Crime Surveillance Specialist

Ocean State Job Lot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra seeks a Crime Surveillance Specialist to monitor video feeds, analyze incidents, and coordinate with police agencies in real-time. You will manage evidence, generate alerts, and support investigations with meticulous documentation.

Requires LEADS and MAC/COPS familiarity, strong communication, and the ability to work under stress. On-call, travel within the region, and 24/7 readiness are expected.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent with related field or 2 years in law enforcement or public safety.
• Two years of public safety, multimedia communications, or related experience.
• LEEP and FBI/JTTF memberships with certifications within 90 days.
• Background check including fingerprints and credit check.
• Good knowledge of public safety principles and LEADS policies.

Responsibilities

• Monitor MAC video system and COPS console for real-time incidents.
• Analyze reports, issue actionable alerts to law enforcement agencies.
• Retrieve and organize video evidence for investigations.
• Maintain detailed activity logs and CHF records.
• Testify in court regarding crimes witnessed on video equipment.

Skills

Public safety knowledge

Verbal and written communication

LEADS knowledge

LEEDs certification

Background check

Observation skills

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Video surveillance familiarity

Critical thinking under time pressure

Team collaboration

Confidential information handling

Vehicle operation

Physical stamina

Travel readiness

On-call availability

Education

Associates degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Two years in law enforcement or public safety analysis

Tools

LEEDS operator

COPS system

Restricted police databases

Job description

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with8 years or more of required experiencecan expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Metra Police Department serves and protects commuters using the Metra system and Metra’s property. The mission of the Metra Police is to safeguard the lives and property of the people they serve, to reduce the incidence and fear of crime and enhance public safety. Metra Police work to expedite issues with the commuting public and handle vehicle accidents and trespasser incidents on Metra railroad and property. Metra Police actively engage and work with first responders as well as local, state and federal agencies during service disruptions and partner with these agencies on security planning. Their work ensures the safety of Metra’s passengers and employees and reduces train delays.

Reporting to the Police Ops Commander Area 1, the Crime Surveillance Specialist works in the Multimedia Analytic Center (MAC) to monitor, assess, and act on incoming information from all communications sources regarding crimes in progress, emergency and special events, severe weather, as well as emergency or other significant local, national, and international incidents that could pose a threat to public safety or Metra's system. Sources of information includes, but is not limited to, Metra's video surveillance system, the Commuter Observation Protects the System (COPS) program, radio communications, and electronic data systems of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and task forces.Monitor the MAC video camera system, COPS console, and other official sources of restricted information to detect incidents in real-time or historically. Evaluate incoming reports and take decisive action to mitigate threats, provide assistance, and alert appropriate law enforcement agencies or emergency response services. Keep abreast of relevant developing and ongoing situations through news media reports and other communications media.Research archival videos based on date/time parameters to detect reported and unreported incidents. Assist in retrieving video images from fixed remote surveillance for use in criminal investigations. Organize multiple camera views to produce a complete investigative presentation. Create and transfer final files to DVDs and jump drives.Use the five-step threat assessment system to analyze cluster indicators or observed patterns and assign actionable law enforcement level notifications based on the applicable agency's guidelines. Promptly send electronic alerts to Metra's police staff to disseminate information. Maintain a detailed log of activities, observations, actions, and notifications.Enter and maintain computerized hot file (CHF) records and respond to record status requests for hit confirmation as LEADS operator. Collaborate and cooperate with various government agency officials, provide assistance with investigations, and respond to requests or inquiries involving video system access.Testify in court regarding criminal activities witnessed, observed, or recorded on video equipment. May be required to transport video evidence files to court. In state travel may be required to attend meetings, conferences, training, testify in court.Subject to recall in response to public safety emergencies.Perform otherrelated duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

• Associates degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety Administration, Digital/Visual Communications or other related field or an combination of education, training, and experience or two (2) years in law enforcement, multi-media communications, or public safety analyzing crime or intelligence information for the military, government, or a law enforcement agency.
• In addition to #1 above, must have two (2) years of public safety, multi-media communications, video system technology, or related experience.
• Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP) membership (mandatory training for membership; annual authorized membership must be maintained). Must obtain certification within 90 days of date of hire.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) restricted web group, eGuardian, and Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) membership (mandatory training for membership; annual authorized membership must be maintained). Must obtain certification within 90 days of date of hire.
• Must submit to and pass a comprehensive Metra Police Department background check, including fingerprints and a credit check.
• Good knowledge of public safety principles.
• Familiarity with LEADS policies and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good observations skills.
• Intermediate computer skills using Microsoft Office or similar programs.
• Willing and able to learn advanced operations of restricted police databases and government websites.
• Able to analyze situations, discern patterns, and respond appropriately under strict time constraints.
• Able to support decision-makers by clearly translating visual observations into actionable communications while under stress.
• Able to work independently or collaboratively on teams that may include officers, supervisors, detectives, command staff and other federal, state, and local agencies.
• Ability to handle and manage highly confidential and time-sensitive information.
• Law Enforcement Agency Data System (LEADS) operator certification with full access (bi-annual re-certification required). Must attain within 90 days of date of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants andemployees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

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