Aviation Enforcement Officer.pdf

U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection

AVIATION ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (AEO)

SUMMARY OF THE REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL TO THE POSITION

DESCRIPTION OF WORK and ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The principal mission of the Aviation JiinforcementOfficer (AEO) is the interdiction of aircraft engaged in smuggling. The AEO also provides support and assistance to other CBP officers and to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The position is responsible for performing law enforcement activities that will identify, monitor and direct resources involved with the apprehension and detection of suspects violating federal laws or regulations.

The AEO is an aircrew member on a rotary or fixed-winged aircraft. As the aerial interdiction and surveillance coordinator, the AEO is responsible for the operation and maintenance of onboard mounted sensors, infrared detection systems, and aerial communication equipment on each type of aircraft. The AEO is responsible for monitoring, recording, detecting and observing the movements of aircraft, marine vessels and vehicles suspected of engaging in the smuggling of contraband or controlled substances into or out of the United States. This is performed visually and by means of sophisticated radar and forward-looking infrared equipment. The AEO must be able to identify, describe and name targets of various sizes, markings and colors. During surveillance operations, the AEO is responsible for continuously communication the movement and actions ofthe suspected smuggler to the other personnel (e.g., U.S. and foreign law enforcement officers, military personnel, etc.). This information is transmitted via operation communications equipment (VHF, UHF, and satellite).

The AEO is an uniformed, weapon carping position and serves as the primary law enforcement officer on CBP Interdiction aircraft. As a member of the air mobile apprehension/air tactical response team, the AEO must scramble for action under strict time restraints. The position is responsible for conducting aerial, vehicle and ground surveillance for extended periods. The AEO may lead or participate in vessel boardings, conveyance search activities, serving warrants and raids into areas where smuggling organizations are known to be operating.

The AEO may initiate and control the law enforcement activities at the scene and be the original arresting and seizing officer until the case is turned over to the appropriate enforcement representative. Additionally, the AEO assists in the apprehension or suspected smugglers and the seizure of the vehicles, aircraft or marine vessel in which the contraband is being transported. The AEO is also required to interview violators and witnesses, perform personal searches of both males and females when appropriate as well as collect facts and process evidence. The AEO must have sufficient muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility to move, sort, stack and store inventory (e.g., contraband, other evidences, hazardous substances, etc.) of irregular size, shape and weight. These items may range in weight from single kilogram quantities to multi-ton shipments.

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When perfonning the essential functions on an aircraft, the ABO is required to sit for long periods of time. The missions are conducted for hours at a time (4-6 hours) in the confines of a controlled work situation where physical space, movement and facilities are limited. Often the AEO is seated facing forward while utilizing some aid to vision (e.g., binoculars or night vision devices) to observe ground activity out the side window. In the event of an emergency, ditching of the aircraft may be necessary. The AEO must be able to lift and manipulate a 47-pound life raft through a 24 X 36-inch opening three feet off the floor while wearing approximately 10 pounds of survival equipment.

After sitting for extended periods of time in a fixed, static position wearing 25 pounds of safety and law enforcement equipment, the AEO must have the physical stamina and strength to jump (3 feet vertically/ 3 feet horizontally) out of the aircraft and run for an unspecified distance over unfamiliar terrain that may be uneven, rough, rocky or slippery to pursue and restrain suspects. In addition, the ABO must be able to perform search activities that require repetitive activities like jumping, climbing, bending, crawling, lifting and carrying heavy equipment. The AEO must apply sound judgement, exercise the appropriate law enforcement control techniques and be prepared to defend self and others against physical and armed attack with the use of firearms as the last resort.

The job duties and tasks of the position are performed in enclosed and open areas in all types of environments and weather exposing the AEO to conditions of heat, humidity, cold, rain, etc.

Performance of the essential job duties are often performed in less than optimum conditions such as in the evening, at night, during a fog/haze or in bright light where glare conditions from excessive illumination (e.g., clouds, water, snow, desert terrain, etc.) are likely. The AEO may.

also be exposed to hazardous materials, dust, aircraft exhaust fumes and noisy environments.

The essential job duties are often performed under extremely stressful and changing conditions, during hazardous aerial flights (in the dark, during varying and adverse weather conditions, in close proximity to unlighted suspect aircraft), and over inhospitable terrain. Regular and recurring long flights are required, as well as travel on short notice, and traveling to foreign countries where the AEO may be exposed to unhealthy living conditions. In addition, the AEO may be required to perform the essential job duties at another aviation branch or foreign country, several times a year, for a month or longer.

