The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Rude behavior by officers at U.S. borders will not be tolerated when it comes to dealing with the millions of people who enter the country each year.
The Customs and Border Protection commissioner said yesterday his agency is taking steps to encourage courteous behavior and good relations with travelers.

The vast majority of officers, Robert Bonner said, are well-behaved and carry out their duties properly. He said there have been some recent instances of rude conduct, though he did not go into detail.

"Let me say that even one incident of rude or hostile conduct tarnishes the image of CBP and gives our country a black eye," Bonner said.

The agency is creating a code of conduct that makes clear that "rude and discourteous behavior" is not permitted; detailing employees to help aid travelers, answer questions and handle problems; and restructuring procedures for tracking complaints.

In addition, Bonner said a "pledge to travelers" to be posted at airports will inform people that agency officers will cordially greet and welcome you to the United States.

The measures are directed to the roughly 20,000 uniformed officers at airports and other entry points, Bonner said. The agency is responsible for making sure that terrorist weapons, drugs and people are not smuggled into the country.