NBC4 TV News (California)
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Port Police put out a call Tuesday for applicants to become officers on the front lines of security at the nation’s busiest port.
“The Port of Los Angeles is a wonderful place to begin a law enforcement career,” said Port Police Chief Ron Boyd. “We offer the most competitive pay and best working conditions in law enforcement, with a range of assignments and opportunities for specialized training that make this an especially rewarding career.”
The Los Angeles Port Police enforce all federal, state and local laws applicable to port responsibilities, including homeland security, cargo protection, visitor and passenger security, pollution investigation, vessel traffic control and narcotics interdiction.
In addition to patrolling the harbor’s 43-mile waterfront by patrol car, boat, helicopter, foot and bicycle, Los Angeles Port Police officers take part in specialized operations, including a harbor-based dive team, K-9 unit and the Cargo Theft Interdiction Program and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task forces.
The starting salary for a Port Police officer is $50,571, with job benefits including annual paid vacations, holidays, medical and dental plans, sick leave, a retirement system, hazardous materials pay and a paid uniform allowance.
Candidates must be a high school graduate or equivalent, at least 18 years old at the time of hire, have U.S. citizenship or citizenship application in process, and possess a valid California driver’s license.
After acceptance, they must satisfactorily complete an approved basic police recruit school, complete a qualifying swimming test at the time of appointment and pass a yearly medical examination.