Besides the aircrew and law enforcement requirements, the AEO is also responsible for developing,analyzing,evaluatingandinterpretinginformationfroma widevarietyof sources-especially for hislher geographic area. The AEO is responsible for preparing reports and providing advice as it relates to routes, methods and activities of known or suspected smugglers, organized groups, etc. The AEO must be able to communicate orally in a clear and precise manner while in flight under pressure, and in writing to produce logical and grammatically correct in-depth narrative reports. The AEO may also be required to provide testimony for use in prosecution of Federal cases.

The AEO must be able to work closel1with others (the pilot, other aircrew and CBP officers, including Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, foreign officials, etc.). He/she may be required to assist criminal investigators and government prosecutors with the development of civil and criminal cases against suspects violating D.S.law and CBP regulations as well as work with host nation military personnel during a mission. Although the AEO may work under close supervision, he/she may be required to make independent on-the-spot decisions based on the available evidence in accordance with accepted agency policies, guidelines, statutes and case law.

Other Job Characteristics:

The position is required to work long periods of administratively uncontrollable overtime. The mission requires that the occupationaljob duties be performed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with scheduled and unscheduled periods of overtime a condition of employment. The AEO may be required to work weekends, holidays and rotate shifts (biweekly or monthly). AEOs' may be required to travel on short notice, at great distances from their assigned posts and have limited privacy when traveling. This includes temporary duty, two to three times a year for 30 days overseas or to areas where medical facilities/capabilities are limited. Assignments are always subject to change without advance notice.

The AEO must conform to established grooming standards including the use of appropriate and approved personal protective equipment (e.g., flight suits, flight boots, flight helmets, eye protection, ear protection, personal flotation equipment, ballistic vests, survival radios, etc). The AEO is required to comply with agency policies and procedures while participating in air operations and law enforcement missiQ;I1s.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General:

It is the inherent responsibility of the AEO to be alert at all times, anticipating all circumstances, situations, and conditions that would affect safe and efficient performance of the essential job duties. While performing the duties of the flight crew or if schedule for such duties, the individual must exercise caution to avoid taking medications (prescribed and/or over-the-counter) that may adversely affect his/her faculties.

The duties of these positions require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips and knee joints is required.

Arms, hands, legs, and feet must function sufficiently in order for applicants to perform the duties satisfactorily.

Vision:

Near vision acuity - must be sufficient'to read Jaeger 2 at 14 inches, with or without correction.

Distance vision acuity - must test (in terms of Snellen) at least 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other eye, with or without correction; uncorrected vision acuity must test at least 20/200.

Normal depth perception, peripheral vision and color vision are required.

Persons that have undergone refractive eye surgery must meet certain requirements, including achieving passing scores on specific post-operative testing.

Hearing:

Hearing, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 30 decibels in either ear at the 500, 1000, 2000 frequency range. Applicant must be able to hear the whispered voice at 15 feet with each ear without the use of a hearing aid.

Special Medical Requirements:

1. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and involve the responsibility for the safety of others under trying conditio~s, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability.

Any condition that would hinder full, efficient performance of the duties of these positions or that would cause the individual to be a hazard to himself/herself or to others is disqualifying.

2. Appointment will be contingent upon a candidate's passing a pre-employment medical examination and drug test to ascertain possession of the physical and emotional requirements for the position.

3. Certain diseases or conditions resulting in indistinct speech may be disqualifying.

4. Any chronic disease or condition affecting the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, endocrine or genito-urinary systems that would impair full performance of the duties of the position is disqualifying.

5. The presence of medical conditions that would be aggravated by the environmental conditions of these positions will ordinarily disqualify an applicant for appointment. This includes acute and chronic pathological conditions of either eye or adnexa; diseases or conditions of the middle or inteJ11alear, nose, oral cavity, pharynx or larynx; vertigo or disturbances of equilibrium; mental disorders to the extent the individual has repeated manifestations of overt acts or psychosis, personality disorders, substance dependence;

disturbances in consciousness or transient loss of nervous system control, etc.

Medical requirements must be met for in service placement actions, including reinstatement of former employees and transfers from positions not covered by this standard.

AIR ENFORCEMENT OFFICER - LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING

The AEO must attend and successfully complete an intense 17-week Federal Law Enforcement Training Program. This requires that, the individual have sufficient strength, flexibility and range of motion of the trunk and extremities (arms, shoulders, hands, fingers and joints): manipulative dexterity; as well as hand-eye coordination in order to safely and efficiently handcuff, search and control a suspect as well as master the weapon.

ARREST TECHNIQUES - during a 2 hour training session, maintain a 2-to-3 minute kneeling position (one or two-knee) and rise repeatedly (10-15 times) from the position in 2 to 3 minutes.

