Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

INTERNAL JOB POSTING - ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE MTA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Job Title:Request for Consideration – Police Officer, Highway and Bridge Safety Unit 

Dept/Div:MTA Police Department/Special Operations Division

Supervisor:Commanding Officer, Special Operations Division

Location:Henry Hudson Bridge, Cross Bay/Marine Park Bridge

Hours of Work: Three (3) twelve-hour tours

Summary:

The MTA Police Department is seeking Police Officers for a new Small Spans assignment—within the Highway & Bridge Safety Unit (HBSU). This assignment is designed to support round-the-clock highway and bridge safety operations at MTA minor bridge spans (Henry Hudson Bridge, Cross Bay Bridge, and Marine Park Bridges.

Responsibilities:

Primary Responsibilities – Small Span Assignment

• Patrol MTA-managed minor bridges, including adjacent highways, ramps, toll zones, and local roads within MTA jurisdiction.
• Conduct routine security checks of MTA property located on or near minor bridges.
• Respond to service calls received via central communications, the Bridge and Tunnel Operations Desk, or MTA-issued radio/telephone communications from civilian personnel.
• Assist stranded motorists and support MTA maintenance crews by facilitating traffic control during vehicle removals and debris clearance.
• Monitor traffic and weather conditions on bridges to ensure safe travel; implement travel restrictions or roadway closures as needed.
• Monitor radios, telephones, and surveillance camera systems; respond promptly to incidents requiring police presence.
• Enforce New York State laws and MTA regulations regarding traffic and toll violations through the issuance of summonses or arrests, as appropriate.
• Investigate traffic accidents and assist involved parties; complete all required Police Accident Reports.
• Provide testimony in court proceedings related to enforcement actions and/or traffic collision investigations.
• Monitor local police radio channels and coordinate operations with nearby NYPD precincts and highway units.

Additional Responsibilities - Highway Unit

• Conduct traffic enforcement operations on and around all MTA properties throughout the region, including within MTA toll zones (e.g., Congestion Relief Zone).
• Participate in police ceremonies and perform escort duties as required.
• Conduct train crossing enforcement operations and participate in public safety awareness initiatives.
• Oversee the safe, efficient and expeditious flow of traffic for commuters utilizing the various transportation systems of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to include the MTA Bridges & Tunnels, Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Railroad and New York City Transit.
• Conduct effective traffic enforcement initiatives which include criminal arrests and the issuance of uniform traffic tickets at MTA Bridges and Tunnels, within the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ), all commuter railroads and NYCT locations throughout all regions of the departments patrol area.
• Conduct and complete crash investigations involving passenger/commercial motor vehicles, pedestrians, department vehicles and train incidents
• Effectively utilize specialized equipment to include, toll evasion detection equipment (ELSAG), speed enforcement detection equipment (radar/lidar), mobile license plate readers (ALPR’s), blood alcohol concentration detection equipment, etc.
• Conduct commercial vehicle enforcement details related to over dimensioned escorts, commercial transport, weight limits, hazardous materials, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Provide police escorts for emergency circumstances, transit/railroad equipment, dignitaries, funeral processions, and other events requiring the safe delivery of persons/assets.
• Actively engage in public relations initiatives including, the education of civilians regarding highway safety, railroad crossing safety, alcohol impairment, safe driving habits and other events.
• Obtain and retain driver’s license endorsements permitting the operation of specialized vehicles, including but not limited to, motorcycles, commercial motor vehicles, trailers, etc.
• Provide specialized training to members of the department concerning highway safety topics.
• Appear and effectively testify in criminal court and traffic court related matters.
• Conduct effective joint law enforcement operations with partner law enforcement agencies.

Qualifications:

Interested members must, at a minimum, possess the following qualifications to be considered for this position:

• Must be a police officer in good standing, with a clean service record—free from issues related to excessive sick leave, disciplinary actions, or preventable accidents.
• Minimum of one (1) year of law enforcement experience.

Appointment Requirements:

•A commitment to serve in the Highway & Bridge Safety Unit for a minimum of two (2) years.

•Proficiency in departmental software and equipment, including but not limited to:

• Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS)
• License Plate Reader (LPR) systems
• NYS eJustice Integrated Justice Portal

•Willingness to conform to uniform and appearance standards specific to the unit and operate across all assigned geographic areas.

•Ability to work cooperatively with multiple law enforcement agencies and participate in all required training and operations.

•Able to take initiative and make informed decisions autonomously in the field, while maintaining communication with supervisors and following departmental procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of five (5) years of sworn law enforcement experience.
• Previous experience in highway patrol, traffic enforcement, or bridge safety operations.
• Familiarity with traffic enforcement tools and duties, such as:
  • Radar/laser speed measurement devices
  • Commercial vehicle and hazardous material regulations
  • Accident scene investigation and reconstruction
• Possession of specialized licenses, such as motorcycle or commercial driver’s licenses, for use of departmental vehicles.
• Experience in ceremonial or specialized assignments, such as:
  • Police escorts (funerals, dignitaries, emergency vehicles)
  • Public safety awareness campaigns
  • Multi-agency task forces or regional operations

Other Information

Based on the needs of the department, members may have to change their regional designation.

Once selected, the MTA Police Department will provide training to assist the Officer to ensure they can successfully complete the duties of this role.

Interested members who meet the above listed qualifications will be invited to participate in a panel interview.  Candidates should understand that they are not guaranteed an assignment even if they meet each of the above qualifications.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members to apply.