Harbor Police Officer (TRAINEE)

Description

Look no further than the Port of San Diego Harbor Police, a specialized cross-trained force in land, maritime and aviation security. Harbor Police protect the security of the beautiful San Diego Bay, San Diego International Airport, and Port of San Diego waterfront. All officers are cross-trained as marine firefighters with multiple specialty fields in the department including the Maritime Tactical Team, Investigation & Intelligence, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Vessel Collision Investigation Team, Homeland Security, Explosive Detection Canine Team, Dive & Rescue Team, and Narcotics Task Force. These teams come together to form a respected and multi-talented department of officers who ensure the safety and protection of residents and visitors to our waterfront.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The recruitment process for Harbor Police Officer (Trainee) requires a series of sequential steps. Applicants should prepare their schedules to be available on the identified days.

Personal History Statement (PHS) – Due on Monday, April 5, 2021 by 5:00 p.m.
Please do not turn in a Personal History Statement until you have received an email stating you are eligible for the position with instructions. Emails will be sent out after the recruitment closes.

All eligible applicants must complete a Personal History Statement. The PHS form can be found at the P.O.S.T website at: https://post.ca.gov/Forms

• Select the "Forms" tab and the name of the form is 2-251 Personal History Statement - Peace Officer. Please be sure that you are completing the correct version, Revision 02/2018. The Harbor Police Department is only accepting this revision of the form.
• PHS's will not be accepted beyond Monday, March 8, 2021, by 5:00 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Gathering information in this document may be time consuming. Please allow enough time to complete your PHS. Human Resources will accept PHS's on an as completed basis. Faxed and emailed PHS's will not be accepted. Please mail or drop off your completed Personal History Statement to:Port of San Diego
3165 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92101
ATTN: Human Resources
Written Examination (PELLETB) –TBD
The written examination is a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry-Level Test Battery that has two components:
1. Reading Component - measures reading comprehension
2. Writing Component - measures clarity, vocabulary, and spelling

The written exam takes approximately 3.5 hours to administer. This includes thirty minutes for the proctor to read the test instructions and for the applicants to code demographic information on machine-readable forms. The scoring procedure is automated thus requiring the applicants to code their names, addresses, social security numbers, etc., on the forms. Two and one-half (2.5) hours are allowed for actual completion of the test battery.

POST scores the written examination. Results are released 2 - 3 weeks after the written exam. Successful candidates are eligible to continue in the selection process. Candidates who are unsuccessful on the written exam will not be eligible to continue in the selection process, however may re-apply, and test at a future date.

The Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Test Battery provides a thorough overview of the test, practice test items, and test taking strategies. For more information click here (Download PDF reader).

POST 30-Day Rule: Applicants must wait for a period of one month (30 calendar days) before taking a subsequent exam. If you have taken or will take the POST PELLETB exam 30 days prior to our scheduled exam, you are INELIGIBLE to take the written exam.

Exception for Written Test: If you possess POST PELLETB written exam results from another agency AND the letter is dated within 6 months prior to our test date; you may submit these results with your application or via email to ahinestaylor@portofsandiego.org . Only applicants with a T-Score of 42 and above will be invited to continue in the process.

Physical Agility Test (PAT)–TBD

Candidates who pass the State PELLETB Exam are scheduled for the Physical Agility Test in a local park. You MUST bring a photo ID and a signed release of liability waiver in order to participate. The test is made up of an obstacle course which must be completed in 3 minutes and 40 seconds. There are 50 yards between each obstacle for a total 200 yard course.

Obstacle Course Elements:

• 25 push-ups
• 25 sit-ups
• Carry a fire hose that weighs approximately 20 lbs. up 40 box steps
• Drag a 165 lb. dummy 32 feet
• Jump over 2 foot and 3 foot sawhorse stands

Additionally, candidates must run 1.5 miles within 15 minutes.

Panel Interviews –TBD
Candidates who pass the Physical Agility Test are then scheduled for a 30 minute panel interview with two Harbor Police Officers and one Human Resources staff member.

