RHODE ISLAND AIRPORT CORPORATION, RHODE ISLAND
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is seeking a new Airport Chief of Police. The Rhode Island Airport Police Department is a multi-faceted, fully empowered law enforcement agency that enforces local, state and federal laws primarily at T.F. Green Airport but also statewide on aviation-related matters. The Department investigates, arrests and prosecutes for crimes committed within its jurisdiction, issues and prosecutes traffic tickets for any violation of the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Code and enforces Air Carrier Security Screening requirements in accordance with FAA Regulations Part 107. The Department also administers the Airport’s Security ID credentialing and training programs required for all persons having access to the Airport’s Operational Area which includes criminal background checks on all Airport and tenant employees.
The Rhode Island Airport Police Department received 47,399 calls for service in 2008 (1,559 actual reports filed) and is prepared to respond to breaches of the Passenger Screening Checkpoint, airport operational area access points and perimeter fencing. The Department conducts traffic control for the Airport’s roadways and administers the Airport system’s Wildlife Control Program. The Department’s employees are first responders to medical emergencies in and around the main terminal.
The Airport Police Department functions as one branch of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation organization. It interacts closely with the Rhode Island State Police, TSA, FAA, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, the City of Warwick Police Department, D.O.J., F.B.I., D.E.A., U.S. Customs and Immigration and the U.S. Secret Service and coordinates the response for all emergencies at the airport including hijacking and bomb threats. The Department also routinely provides dignitary protection. Post-9/11 duties of the Department include active anti and counter terrorism capabilities.
The T.F. Green Airport is located in Central Rhode Island within the City of Warwick and enjoys a reputation for friendly, dependable and convenient local and regional air service within the state. It is the state’s only medium hub commercial service airport currently serving nearly five million passengers annually with approximately 250 daily operations. The airport system is considered a state asset that stimulates the economic development of Rhode Island and the New England region by promoting high-quality, cost-effective transportation services and facilities.
THE POSITION
The Airport Chief of Police acts as the Airport Security Coordinator as defined in TSA Title 49, Part 1542.3 and currently reports directly to RIAC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Dillon. The Chief administers an operational budget of approximately $1 million and leads a highly professional staff of 50 personnel. The Chief is supported by a Captain, three Lieutenants, one Inspector, three Sergeants, forty-two officers, six dispatchers, two Security Badging Coordinators and a Technical Services Secretary. The Department’s workforce of command staff, officers and dispatchers are currently organized into three rotating and overlapping 10 hour shifts. The Chief hires, evaluates, disciplines and terminates Department employees and assists in the resolution of labor relations issues and grievances through the Department’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Department must effectively cooperate with many diverse governmental agencies on a daily basis and efficiently coordinate on issues of communication, jurisdiction, notification and preparedness.
Education and Experience
§ RIAC desires a new Airport Chief of Police with prior knowledge of FAA Part 139, TSA Part 1542 regulations. A successful track record in contemporary airport police service delivery, strong executive leadership and management skills and a collaborative, participative management style is strongly preferred.
§ The ideal candidate will have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in a related law enforcement specialty. A graduate degree is a plus with at least 10 years of increasing responsibility in law enforcement including at least 5 years of command responsibility, preferably within an Airport Police Department. Graduation from the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy or a recognized equivalent is required and the new Chief must possess or be able to obtain Rhode Island Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) is a division of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and functions as a legally independent public agency. Founded in 1992, RIAC operates and maintains six state airports; T.F. Green Airport and five general aviation airports located throughout the state; Block Island State Airport in New Shoreham, Newport State Airport in Middletown, North Central State Airport in Smithfield, Quonset State Airport in North Kingstown and Westerly State Airport in Westerly. It has approximately 185 full time civilian employees.
The salary range is $79,803 - $125,492 and the appointment can be made anywhere within the range depending upon the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.
If you may be interested in being considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please send a resume and cover letter explaining why you believe you are a good fit for this position to:
Clark Wurzberger
The Mercer Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 546 (mailing address)
21155 N. Manzanita Hills Road (physical address)
Weimar, California 95736
Telephone: 530.637.4559
Fax: 530.637.1048
Email: cwurzberger@excite.com
All resumes must be received by: March 9, 2009.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.