HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The 75th Security Forces Squadron wants to hire more civilian law enforcement officer positions through the Department of Air Force’s Civilian Defender Program.
Civilian defenders alongside their military counterparts have a pivotal role in the base’s defense, and the program works to improve retention, recruiting, training and professional development.
The Air Force Security Forces Center initiated the Civilian Defender Program in 2019. Since inception, the program has brought about several large changes aimed at making the law enforcement career field more attractive.
“This is a good agency to come to,” said Lt. Joaquin Torres, 75th SFS operations section supervisor. “With great benefits, advanced training, and career growth opportunities, if you join the 75th Security Forces Squadron.”
One of the major benefits for an individual just starting a career, is the diversity of experience and advanced training one can gain, in a relative short amount of time, when compared to officers serving in off-base police departments.
Patrol officers on the installation learn military, federal and state law enforcement, and have opportunities for advanced training with many different federal agencies and military security forces.
Security forces senior leaders incentivized new patrolman retention by upgrading the baseline position from a GS-06 to GS-07 in September 2019, which increased the average salary $4,000-$5,000 annually, depending on the unit’s location.
Additionally, a career development pyramid was created that demonstrates the progression of steps showing opportunity for growth from the entry level GS-07 to deputy director positions at the GS-13 level.
Torres said, these major changes are starting to make a difference, citing the 75th SFS’s recent hiring of Corporal Natalie Childs, who is the first female civilian law enforcement supervisor to be hired through the Civilian Defender Program.
“I think the Civilian Defender program opens up all kinds of opportunity,” said Childs, “The possibilities for progression are endless, and only depend on how much one limits themselves.”
Security forces headquarters also instituted Direct Hire Authority from the Office of Personnel Management for the 0083 police officer series, helping to expedite hiring activities and allowing units to hire the right people immediately or as needed.
“There is no age limit to apply, and while prior experience is preferred, it is not required,” said Torres. “Participants must pass a medical examination and two-event physical fitness test consisting of 19 push-ups, and a 17:30 mile and half run.”
Upon being hired, those with little or no experience that have not graduated under the DOD Post Commission, would be required to attend the police academy for three-month basic police officer training.
After the academy, training would proceed on the installation, with a three month long on-the-job field training program, all at no cost for the participant.
Interested candidates can email Torres at joaquin.torres@us.af.mil. Announcements are also posted externally on Monster.com and Indeed.com.