CBP officer

[AlcatrazT2]

Does anyone know when the next job announcement is?

[Dfly123]

Question regarding tax deductions, now I know CBPOs can get tax deductions for drycleaning, tolls and other things directly related to the job, but one of my administrative CBPO's was talking about some of the deductions but didnt get to much into it due to it being time to head home, but I was wondering if anyone knew what other expenses might be covered for CBPO's ... such as gas since I am driving 75 miles one way to work. Just one thing to keep in mind for all the new hires like myself.
Thanks

[ArmouredSainT]

As far as gas is concerned, that really depends on your state's tax laws. Generally, you can only claim mileage if you or ordered to a duty station where the new travel distance exceeds your routine drive. If you are 75 miles out and sent to another port 30 miles out, you can not claim mileage. However, if you live 75 miles out and are sent some place further than 75 miles away, you can claim every mile over that initial 75 provided that you have not been reimbursed in someway.
Generally, their is compensation available if you are sent to a duty station at a specified distance away. If you already live beyond that limit, who knows exactly how that would work?
Oh, you can also claim hair cuts, meals that were not reimbursed if you are sent somewhere beyond your regular duty station, a percentage of your personal cell phone if used for work, union dues, any uniform tailoring and cleaning, and of course any equipment purchased solely for legitimate use on the job, i.e. no sex toys, movies, inflatable giraffes, etc.

[deyosurf19]

As far as gas is concerned, that really depends on your state's tax laws. Generally, you can only claim mileage if you or ordered to a duty station where the new travel distance exceeds your routine drive. If you are 75 miles out and sent to another port 30 miles out, you can not claim mileage. However, if you live 75 miles out and are sent some place further than 75 miles away, you can claim every mile over that initial 75 provided that you have not been reimbursed in someway.
Generally, their is compensation available if you are sent to a duty station at a specified distance away. If you already live beyond that limit, who knows exactly how that would work?
Oh, you can also claim hair cuts, meals that were not reimbursed if you are sent somewhere beyond your regular duty station, a percentage of your personal cell phone if used for work, union dues, any uniform tailoring and cleaning, and of course any equipment purchased solely for legitimate use on the job, i.e. no sex toys, movies, inflatable giraffes, etc.

Inflatable giraffes LOL, that takes sick to a whole new level.

[shopshop]

Medical Unclear

You either went to an extremely incompetent testing facility, or you are in serious trouble. For you to clear any of the 3 you have to go to 3 different specialists to have them examine you and give you the clear, all of this at your own cost. I can understand Hearing and Depth Perception, because I had my own problems where I tested. The Hearing test has to be done with you placed inside an "isolation" booth to accurately determine your hearing levels, where as in my case I could hear cars driving by on the road outside the office with the headphones on!....They sent me a letter stating that I had "Mild" hearing loss...lol Right!... Then I received a letter stating that I had not passed the "depth perception" test, so I went to an EYE doctor to have the actual test done, and came out with "Better" than average Depth Perception. As to the EKG reading, I think you might run into a dead end, that test is taken by a machine and it won't lie unless they placed the sensors in the wrong places...

Good Luck

[will0861]

Oh, you can also claim hair cuts, meals that were not reimbursed if you are sent somewhere beyond your regular duty station, a percentage of your personal cell phone if used for work, union dues, any uniform tailoring and cleaning, and of course any equipment purchased solely for legitimate use on the job, i.e. no sex toys, movies, inflatable giraffes, etc.[/QUOTE]


So I guess the 18 "Executioner" I bought doesn't count either?........

[shopshop]

Medical Unclear

THANKS YODA,

SO HOW DID ENDED UP PASSING THE VISION & AUDIO TEST, BASE ON MY UNDERSTAND, THERE IS NO WAY TO PASS THE VISION TEST FOR ME WITHOUT GLASSES UNLESS I DO LAZIK SURGERY. I ONLY HAVE THREE WEEK LEFT TO SUBMIT THEIR REQUIREMENT, PLEASE ADVISE.

You either went to an extremely incompetent testing facility, or you are in serious trouble. For you to clear any of the 3 you have to go to 3 different specialists to have them examine you and give you the clear, all of this at your own cost. I can understand Hearing and Depth Perception, because I had my own problems where I tested. The Hearing test has to be done with you placed inside an "isolation" booth to accurately determine your hearing levels, where as in my case I could hear cars driving by on the road outside the office with the headphones on!....They sent me a letter stating that I had "Mild" hearing loss...lol Right!... Then I received a letter stating that I had not passed the "depth perception" test, so I went to an EYE doctor to have the actual test done, and came out with "Better" than average Depth Perception. As to the EKG reading, I think you might run into a dead end, that test is taken by a machine and it won't lie unless they placed the sensors in the wrong places...