The participant must be prepared to be thrown to the ground along with restraining and controlling an uncooperative individual. , DEFENSIVE TACTICS - The student must be flexible and have rapid and coordinated body movements in order to control an adversary and/or defend self or others against an attack., FIREA HANDGUN- stand unassisted for one (1) hour, assume a one or two knee position, rise from a kneeling position without assistance, extract a handgun from a tight fitting holster, as well as load, unload and manipulate the handgun. The student is required to extend the arms in front of the body at eye level and pull the trigger of a handgun, repeatedly, with the trigger finger using both the strong and weaker hand.

FIREA SHOTGUN- The studentmustbe ableto standfor one(1) hour,kneelon onekneeand rise without assistance. The student must have shoulder, wrist, hand, and back strength and dexterity to manipulate (load, unload, hold and fire) a seven (7) pound shotgun safely and efficiently.

FIRE A RIFLE OR SUBMACHINE GUN - The student must be able to stand for one (1) hour, assume both sitting and prone positions, kneel on one knee and rise without assistance while holding and shouldering a 7-to-9 pound rifle or submachine, loading and unloading the weapon while controlling the recoil.

HANDGUN/SHOTGUN STRESS - The student must have all previously listed requirements for a handgun and shotgun, plus be able to exit an automobile unassisted, run or jog quickly for a distance of 20 yard intervals. The stud6nt must be able to conceal his/her body behind various items of cover, i.e. car body, mailbox, etc.

PERFORMCARDIOPULMONARYRESUSCITATION- The studentmustmaintaina kneeling position, be able to roll an unconscious person on his/her back to a proper position to administer life-sustaining support. In addition, the student must have the ability to exhale repeatedly through the mouth to produce lung expansion on a training manikin, produce chest compression on an adult training manikin, along with the ability to administer abdominal thrusts.

PHYSICALCONDITIONING- The studentmustparticipatein a varietyof activitiesthat involve physical strength and cardiovascular endurance. This may consist of, but is not limited to, jogging, weight training, calisthenics, and warm-up exercises.

PHYSICAL EFFICIENCY BATTERY (PEBs) - The individual must successfully complete the following physical performance tests:

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1.5 mile runlwalk maximum bench press flexibility sit and reach test agility - 30' maze cour~e body composition as determined by skin calipers moderate calisthenic warm-up and cool down exercises a.

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DRIVEA CAR/OFFENSIVEMANEUVERS/PROTECTIVEDRIVING- In additionto a valid State driver's license, the student must possess full range of motion in the neck, back, arms and legs along with manipulative dexterity of the hands and feet. The student must be able to turn his/her head from side to side, turn around in the car seat, manipulate quickly the steering wheel, along with breaking and accelerating the motor vehicle at slow, moderate and high speeds.

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VEHICLE STOPS/CONDUCT SURVEILLANCE-Thestudentmustbe ableto driveandoccupy a vehicle (remained seated) for periods of one (1) to six (6) hours. Additionally, the student must be able to enter/exit a motor vehicle quickly, handle a firearm, along with searching motor vehicles and individuals.

EXECUTE A SEARCH WARRANT - The student must be able to stand for three (3) hours, bend, kneel, stretch and climb for five (5) minutes, crawl for a distance of thirty (30) feet, run continuously for three (3) minutes; and move furniture commonly found in residences/offices.

AIR ENFORCEMENT OFFICER - CREW MEMBER TRAINING

As an aircrew member with the primary function of intercepting, tracking and apprehending suspected violators, the AEO must be fully qualified in all phases of flight. The AEO must have the ability to cope outside the "normal microclimate" (e.g., human factors related to work space, physiologic tolerance, environmental c"bntrolsystems, performance psychology, personal protective equipment, emergency escape and survival, etc.). Consequently, the AEO must meet the mission-training qualifications for the position. The individual will be responsible for demonstratinghis/her proficiency in performing the essential job duties and requirements of the position on an ongoing and recurrent basis. This includes satisfactory performance in the following elements specific to the aviation operation and environment:

-aeronautical and technical experience -manipulation of tactical and sensor operations

- organization operations, safety, local airports, airspace, etc.

- a CBP-approved flight orientation and ground school -survival training to enhance survival in aviation emergency situations that may occur over the desert, arctic, mountains, jungle or water (e.g., review of emergency equipment usage, realistic demonstrations, techniques, hands on practical excursuses, etc.)

Note: Federal Regulations provide that, employability decisions are agency management decisions. The role of the physician is to identify medical conditions that may affect the individual's ability to perform the full range of duties essential to the position and to determine the stability of the medical condition (s).