters is a perfect match for the job as Chief of the Academy," said Gus de la Viņa, Chief of the Border Patrol. "He brings a wide range of experience in operations, strategic planning, and training to the Academy team. I am, as are all the Sector Chiefs, confident that Tom will maintain the quality training and esprit de corps so important to accomplishing the Border Patrol mission." The Border Patrol Academy trains nearly 2,000 new agents each year and is responsible for addressing the advanced training needs of more than 8,000 agents now in the field. New agents must complete a rigorous 19-week training program that includes courses in Immigration and Nationality law, criminal law and statutory authority, behavioral science, intensive Spanish, Border Patrol operations, care and use of firearms, physical training and motor vehicle operation. The Academy is located in Glynco, Ga. and has training sites in Charleston, S.C. and Artesia, N.M. "My mission is easy to understand," said Walters. "Last year, Border Patrol agents made over one and one-half million apprehensions and seized over a billion dollars worth of drugs. The Border Patrol Sectors and the Academy share the responsibility for preparing those agents to get that job done in a safe and professional manner. I will work closely with the Sectors, and together, we will make sure that the agents continue to get the best in law enforcement training." Walters has served in a variety of posts, including Deputy Chief of the Buffalo, N.Y. Border Patrol Sector and Associate Chief in Border Patrol Headquarters. As a member of the Border Patrol Tactical Unit, he has worked in most of the Border Patrols 21 Sectors, and in several South and Central American countries. Walters, 48, and Debbie, his wife of 27 years, have four children. He earned a masters degree at the National War College in 1995 and will end a 14-year assignment with the Border Patrols headquarters in Washington D.C. when he enters on duty as the new Chief of the Border Patrol Academy. Walters will serve as one of 23 Chief Patrol Agents nationwide in the largest federal uniformed law enforcement organization. The U.S. Border Patrol was officially established on May 28, 1924 by an act of Congress passed in response to increasing illegal immigration. The initial force of 450 officers was given the responsibility of combating illegal entries and the growing business of alien smuggling. The Border Patrol now numbers more than 8,000 well-trained and well-equipped officers. While the Border Patrol has changed dramatically since its inception 75 years ago, its primary mission remains unchangedto detect and prevent the unlawful entry of aliens into the United States and to apprehend those persons found to be in the United States in violation of immigration laws. Together with other INS officers, the Border Patrol helps maintain borders that workfacilitating the flow of legal immigration and goods while preventing the illegal traffic of people and contraband and ensuring the safety of all those living in border communities. Photo of Thomas J. Walters available electronically. Call the INS Press Office on
INS |
Last Modified 02/20/2003