Police Officer

 

At the State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), we are dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment, and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy. DEEP's Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) Division's mission is to provide natural resource protection and public safety through education, outreach and enforcement in the areas of fish and game, boating, commercial fishing, wildlife management, parks and forests.  

This division has state-wide conservation law enforcement responsibilities and is made up of three unique geographical districts each managed by a district Captain and overseen by a Colonel. The division has responsibility of over 255,000 acres of agency owned lands and waters that includes state forests, state parks, wildlife management areas and boating access areas.

In addition to our historical missions of hunting, fishing and boating enforcement, EnCon is also responsible for criminal enforcement, emergency response and public safety patrols in our state parks and forests and is significantly involved in Homeland Security missions in Connecticut. Officers conduct port security checks and patrol public watershed properties as an anti-terrorism measure. The Division serves as the primary backup agency for the United States Coast Guard on Long Island Sound for search and rescue, and is the only state law enforcement agency that routinely conducts waterborne enforcement patrols. 

EnCon Officers also protect the public’s safety in Connecticut’s state parks and forests. Connecticut averages 8 million visitors per year in the state parks, forests and campgrounds.  Criminal activity of the same nature that occurs in every city and town in Connecticut also occurs in the state’s parks, forests and campgrounds.

The division is responsible for the patrol element of Connecticut’s shellfish program, has a cooperative enforcement agreement with NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, boating accident investigation responsibilities and patrol on Connecticut’s state waterways. The Division has five specialized law enforcement units including K9, Chemical Immobilization, Boating Accident Reconstruction, Hunting Related Shooting Incidents and PEER support.

DEEP's Bureau of Outdoor Recreation is seeking to hire CT POST Certified Officers or recent retired Officers with active CT POST Certification (C.G.S. 7-294d) in good standing to fill Police Officer position(s) within the Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) Division. After successful completion of specialized conservation enforcement field training, incumbents will be promoted to the target classification of Conservation Enforcement Officer.  

EnCon Police: What We Do  

These positions are non-examined. Open to the public.

·        Applicants must have established residence within Connecticut before becoming a sworn member of the Division of Environmental Conservation Police.

·        Applicants are required to pass a Physical Agility Test prior to appointment.

·        Incumbents must possess and retain a current Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s license during employment.

The DEEP EnCon Police hiring process is extensive; the time from application to appointment can take several months. 

The application to hire process is separated into seven stages:  

1. Application Period: How to Apply for Police Officer  

2. Physical Fitness Assessment: Candidates must take and pass a Physical Fitness Assessment that measures muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.  Valid CHIP cards will be accepted prior to the Physical Agility Test, tentatively scheduled for August.  To register, please follow the instructions on the CHIP Test Schedule. Instructional Video Links:  

·        1.5 Mile Run 

·        Push-ups 

·        Sit-ups

·        300 Meter Run  

3. Polygraph Examination: Inquiries concerning employment history; driving history; medical history; financial history; gambling history; illegal possession, use and sale of drugs/narcotics; criminal activity; military history; illegal sexual activity; use of alcohol; general personal data; prior conduct in police/security/corrections fields; subversive, revolutionary or gang activity; basic honesty and integrity.

4. Oral board interview. 

5. Background Investigation:  Comprehensive review of employment, education, training, criminal, motor vehicle and credit history.  

6. Psychological Evaluation: Combination of written tests and interviews to assess suitability for employment in law enforcement.  

7. Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive physical examination, including drug screening.  

EnCon Police Recruit Training Program

Successful completion of all phases of the selection process means that you are eligible to be considered for final appointment as a Police Officer. Newly hired Police Officers are required to complete a minimum of eight (8) weeks of field training and must be able to pass a swim test which includes a dive test, treading water for five (5) minutes, and swimming 100 yards within four (4) minutes.  

In addition, within the first year of employment, incumbents must complete specialized training in core subjects pertinent to conservation enforcement.  

Core subjects include but are not limited to: hunting, recreational fishing, commercial fishing, ATV operation, wildlife identification, boating rules and regulations, specialized firearms training, park and forest regulations, homeland security.

Upon successful completion of the required specialized training, incumbents will be promoted to the target class of Conservation Enforcement Officer.

Please ensure that your application is complete.  You are unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.  Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.  

Due to the large volume of applications, please do not call/email to confirm receipt or status of your application.  If your applications submits successfully, you will receive a pop up confirmation, in addition to a confirmation email of your application submission.

Contact Information: Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Jennifer Tokarczyk, Jennifer.Tokarczyk@ct.gov; 860-424-3970.  

Note to Applicants on Active Military Duty: Special accommodations may be made for applicants on active military duty at the time of the application filing period.  Documentation showing out of state deployment will be required. Please contact Jennifer Tokarczyk, Jennifer.Tokarczyk@ct.gov; 860-424-3970. 