Good Luck

[madchiken]

... you can also claim hair cuts...

No, you can't. IRS issued a press release regarding LEO tax deductions and it specifically stated that was not a valid deduction. Same with clothes, unless they can only be worn at work and not off duty (suits).

[shopshop]

Vision Issue

So Sierra, did they clear your status?

has anyone here had a medical issue arise? i had a problem with my vision, so i had to go to my own doctor and have him fill out a form, and now i'm waiting for that to clear. it's already been three weeks since they recieved that...
all i have left is the background check and drug test, and i'm getting tired of waiting. anyone else gone through this?
-thanx

[yoda]

shopshop:

I passed my hearing test, but they sent me a letter stating that I had minor hearing loss on one of my ears. A laughable result since I was supposed to hear the faint tones over cars passing by on the road... I could hear the cars passing by on the road while I was inside the office with the headphones on!...
You can go to any hearing medical office to have the test done.

As for the Depth Perception test, you need to go to an optometrist and have him do the test. I don't think that test is part of the uncorrected vision requirements. They should do peripheral vision and depth perception. If you called MHC and they told you that you didn't pass the uncorrected vision requirements then you will have to get lasik done.

Good Luck

[shopshop]

Medical Issue

Thanks for your information, I am really appreciated that, I might consider for Lasik surgery anyway, I can completed within a short period of time. Even I clear my medical, I still have BI to worry about, why did they make it so hard even they need tremedous of workforce.

shopshop:

I passed my hearing test, but they sent me a letter stating that I had minor hearing loss on one of my ears. A laughable result since I was supposed to hear the faint tones over cars passing by on the road... I could hear the cars passing by on the road while I was inside the office with the headphones on!...
You can go to any hearing medical office to have the test done.

As for the Depth Perception test, you need to go to an optometrist and have him do the test. I don't think that test is part of the uncorrected vision requirements. They should do peripheral vision and depth perception. If you called MHC and they told you that you didn't pass the uncorrected vision requirements then you will have to get lasik done.

Good Luck

[cargo82]

I am also dealing with not being medically cleared. My problem is that i had a knee injury like 8 years ago that wasnt serious. Anyway they want me to see an orthopedic specialist, but i was able to locate the doctor that treated me 8 years ago. He is not an orthopedist, but he is the one who diagnosed my condition. Do you guys think a clearance letter from him would be enough? because i tried making an appointment with several specialists and they are booked till the end of the month, which is after the deadline cbp gave me.
thanks.

[gms632]

I am also dealing with not being medically cleared. My problem is that i had a knee injury like 8 years ago that wasnt serious. Anyway they want me to see an orthopedic specialist, but i was able to locate the doctor that treated me 8 years ago. He is not an orthopedist, but he is the one who diagnosed my condition. Do you guys think a clearance letter from him would be enough? because i tried making an appointment with several specialists and they are booked till the end of the month, which is after the deadline cbp gave me.
thanks.

I have the same exact problem.... with a minor shoulder injury. I emailed the medical department and asked them if I could go to my primary care physician for the letter/report because he is the doctor who treated me (never had to go to a specialist or surgeon over it). A nurse called me and told me that I can get a report from the PCP initially, but the medical clearance panel may not accept it. If that happens I will then have to go to an orthopedic surgeon. They will also extend the deadline to give you more time to make another appointment, etc. The MHC medical department is very friendly and helpful… email or call them with any questions.

[USMC3537]

THANKS YODA,

SO HOW DID ENDED UP PASSING THE VISION & AUDIO TEST, BASE ON MY UNDERSTAND, THERE IS NO WAY TO PASS THE VISION TEST FOR ME WITHOUT GLASSES UNLESS I DO LAZIK SURGERY. I ONLY HAVE THREE WEEK LEFT TO SUBMIT THEIR REQUIREMENT, PLEASE ADVISE.

I had the same problem. I couldn't get cleared because of my vision so I had LASIK done. I had horrible vision and now I see 20/20, it's incredible. Once you get the LASIK you must get a letter from you Dr. stating the procedure, the date it was conducted, and the results. This letter needs to be sent to the Medical Unit and then they will in turn send you a packet that you will need to take to your Dr. 90 days after the surgery for him to fill out. Right now I'm still waiting for the 90 days to be up, I'm at 59.

[barnaj]

new vacany

They must need people pretty badly for the new hiring vacancy. I re-applied on July 24th, i think and got a T.O. packet yesterday, now thats quick by the MHC's standards.