Police Officer SPEAR Team

IMDiversity; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department seeks qualified Police Officers to join the SPEAR Team (Specialized Police Engagement and Response Team) within the Professional Development Section. The SPEAR Team leads tactical training development, testing, and delivery to ensure high-quality, realistic instruction for critical incidents.

Selected officers will train others in courses such as Patrol Rifle Operators Course and Active Shooter Threat Response, and participate in

Qualifications

• Must have three (3) or more years of MTAPD experience.
• Must be a current MTAPD Police Officer in good standing.
• Must demonstrate a high level of firearms proficiency and tactical awareness.
• Must maintain excellent physical conditioning and professional appearance.
• Must possess strong interpersonal, instructional, and communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of working effectively with limited supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and assist in the instruction of Department members.
• Must demonstrate the ability to operate safely and professionally in high-risk training environments.
• Must be willing to attend specialized training courses to enhance personal proficiency and instructional capability.
• Candidates will be required to pass the Cooper Standards Physical Fitness Test at the 50% standard to be eligible to sit for an interview.
• Candidates may be required to successfully complete a panel interview and practical skills evaluation as part of the selection process.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, testing, and delivery of the Department’s Patrol Rifle Operators Course.
• Assist in the instruction and evaluation of the Active Shooter Threat Response Training Program.
• Support the development and delivery of specialized tactical training programs, including Hybrid Threat Unit training and other advanced courses.
• Participate in design, testing, evaluation, and improvement of tactical training curriculum and equipment.
• Assist in conducting scenario-based training exercises designed to simulate real-world threats.
• Maintain proficiency in department-issued firearms, patrol rifle platforms, and tactical response techniques.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of training equipment, lesson plans, and instructional materials.
• Represent the Professional Development Section during training exercises and interagency events.
• Attend and complete specialized instructor and tactical training courses as directed.
• Work extended tours when necessary and maintain physical readiness to support training objectives.

Skills

Firearms proficiency

Tactical awareness

Physical conditioning

Interpersonal skills

Instructional skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Independent work

Job description

Police Officer SPEAR Team

Job ID: 16766

Business Unit: MTA Headquarters

Location: New York, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Recruit Training

METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Professional Development Section - Request for Consideration

Job Information

JOB TITLE: Request for consideration: Police Officer, SPEAR Team

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. Members assigned to the SPEAR Team should anticipate working extended tours when required to accomplish training missions and operational objectives.

Summary

The Professional Development Section is seeking qualified Police Officers interested in being considered for assignment to the SPEAR Team (Specialized Police Engagement and Response Team). The SPEAR Team is responsible for the tactical training component of the Professional Development Section. Members assigned to this unit assist in the development, testing, and delivery of the Department’s advanced tactical training programs. Primary responsibilities include supporting and instructing Department members in programs such as the Patrol Rifle Operators Course, the Active Shooter Threat Response Course, the Hybrid Threat Unit Academy, and other advanced operational and specialized tactical training initiatives. Members selected for the SPEAR Team will work closely with the Professional Development Section to ensure that Department members receive high-quality, realistic, and tactically sound training designed to prepare officers for critical incidents and life-threatening encounters.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, testing, and delivery of the Department’s Patrol Rifle Operators Course.
• Assist in the instruction and evaluation of the Active Shooter Threat Response Training Program.
• Support the development and delivery of specialized tactical training programs, including Hybrid Threat Unit training, SOD unit training, and other advanced operational courses.
• Participate in the design, testing, evaluation, and improvement of tactical training curriculum and equipment used by the Department.
• Assist in conducting scenario-based training exercises designed to simulate real-world law enforcement threats.
• Maintain proficiency in department-issued firearms, patrol rifle platforms, and tactical response techniques.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of training equipment, lesson plans, and instructional materials.
• Represent the Professional Development Section during training exercises, interagency training events, and specialized tactical instruction.
• Attend and successfully complete specialized instructor 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.
• Attend training conferences and seminars to ensure all Department members are trained in compliance with the most current New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services law enforcement regulations.

Qualifications

• Must have three (3) or more years of MTAPD experience.
• Must be a current MTAPD Police Officer in good standing.
• 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.
• Must possess strong interpersonal, instructional, and communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of working effectively with limited supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and assist in the instruction of Department members.
• Must demonstrate the ability to operate safely and professionally in high-risk training environments.
• Must be willing to attend specialized training courses to enhance personal proficiency and instructional capability.
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• NYS DCJS General Topics Instructor certification preferred.
• Previous military experience or specialized weapons training is strongly preferred.
• Prior certification or experience in patrol rifle operations, active shooter response, tactical training, or related specialized law enforcement or military training is preferred.

Other Information

Assignment to the SPEAR Team is a specialized training assignment within the Professional Development Section and is subject to the operational needs of the Department. Members selected for this assignment will be expected to maintain a high level of physical readiness, firearms proficiency, and tactical competency to safely instruct Department personnel during advanced tactical training programs. Members assigned to the SPEAR Team may be required to attend specialized instructor courses, 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.

Members selected for the SPEAR Team will be expected to demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and the ability to 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.