In a state agency, college or university, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the protection, safety and security of individuals and property with full police powers and responsibility for law enforcement.

The Police Officer may perform a combination or concentration of the following functions on a fixed or rotating basis as directed by the agency:

1. SECURITY: Provides crowd control at various events and activities; monitors designated areas to ensure physical security and authorized access in order to prevent theft, trespass, vandalism or violation of state statutes or regulations; gives directions and routine information to the public; participates in evacuation activities in event of fire, bomb threats or other potential disasters; operates fire fighting apparatus if needed; may conduct cruiser or foot patrols; may conduct bicycle patrols as weather permits.
2. PROTECTION: Provides traffic and/or crowd control; assesses nature of further assistance needed and makes timely and appropriate arrangements; may gather background information and provide threat assessments regarding high risk locations, safety of persons or property, biological or physical threats; may respond to emergency situations and provide CPR or first aid to injured parties; may transport or escort couriers with currency and prisoners or Absent Without Leave (AWOL) persons; may assist in search for escaped patients or inmates; may assist State Police in investigation of major criminal acts; may be required to maintain building security and perform patrol duties at time of heightened alert level under Homeland Security procedures.
3. ENFORCEMENT: Directs traffic and enforces motor vehicle and parking regulations; may initiate and conduct criminal and other investigations of violations, suspicious activities or reports of incidents occurring within jurisdiction; may conduct on site investigations, question witnesses, arrest individuals at scene and issue summons.
4. ADMINISTRATION: Records information; applies for and serves arrest warrants; processes paperwork on arrests and activity reports; arranges surety and non-surety bond payments or Written Promise to Appear (WPA); provides court testimony; conducts special programs, projects and services as required; may process arrested individuals including determining charges, fingerprinting, photographing, initiating National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) check, searching, removing and inventorying personal belongings and transporting arrested persons to lock up; may conduct various safety training, certification and/or recertification courses; may perform minor equipment repairs; may make public presentations regarding crime prevention and safety; may serve as dispatcher; performs related duties as required.
5. CONNECTICUT LOTTERY CORPORATION: May enforce gaming regulations for Connecticut Lottery Corporation and casinos.
6. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:  Assists Conservation Enforcement Officers in the enforcement of state laws and regulations pertaining to fish, wildlife, parks, forests, boating, snowmobiling and the use of department owned or leased land facilities.

Knowledge of police and security practices and procedures; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of traffic and crowd control practices and procedures; knowledge of criminal law and court procedures; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to analyze emergency situations and develop effective courses of action; ability to utilize computer software.

Certification as a law enforcement officer in the State of Connecticut pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council.
Note: Candidates with a pending certification status may be employed on a temporary basis pending re-certification by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council.

Successful completion of prescribed training and probationary requirements set forth in the class of Protective Services Trainee.

A.    Strong communication skills

B.    Stable work history

C.    Excellent attendance records

D.    Related education or work experience

E.    Military experience

F.    Experience working with difficult clientele

G.   Prior law enforcement experience

H.   Excellent driving history

I.     Strong computer skills

J.     Lifesaving/Medical certifications (CPR, EMR, EMT, Paramedic, LPN, RN)

K.    Fishing, game (hunting/trapping), boating experience  

1. Applicants must be United States citizens.
2. Candidates for this class are subject to selection standards pursuant to Section 7-294-a-e of the Connecticut General Statues and the regulations of the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council.
3. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain authority from the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to “arrest and present before a competent authority any person for any offense committed within his precinct.” (Connecticut General Statutes 29-18 and/or 10a-142)
4. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain certification as a law enforcement officer in the State of Connecticut pursuant to Section 7-294-a-e of the Connecticut General Statutes and the regulations promulgated by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council. Loss of certification will result in removal from the class.
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to maintain certifications pursuant to the regulations of the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council and/or agency requirements.
6. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle operator’s license.
7. Incumbents in this class may be required to obtain and retain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
8. Incumbents in this class must be eligible and qualified to bear arms.
9. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
10 Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: Incumbents in this class will be required to obtain and retain a Standard First Aid certificate and CPR certificate and participate in any job related training sessions.
11. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignments or transfers to any region of the state consistent with departmental policies or stipulations and work a flexible schedule.

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

1. Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required, to perform the duties of the class. A physical fitness assessment will be required of all applicants.
2. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
3. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: Incumbents in this class must be able to pass a swim test including swimming 100 yards within four (4) minutes.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to unpleasant and/or dangerous situations which could cause injury or loss of life, to uncomfortable weather conditions and/or to confinement within a vehicle for prolonged periods.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.