Chief of Police

Job Description

The Airport Chief of Police is responsible for the daily administration, operation and supervision of the Airport Police Department and law enforcement activity at the Harrisburg International Airport, a commercial service small hub and the airport system general aviation airports of Capital City Airport, Gettysburg Regional Airport, and Franklin County Regional Airport.    

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITES: 

• Ensure that Federal, State, and Local law pertaining to police officers and police authority are enforced, as well as all local, state and federal regulations pertaining to aviation security and criminal law enforcement.
• Maintain a high level of proficiency on Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority ordinances and delegation of law enforcement authority.
• Oversees criminal investigations pertaining to complaints reported for criminal incidents including but not limited to vehicle accident investigation for vehicle accidents on SARAA owned property, security threats or incidents, threats against personnel or damage to property that occur on airport property, complaints against an Airport Police Officer, and any other law enforcement action necessary related to a criminal or security incident that occurs on airport property.
• Maintain proficiency on TSA regulations regarding aviation law enforcement and airport security, including a high level of proficiency on the Airport Security Program contents and application.
• Oversees the formulation and updating of departmental rules, regulations and SOP’s to ensure an efficient and effective operation.
• Oversee jurisdictional compliance in regard to law enforcement mutual aid responses to other law enforcement agencies.
• Oversees the review and approval of all police arrest reports and citations, and police actions as they relate to the efficiency and professionalism of the Department.
• Coordinates the interviewing and selection of new personnel, including the development and implementation of entrance level testing for police officer candidates.
• Conducts and/or oversees performance appraisal system for current staff.
• Interviews and selects officers for law enforcement positions, special incidents, and specialized areas of law enforcement.
• Prepares annual police department budget for presentation to the Deputy Director of Operations, Security and Public Safety, and must operate within the Department budget.
• Maintains fast reaction checklists for response to various incidents by Police Officers.
• Develop law enforcement response protocols for Communications Department Dispatchers and review applicable training material and results with the communications supervisor.
• Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Operations, Security and Public Safety may work with USSS, FBI, PSP, and local LEOs, to coordinate security arrangements for special events, such as VIP visits.
• Ability to work as an LEO (not just a desk supervisor), with all training and certificates current, to perform as an LEO.
• Ensures prompt department response to passenger screening checkpoint(s) in support of the Airport Security Plan.
• Evaluates department needs for personnel, procures supplies and deploys those resources as necessary.
• Oversee and enforce the provisions in the Harrisburg International Airport Police Officers Association collective bargaining agreement; participate in collective bargaining negotiations and grievance procedures.
• Responsible for the development, implementation and recording of all Department training.
• Supervises and monitors the department’s weapons proficiency program.
• Performs complementary customer service functions consistent with airport customer service standards.
• Any other duty or assignment delegated by proper authority. 

SUPERVISON:

The Chief of Police supervises, directly or indirectly, the positions of Lieutenant, Police Officer and Traffic Control Officer. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in Police Administration, the Administration of Law or Administration of Justice or related curriculum preferred.  In addition, a minimum of 10 years’ experience with four years’ experience in direct supervision of other Police Officers (equivalent to Sergeant or higher). Must have a working knowledge of PA State and Federal laws, especially those associated with civil aviation.

Required Licenses. Certifications and Conditions:

Must be Act 120 Certified.  Must maintain departmental firearms qualification.  In addition, must be certified in basic First Aid and CPR.  A valid PA driver’s license with a good driving record or ability to obtain PA license within 30 days of hire date.  Ability to pass a 10-year background and criminal investigation in order to be issued Airport Identification Badge. Completion of national police staff and command program or ability to complete within two years. 

Cognitive Ability:

Ability to comprehend, retain, and follow oral and written instructions. Must exercise good judgment, work independently, make decisions, organize and maintain detailed information. Must effectively set priorities.  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations without precedent.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to use physical force to apprehend and subdue an arrestee; stand or operate a motor vehicle for extended periods of time; use lethal and non-lethal weapons as assigned by the Department Chief effectively and in accordance with department requirements; successfully complete any duly enacted or assigned physical fitness/wellness program. 

Work Environment:

May be required to work rotating shifts and assignments, and to work long hours with little or no notice.

Must be able to withstand prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions, frequent exposure to stress-inducing situations, law enforcement activity, and risks associated with a front-line law enforcement position, exposure to high noise environment, including jet and propeller aircraft and firearms noise, long irregular work hours, or extended periods of time on foot or behind a desk.

Language and Communication Skills:

Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in the English language.  Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, charts, graphs, and other analytical information, blueprints, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals is required.  Must be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, shift personnel, clients, customers, and the general public. Regularly communicates with supervisors, co-workers, other departments, contractors, and customers.

Mathematical Skills:

Excellent knowledge of basic math skills in order to perform budgeting function. 

Computer Skills:

Computer literacy required in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; CAD, department record management systems, audio and video recording systems, and other software as may be used directly or indirectly by the airport in the operation of the Airport Police Department.

Company Description

The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) is the governing authority of the Harrisburg International Airport (HIA), Capital City Airport, Franklin County Regional Airport, and Gettysburg Regional Airport in south-central Pennsylvania. HIA is a small hub commercial airport that serves approximately 1.4 million passengers annually and also three general aviation airports. 

Our Mission is provide safe, convenient, and affordable airports connecting Central Pennsylvania to the world 

We're always looking for great people to join our team at SARAA. To help make sure our employees are always prepared for our ever-changing business environment, we continually invest in their training. 

Benefits

• Health insurance - 100%  employer paid for employee only coverage.  Employee contributes for dependent coverage.
• Dental insurance - 100% employer paid for employee only coverage.  Employee contributes for dependent coverage.
• Vision insurance - 100% employer paid for employee only coverage.  Employee contributes for dependent coverage.
• Short-term Disability - Employer paid.
• Long-term Disability - Employer paid.
• Life Insurance - Employer paid.
• Retirement Plan
• Vacation
• Holidays