Background Orientation/Investigation – TBD

• Candidates qualifying for this phase of the process will be required to provide an original and/or copy of the following applicable documentation: High School and/or College Diploma and Transcripts, G.E.D. Certificate and G.E.D. Scores, Marriage Certificate(s), Evidence of Divorce(s), Selective Services Registration (born in 1963 or after), Military Services Discharge (DD-214), Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, California Driver's License, Proof of Auto Insurance Policy. Do not submit these documents until requested to do so.
• Qualified applicants must have an honest and trustworthy reputation. Deliberate misstatements or omissions will result in your application being rejected, regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatements or omissions. The following are some of the areas that will be investigated: Relatives and References, Landlords, Employment, Education, Military Service, Vehicle Operations, Financial, Illegal Drugs, and Narcotics.
• Felony convictions are disqualifying; misdemeanor convictions, depending on the number, recency, and severity, may be disqualifying.
• The Background Investigation will include a Polygraph Examination

Water Safety Assessment– Post Offer (TBD)

• Please note that this will be an assessment to evaluate a candidate's ability to remain in control and afloat in the water. It is not a swim test in terms of swimming a certain distance, nor is it timed. It is not a screening test and candidates will not be disqualified based on the results.

Chief of Harbor Police Interview - TBD

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Job offers are contingent on candidates successfully completing the following:

• Psychological Examination: Candidates must pass both a written and oral psychological examination prior to appointment.

• Medical Examination: Candidates must pass a comprehensive medical examination prior to appointment. Vision less than 20/20 in both eyes together must be corrected to 20/20 with acceptable color vision. Applicants wearing glasses or contacts will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• Chemical Substance Testing: Candidate must test drug free during the pre-employment medical examination and sign the Drug-Free Pledge as required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

• State of California Driver License: Candidate must possess a current, valid California Class C driver license at time of appointment and must be maintained at all times thereafter in order to operate a vehicle on District business.

PROBATION PERIOD

Harbor Police Officer Trainees will serve as probationary employees during police academy training. After successful completion and submission of applicable certifications (including P.O.S.T. approved law enforcement academy, Advanced Red Cross First Aid Course, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Course (CPR), or other mandated requirements) Harbor Police Officer Trainees will be required to serve an additional one (1) year probation period in accordance with District Personnel Rules and Regulations. Additionally, probationary employees must successfully complete essential Harbor Police specific training and/or requirements.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under direction, performs a wide variety of professional law enforcement duties in the prevention of crime and the enforcement of federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances and regulations within the District's jurisdiction, including the San Diego Harbor, San Diego International Airport and the San Diego tidelands area; performs marine fire suppression duties aboard boats and land facilities within the San Diego Harbor, marinas and adjacent facilities; performs a variety of special duty assignments, as required; and performs related duties as assigned.

Members of the Harbor Police Department are committed to employing best practices of contemporary policing. Incumbents of this class must demonstrate a commitment to practicing community policing, collaborative problem-solving, and intelligence-led policing based solutions.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full, journey-level class in the Harbor Police series. Based upon an individual's assignment, duties are carried out on foot, from vehicles or aboard Harbor Police boats. Incumbents of this class are peace officers as defined in California Penal Code Section 830.1.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

