Description

                                            Police Officer, Highway and Bridge Safety Unit

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

JOB TITLE:                 Request for Consideration – Police Officer, Highway and Bridge Safety Unit

DEPT/DIV:                   Special Operations Division

SUPERVISOR:            Commanding Officer, SOD

LOCATION:                Henry Hudson Bridge, Marine Parkway Bridge 

Summary 

The MTA Police Department is seeking qualified Members of the Department from the rank of Police Officer who are interested in being assignment for small span bridge patrol within the Highway & Bridge Safety Unit. This assignment is designed to support around-the-clock bridge operation at various MTA bridge spans.

Primary Responsibilities: Small Span Bridge Patrol Assignment

• Proactively patrol MTA bridges, including facilities, highways, ramps, and toll zones within MTA jurisdiction
• Conduct routine security checks of MTA property located on or near MTA bridges.
• Respond to various calls for service received via MTAPD central communications, the Bridge and Tunnels Operations Command Center, or MTA-issued radio/telephone communications from civilian personnel.
• Assist stranded motorists and support MTA maintenance crews by facilitating traffic control during vehicle removal and debris clearance.
• Monitor traffic and weather conditions to ensure safe travel; implement travel restrictions or roadway closures as needed.
• Investigate traffic crashes and assist involved parties; complete all required Police Accident Reports.
• Monitor radios, telephones, and surveillance camera systems; respond promptly to incidents requiring police presence.
• Enforce New York State laws and MTA regulations regarding criminal incidents and violations through the issuance of summonses or arrests, as appropriate.
• Appear and effectively testify in criminal court and traffic court related matters.
• Monitor local police radios and coordinate operations with adjoining NYPD precincts and specialized units.

Additional Responsibilities of the Highway and Bridge Safety Unit include, but are not limited to: 

• Oversee the safe, efficient, and expeditious flow of traffic for commuters utilizing the various transportation systems of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, including 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 all 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 related to over-dimensioned escorts, commercial cargo transports, 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.

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 favorable 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 eJusticeNY 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

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, experience, and abilities, including military service members to apply.

MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.