University Police Officer

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION: 

Protect campus property, preservation of the education environment and peace, prevention of crime, uphold traffic and parking regulations, investigation of incidents, complaints, and crimes, enforcement of campus rules and regulations, and federal, state and municipal laws and ordinances.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: 

Positions in this classification are unique to the campus. There are not similar positions in other departments. The Department operates on a 24 – hour – a – day schedule and officers must be able to work any shift. They must exercise considerable discretion while being responsible for maintaining order and safety for all members of the University community. The persons assigned to this position must be of high moral standards, neat, personable, articulate and be capable of maintaining his/her composure under stressful situations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Perform periodic patrols of assigned buildings and grounds of the University. Must have the ability to climb stairs, to check all floors of assigned building areas. Physically check exterior doors, windows, etc. to determine that they are secure. Request identification of persons in buildings after hours. Must have ability to drive a cruiser and operate two-way radio and other electronic equipment while patrolling grounds.
2. Perform all duties related to the dispatch area. Must have very good communication skills, both in writing and verbal. Must be able to answer phone and dispatch several officers at the same time. Prepare, type, operate and monitor CCTV cameras, computerized access security systems, University buildings and houses, access system and emergency phone monitor system.
3. Investigate all suspicious persons and vehicles. Pursue and stop suspicious person or persons and gather pertinent information for identification of said individual or individuals.
4. Provide courtesy escorts. Walk students between various locations on campus as requested.
5. Respond to fire and intrusion alarms. Respond to and investigate all alarms, fire and security, contacting necessary personnel such as fire and police departments, ambulance services as the situation necessitates or inform supervisor for need of same.
6. Enforcement of the rules and regulations of the University, federal, state and municipal laws and ordinances. Officers investigate complaints and other situations, which fall within the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Safety. Interview complainants, witnesses, suspects and victims. Follow-up investigative leads, evidence, etc. Apprehend and arrest violators, seek out warrants for arrest, assist with the prosecution, prepare reports, compile evidence, appear and testify in court.
7. Enforce traffic regulations. Issue parking, speeding and warning tickets to violators. Apply Denver boot when necessary. Oversee towing of vehicles as necessary. Investigate traffic accidents and prepare all necessary reports.
8. Respond to all emergencies. Respond to and investigate all emergencies, medical, fire, etc. and complete necessary paperwork. Must be able to administer C.P.R. and basic first aid and medical treatment. Must understand basic principles of firefighting.
9. Each officer shall work with a group from the University community, and act as a liaison between said group and the Department of Public Safety. The groups can be a specific club, department, school or other designated group sharing goals and objectives.
10. Each officer shall seek out and maintain a specific specialty, which will benefit the said officer, the Department and the University community. Such specialties could include, but are not limited to EMT, Bike Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, RAD Instructor, Evidence Officer, Computer Program Manager, etc.

MARGINAL DUTIES: 

1. Enter parking information into computer.
2. Ability to take I.D. Photos for faculty, staff and students.
3. Maintain all files.
4. Maintain equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
5. Issuing parking information and decals and seeing that individuals understand the parking rules and regulations of the University.
6. Attend staff and other meetings.
    

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES: 
 
Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities and to possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform the essential functions of the job.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS: 

1.    Must be able to run in certain situations.

2.    Must be able to possess and demonstrate self-defense skills when called upon.

3.    Ability to work outside in all types of weather.

4.    Ability to climb stairs, walk or stand for extended periods of time.

5.    Ability to operate a vehicle under all types of conditions.

6.    Must be able to see and identify a person’s specific physical characteristics, read letters and numbers clearly from a distance.

7.    Must have the ability to qualify with the department issued firearm.

HOURS: 

Department hours are 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Employees must be able to work any one of the scheduled shifts. The standard shift is 8 hours with two fifteen-minute breaks. Must be able to work overtime as situations arise. Possible shift assignment includes 7:00am – 3:00pm, 3:00pm – 11:00pm, 8:00pm – 4:00am, and 11:00pm – 7:00am.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS: 

1. Education: Bachelor’s Degree required or an equivalent Associates Degree, while continuing to pursue a completed Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree, or a related field.
2. Experience: Two years’ experience in law enforcement desired (preferably on a college or university campus).
3. Licenses:
   1. Must possess a valid driver's license.
   2. Must be able to obtain certification in basic first aid and C.P.R.
   3. Must be able to obtain Special Police authority in accordance with requirements set forth by the Massachusetts State Police, which would include the attendance and successful completion of the Massachusetts Special State Police Academy.
   4. Must be able to obtain a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms – Class A Large Capacity permit, in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, Section 131.
   5. Must have the ability to qualify with the department issued firearm.
4. Must be able to initially pass a psychological examination and a psychologically supportive individual interview, and subsequently re-qualify for the same every two years. Must be able to pass random psychological testing. Any officer’s refusal to undergo such testing may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
5. Must be able to initially pass a firearm instructional course and thereafter pass quarterly live-fire qualification tests. Failure to pass a quarterly live-fire qualification test will result in the officer being placed on un-paid administrative leave pending the successful completion of a re-qualification test.
6. Must successfully pass a medical examination with a Drug Screening Test, and subsequent random drug testing.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. Submit resume or application to the University Human Resources Department.
2. Oral interview with an oral board (Department Supervisory Staff).
3. Pass a background check and credit check.
4. Final interview with Director of Public Safety.
5. Pass medical exam with drug testing.
6. Pass a psychological examination.