Patrol Officer

SUMMARY:

In support of the university’s mission and objectives, the Patrol Officer is responsible for the safety and security of the university including its students, faculty, staff, and administration as well as its physical assets during the assigned shift. Responsible for fostering a safe and secure environment and acting as a deterrent to crime and unsafe behaviors through a variety of proactive patrol techniques/strategies and crime prevention/awareness measures. Responsible for detecting local, state, and federal laws, and enforcing college policies and procedures. Investigates, responds to, and documents crimes, disturbances, and other public safety-related incidents occurring at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Employs a variety of proactive patrol techniques and strategies in a vehicle, by bicycle, or on-foot to foster increased safety and security of all PBA-affiliated persons and property. Engages in community-oriented problem solving, community-oriented policing, and other crime prevention measures.
• Responds to assigned service calls, including emergencies, non-emergencies, and critical incidents. Initiates service calls based on direct observation or citizen requests. Serves as a first responder by assessing situations, determining appropriate actions, administering first aid or life support, coordinating with law enforcement/EMS, and prioritizing incidents to ensure safety through decisive action.
• Conducts and/or assists in various types of investigations. Conducts interviews, collects property, and secures crime scenes. Documents findings and prepares written detailed case reports and logs, as required.
• Operates miscellaneous equipment including, but not limited to, computers and other information technology equipment, communications equipment, AEDs, and other first aid/life safety equipment, cameras and video surveillance equipment, vehicles, vehicle jump starters, and intermediate weapons as required.
• Performs a number of community service functions including, but not limited to, conducting safety escorts, completing inspections and reports regarding safety hazards, and other physical access control assistance.  
• Assists in parking enforcement, vehicle and pedestrian traffic direction, special events security, surveillance activities, and other unique assignments.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned and appropriate.

• High school degree required
• Associate degree or college credit hours in a public safety related field preferred.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License required and must be maintained throughout employment, required.
• Florida Class D Security Officer License or active law enforcement certification, preferred.
• Current CPR with AED certification, preferred.
• First Aid Training Certification
• Minimum of 1+ years of experience.
• Prior experience in campus public safety/law enforcement, or related public safety discipline preferred.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

• Customer Service Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholder(s), students, parents, faculty, staff and community partners in mind at all times. 
• Professionalism – Displays a high level of professionalism, e.g. timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic.
• Christ-first Faith – Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey.
• Adaptable/Flexibility – Ability to change or adjust to change.
• Analytical Thinking & Decision Making – Identifies and understands trends and/or issues, connects data points through analysis and logical conclusions/actionable strategies.
• Attention to Detail – Ability to efficiently and accurately focus on a specific task or number of tasks. Reviews details with a critical eye.
• Confidentiality – Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position.
• Conflict Management – Functions professionally and wisely during difficult conversations, while under stress, and while managing challenging situations.
• Develops Others – Ability to promote continuous improvement within teams and/or individuals.
• Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences.
• Establishes Trust – Gains the confidence of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, and vulnerable.
• Problem-solving – Anticipates, evaluates, diagnoses, and resolves problems in a systematic and fact-based manner.
• Self-development – Grow one’s self-awareness, abilities, skills, and/or talent.
• Strategic Mindset – Ability to step out of the everyday details, view the situation from above and provide an objective perspective
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others both departmentally and cross-functionally. 
• Technology – Strong aptitude to learn new technologies as department processes evolve.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

•  Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year
• Upcoming schedule change effective August 2, 2025
  New Shift Time Example:
  Day Shift: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM or 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
  Night Shift: 6:00 PM–6:00 AM or 7:00 PM–7:00 AM
  (Night Shift officers will receive shift differential pay.)
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to traverse campus and stairs
• Ability to lift/move objects up to 50 pounds
• Ability to perform extensive standing, walking, and running
• Ability to perform with physical strength and agility to deter or de-escalate physical altercations if necessary while maintaining safety.
• Ability to operate equipment, AED, fire extinguishers, golf carts, patrol vehicles and other essential public safety related equipment as required.
• Overall physical fitness to perform patrols, respond to emergencies, and carryout job responsibilities effectively.
• