METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Professional Development Section - Request for Consideration
Job Information
JOB TITLE: Request for consideration: SPEAR Team Supervisor (Sergeant or Lieutenant)
DEPT/DIV: MTA Police, Professional Development Section
SUPERVISOR: Commanding Officer, Professional Standards Division
LOCATION: Various
HOURS OF WORK: Four (4) tours of ten hours and sixteen minutes with three (3) consecutive rest days. The SPEAR Team Supervisor should anticipate working extended tours when required to accomplish training missions and operational objectives.
Summary
The Professional Development Section is seeking qualified Sergeants and Lieutenants interested in being considered for assignment as the SPEAR Team Supervisor (Specialized Police Engagement and Response Team). The SPEAR Team is responsible for the tactical training component of the Professional Development Section, including the development, testing, and delivery of the Department’s advanced tactical training programs such as the Patrol Rifle Operators Course, the Active Shooter Threat Response Course, and the Hybrid Threat Unit Academy. The SPEAR Team Supervisor provides direct supervision and leadership to SPEAR Team members; oversees the planning, scheduling, and safe execution of all tactical training programs; and serves as the principal advisor to the Commanding Officer, Professional Development Section, on tactical training matters. The Supervisor selected for this assignment will be responsible for ensuring that Department members receive high-quality, realistic, and tactically sound training designed to prepare officers for critical incidents and life-threatening encounters.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provide direct supervision, leadership, and mentorship to Police Officers assigned to the SPEAR Team.
- Oversee the development, testing, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Department’s Patrol Rifle Operators Course, Active Shooter Threat Response Training Program, and other specialized tactical training programs, including Hybrid Threat Unit training and SOD unit training.
- Plan, schedule, and coordinate tactical training programs, ranges, facilities, and instructor assignments in support of Department training objectives.
- Enforce range safety protocols and serve as the safety authority during all live-fire, scenario-based, and high-risk training evolutions.
- Review, approve, and maintain lesson plans, training records, and instructional materials in compliance with Department policy and New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services requirements.
- Evaluate instructor performance and student outcomes, and report training results, deficiencies, and recommendations through the chain of command.
- Manage the preparation, maintenance, accountability, and procurement recommendations for tactical training equipment used by the Department.
- Represent the Professional Development Section during interagency training events, conferences, and specialized tactical instruction.
- Coordinate with SOD unit commanders and other Department stakeholders to align tactical training with operational needs and training.
- Attend and successfully complete specialized instructor, supervisory, and tactical training courses as directed.
- Work extended tours when necessary and maintain a high level of physical and tactical readiness in order to support Department training objectives.
Qualifications
Qualified Supervisors must, at a minimum, have the following qualifications/requirements to be considered for appointment.
- Must be a Sergeant or Lieutenant at the time of interview.
- Must have 5 or more years of law enforcement experience to sit for an interview.
- Must be a current MTAPD supervisor in good standing.
- Working knowledge of the MTAPD Manual of Procedures, General Orders, and Department firearms and use-of-force policies.
- Working knowledge of New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) instructor standards and law enforcement training regulations.
- Working knowledge of the Department’s Patrol Rifle Operators Course and Active Shooter Threat Response Training Program.
- Working knowledge of lesson plan and curriculum development, training documentation, and instructor evaluation.
- Working knowledge of reality-based and scenario-based training design, delivery, and associated safety protocols.
- Working knowledge of range safety protocols and the supervision of live-fire and high-risk training environments.
- NYS DCJS General Topics Instructor certification is preferred but not required.
- Additional NYS DCJS instructor certifications (e.g., Pistol Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Reality Based Training Instructor) are preferred but not required.
- Completion of advanced tactical instructor or operator training (e.g., ALERRT, close quarter battle, patrol rifle operator, force-on-force/tubular tactics) is preferred but not required.
- Prior assignment to a Department training unit, the Professional Development Section, or a specialized tactical unit is preferred but not required.
- Completion of formal law enforcement leadership development programs (e.g., FBI-LEEDA Supervisor, Command, or Executive Leadership Institutes, IACP leadership courses) is preferred but not required.
- Previous military experience or specialized weapons training is preferred but not required.
- Must demonstrate a high level of firearms proficiency and tactical awareness.
- Must maintain excellent physical conditioning and professional appearance consistent with the expectations of a tactical training assignment.
- Candidates will be required to pass the Cooper Standards Physical Fitness Test at the 50% standard to be eligible to sit for an interview. Current members who are certified NYS DCJS Physical Fitness Instructors are exempt from this requirement.
- Candidates may be required to successfully complete a panel interview and practical skills evaluation as part of the selection process.
- Proficiency in preparing and presenting reports.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with SPEAR Team members, Professional Development Section command staff, SOD unit commanders, and outside agency training partners.
- Highly organized with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Members who are classified as Doctor Certified, Chronic Sick, or who have a history of substantiated discipline may be subject to review based on the circumstances surrounding that classification and may be disqualified at any stage of the selection process.
Other Information
Assignment as the SPEAR Team Supervisor is a specialized training assignment within the Professional Development Section and is subject to the operational needs of the Department. The Supervisor selected for this assignment will be expected to maintain a high level of physical readiness, firearms proficiency, and tactical competency to safely oversee and instruct Department personnel during advanced tactical training programs. The SPEAR Team Supervisor may be required to attend specialized instructor courses, supervisory development programs, tactical training programs, and professional development seminars to maintain and enhance the Department’s training capabilities. This assignment may require extended tours, irregular hours, and travel to various training locations in support of Department training initiatives.
The Supervisor selected for this assignment will be expected to demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and the ability to supervise, instruct, and mentor Department personnel in high-risk training environments. Selection for this assignment is not a promotion and does not alter rank or civil service status. Assignments may be modified or rescinded based on the operational needs of the Department. All applicants may be subject to a review of disciplinary history, attendance record, and overall performance history as part of the selection process.
Other Information:
Interested employees 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 in the Administration Unit, 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.