• Operates a marine craft to patrol San Diego Harbor, enforcing applicable federal, state and local waterway laws, regulations and rules; assists recreational boaters and makes rescues; patrols San Diego Harbor to provide security and prevent crime; assists Coast Guard and Navy vessels; escorts large vessels through harbor channels.
• Performs journey-level fire suppression duties aboard boats and land facilities accessible by water; assists and works closely with other firefighting departments and personnel; operates fire-suppression equipment and apparatus.
• When assigned, performs a variety of special duty assignments, including: dive team, performing underwater search, rescue and recovery; bicycle enforcement; K-9; plain clothes; may also serve as departmental representative for special assignments, public events and other special field assignments.
• Tows boats and hazardous debris from San Diego Harbor.
• Enforces regulatory licensing and fish and game regulations within San Diego Harbor.
• Enforces applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances at the San Diego Regional Airport; patrols the airport by foot and vehicle; monitors alarm systems at airport security check stations; conducts security checks of airport facilities; responds to security alarms at the airport; secures unattended baggage; confiscate dangerous and prohibited items from individuals.
• Enforces parking regulations and traffic laws at the airport, harbor facilities and all other tideland areas; issues traffic citations; investigates accidents; administers emergency first-aid; provides traffic control at accident sites or for special events at District facilities.
• Makes arrests and testifies in court proceedings.
• Provides information and assistance to the public.
• Patrols assigned areas and buildings to detect fires, theft and vandalism.
• Seeks long-term solutions to criminal activity, including the practice of community policing, intelligence-led policing, and collaborative problem solving
• Participates in a variety of community relations and public education and awareness activities.
• Prepares a wide variety of reports, records and logs, including accident reports, arrest reports, incident reports and others.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state laws, statutes, ordinances and their interpretations.
• Harbor Police Department policies, practices and procedures.
• Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) rules and procedures regarding airport and Port security requirements.
• Methods of self-defense and physical restraint and the use of defense and restraint equipment.
• Principles, practices and methods of community-oriented policing and problem solving.
• Safe handling and use of firearms.
• Two-way radio procedures and techniques.
• Human behavior theories, practices and techniques.
• Organization and function of Harbor Police and the District.
• First-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation principles, methods and techniques.
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) marine radio operator's rules and practices.
• Marine fire-suppression methods, techniques and apparatus.

Ability to:

• Write clearly and concisely with technical accuracy in English.
• Read and enforce applicable laws, ordinances and statutes.
• Communicate effectively in English with a variety of people.
• Compute mathematical data with and without a calculator.
• Exercise tact, self-restraint, judgment and strategy in dealing with a variety of people.
• Drive defensively.
• Effectively operate and crew District boats and all attached equipment.
• Safely perform all assignments under all conditions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education, Training and Experience:
Graduation from U. S. high school or a G.E.D. certificate that meets scores established by the California P.O.S.T. Commission or a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
Must be at least 20 ½ years of age on the day of written examination and 21 years of age at time of Police Academy graduation (No maximum age limit) and a citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
Lateral candidates who are currently enrolled in or have completed the Police Academy will be required to take the written examination. This requirement may be waived for those candidates who have at least one year experience as a sworn peace officer.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
Graduation from a P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement academy within the last three years or an active P.O.S.T. certification.

A current, valid California Class C driver's license at time of appointment and maintained at all times thereafter in order to operate a vehicle on District business
.
Candidates will be required to complete a water safety test demonstrating their ability to work on and near large bodies of water.

This position is subject to a thorough background check as outlined by California Peace Officers Standards and Training, (CA POST), in the POST Administrative Manual. Every candidate must have good moral character and the absence of past behavior indicative of unsuitability to perform their duties. The dimensions the candidate will be specifically evaluated on are: Integrity, Impulse Control, Attention to Safety, Substance Abuse and Other Risk-Taking Behavior, Stress Tolerance, Confronting and Overcoming Problems, Obstacles, and Adversity, Conscientiousness, Interpersonal Skills, Decision-Making and Judgment, Learning Ability, and Communication Skills. As part of this process, candidates will be required to submit a comprehensive investigation into their past that includes: written and verbal communication evaluation, a fingerprint check, polygraph test, a credit check, current and past employer checks, and reference checks.

Per Government Code Section 1031 and effective January 1, 2021, the mental evaluation for this position will include whether the candidate has bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and conditioning to work in a law enforcement setting and an office setting; restrain or subdue individuals; walk, stand, sit, or run for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; occasionally climb and balance; regularly push, pull, lift, and/or carry light to moderate weights; frequently lift and/or move moderate to heavy weights; occasionally lift and/or move heavy weights; operate office equipment including use of computer keyboard; requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, and gripping with hands and fingers; ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; ability to operate and use specialized law enforcement tools and equipment including firearms, handcuffs, and other tools and equipment.

Performs work beyond regularly scheduled work hours. Performs work outdoors under variable weather conditions. Performs work indoors in a controlled environment. Operates motor vehicles (including vessels) for extended periods of time; works in and around vehicular traffic. Can be exposed to dangerous situations where one might be exposed to environmental or human caused hazards.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.