CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske looks on during a Change of Command ceremony honoring new Academy Chief Dan M. Harris, Jr., on July 20, 2016 in Artesia, N.M.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske recently named Chief Dan M. Harris, Jr., as the new Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, N.M.
During a Change of Command ceremony at the New Mexico academy, Commissioner Kerlikowske honored Chief Harris for his continued commitment to the Border Patrol, and to training the next generation of agents.
“Providing top notch professional training to new Border Patrol Agents is of the utmost importance,” said Commissioner Kerlikowske. “Under Chief Harris’ steady head, I am confident that the Academy will continue to serve as the finest foundation for producing the best-qualified agents to keep our nation and its border safe and secure.”
Commissioner Kerlikowske, CBP Chief Mark Morgan and Chief Dan M. Harris, Jr. stand in formation during the Change of Command Ceremony July 20, 2016 in Artesia, N.M.
Since September 2004, CBP has merged its training of new agents at the Artesia location as part of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Office of Artesia Operations (OAO).
The Artesia location is one of three FLETC residential training sites in the United States. Named for the town where it is located in the heart of southeast New Mexico’s oil and dairy belt, the 3,620-acre site includes a full range of facilities for conducting basic and advanced law enforcement training.
Commissioner Kerlikowske and Chief Mark Morgan talk to Border Patrol Agent interns in Artesia, N.M.
To maintain the high standards of Border Patrol Agents across the United States, the Border Patrol Agent basic training curriculum is undergoing an update in order to utilize the most effective methods and tools available.
The new training curriculum incorporates recommendations from several Use of Force Reviews, the 21st Century Policing Report, the CBP Integrity Advisory Panel report, and also Non-Governmental Organizations. Training will be performance-based, in realistic training environments, with increased focus on safe tactics, de-escalation strategies, and communication techniques.
Under Chief Harris’ command, the U.S. Border Patrol Academy will continue to serve as a reminder of the success of DHS and the FLETC OAO’s ability to train those who protect our homeland.
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