Airport Police Detective

Description

Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA), operator of Syracuse Hancock International Airport, is seeking an Airport Police Detective for the police force at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. This is specialized law enforcement work involving responsibility for conducting criminal investigations, gathering evidence, and enforcing federal, state, and local laws for the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority. Under the general supervision of a superior officer, a Detective performs investigative duties related to crimes, incidents, and suspicious activities occurring on or around airport property. While routine patrol duties are not a primary function, the role may involve fieldwork and coordination with patrol officers. The position requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to work independently. Work is reviewed through reports and case outcomes. Supervision is not typically exercised in this class.  Performs related work as required. 

Full-time candidates must be able to work Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm.

Salary and Benefits

The Authority offers full-time non-exempt employees a comprehensive salary and benefits package:

• $45.43 per hour
• Medical/dental/vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Generous paid time off
• New York State Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS) Plan 384d
• NYS Deferred Compensation Plan (457b/Roth)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid leave to volunteer for community service
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Statutory benefits required by NYS, including short-term disability and workers compensation

Typical Work Activities

• Conducts investigations into criminal activity, including theft, fraud, assault, and other violations occurring on airport property
• Interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects; prepares detailed written reports and case files
• Collects, preserves, and processes physical and digital evidence in accordance with legal standards
• Coordinates with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including TSA, FBI, FAMS, FAA on joint investigations
• Conducts Airport Security Program self-testing program
• Executes search and arrest warrants as authorized
• Prepares cases for prosecution and testifies in court as needed
• Responds to major incidents and crime scenes to lead or support investigative efforts
• Maintains intelligence files and monitors trends related to airport security and criminal activity
• Maintains the department property and evidence room and program
• Conducts police background investigations for new SRAAPD members
• Assists in background investigations for airport personnel and vendors
• Utilizes surveillance equipment and investigative technologies
• Participates in emergency response planning and drills
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of all investigative activities
• In the absence of a first line supervisor, conducts supervisory activities over police officers

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of accepted principles and practices of law enforcement as applied to airport and aviation security practices
• Good knowledge of New York State Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law and other relevant state and local laws
• Good knowledge of FAA and TSA policies, including 49 CFR Part 1542 and practices governing security at commercial airports
• Good knowledge of 14 CFR Part 139 – Certification of Airports
• Good knowledge of the modern methods and techniques employed in airport safety and security
• Proficient in use of a personal computer, and Microsoft Office Suite products, including Word, Excel and Outlook
• Proficient in use of radio communications technology
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in English (bilingual is a plus)
• Ability to maintain positive professional relationships with a diverse staff, including management, employees, tenants, vendors, regulatory agents, and other law enforcement and emergency management agencies
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make effective decisions in alignment with the mission and values of Syracuse Regional Airport Authority
• Ability to work independently or as a team in a high stress and life-threating situation
• Ability to follow commands without hesitation, particularly in emergency situations
• Ability to following written and verbal directions
• Ability to be courteous and firm with the general public, focused both on customer service and safety and security
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports in an organized and clear manner.
• Ability in the use and care of firearms
• Able to work primarily indoors in office setting and occasionally outdoors on foot or in vehicle in all weather conditions.
• Ability to perform lifesaving procedures
• Physical strength and agility sufficient to perform police work
• Must meet the physical, mental, and certification requirements of New York State statutes for law enforcement, including hand and arm steadiness, ability to use a keyboard and telephone, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs., walking, standing, balancing, kneeling, bending, feeling, climbing, smelling, twisting, sufficient hand-eye coordination and position mobility in ankles, knees, hips, and back, vision, speech, and hearing necessary to perform the essential tasks and maintain proficiency standards and positions for the “gun” and “non-gun” hand. Must have physical stamina to chase and subdue fleeing persons and arrest suspects and rescue victims.

Minimum Qualifications

A. Must have a valid New York State Basic Police Officer Certificate (BPOC), and

B. Must have five (5) years of experience as a police or peace officer, with law enforcement experience as a police officer at the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Police Department, that meets the requirements as outlined in CFR Part 1542.217, or a combination thereof.

Education: Candidates must be high school graduates or holders of a high school equivalency diploma issued by an education department of any of the states of the United States or holders of a comparable diploma issued by any territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States or by the Canal Zone or holders of a report from the United States Armed Forces certifying successful completion of the tests related to general education development, high school level at time of appointment.

Citizenship: Candidates must be citizens of the United States at time of appointment.

License: Possession of a valid New York State driver's license at time of appointment.

Physical: Candidates must meet the prescribed general physical and medical conditions as stated in the Municipal Police Training Council standards. The physical requirements are removed for provisional candidates with former law enforcement experience and a valid basic police officer certificate, although a physical is still required.

Psychological: Psychiatric and Polygraph examinations may be required of any successful candidate prior to appointment.

Moral Character: Candidates must be of a good moral character with no conviction of a felony. Conviction of a misdemeanor or other offense including traffic violation may bar appointment.

For Retired Police Officers: Must have a basic police officer certificate and be licensed to carry a firearm and have arrest authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a police detective, or equivalent investigative assignment, involving independent management of major criminal investigations.
• Experience preparing and executing search warrants, subpoenas, and other legal process, along with proper evidence collection, preservation, and documentation.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing physical and digital evidence, utilizing investigative databases and tools, and synthesizing information into clear investigative leads.
• Proven history of coordinating effectively with prosecutors, multi-agency law-enforcement partners, and external stakeholders throughout the investigative process.
• Demonstrated capability to manage multiple active investigations simultaneously and to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience performing field operations such as surveillance, canvasses, follow-up interviews, and out-of-area travel as required for case advancement.
• Experience conducting in-depth police investigations at Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

Special Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain security clearance as required by role and TSA regulations. 
• Subject to Syracuse Regional Airport Authority drug and alcohol testing policy for safety-sensitive positions. 

Note: Police officer positions at the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority were established under Public Authorities Law section 2799-ggg-1. All appointments to positions defined as police officers under Criminal Procedures Law, section 1.20(34)(e) are subject to the regulations of the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC), found in 9 NYCRR Part 6000 at the time of appointment.

Other requirements

*Any offer of employment is contingent on passing a security clearance background check and pre-employment drug test and physical.

*Must be able to obtain and maintain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge.
*Position is currently provisional with Civil Service. Being reachable on the competitive examination may be required for permanent appointment.

*SRAA will support 211-waiver application; however, approval is at the discretion of New York State Commission on Civil Service.

To learn more about our organization, including our mission, vision, and values, please visit: www.syrairport.org

SRAA is committed to equal employment opportunity and leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to serve the traveling public at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other basis protected by Federal, State or Local law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.