I know a Custom's official personally, he visits us several times a week. I know of no nicer person I would rather have checking bags, perhaps he is too nice to be honest. Having an slight insight into the training and screening they recieve, I have to say that they basically have to be the most PC people I know. They definately don't strive to be confrontational, but they do have a job to do and quite often are tested with test subjects and graded, so they must be close to 100% diligent to their duties or perhaps they lose their jobs.
I am sure there are bad apples as all jobs, but "power rides" are not what I am seeing whatsoever.
"... but "power rides" are not what I am seeing whatsoever."
I see the exact opposite. I see "power rides" from TSA agents on a continual basis. I fly frequently, unfortunately, and there are all kinds. Many are very kind, accommodating and likeable. Others are extremely off-putting, arrogant and most definitely out to let you know they have power.
I absolutely believe your friend is just as you say. And he probably does a terrific job for our country. In and my wife deal with customs about five or six times a year. It only takes one little napoleon gestapo prick every few years to make you wish you had never returned to the dear old sod believe me!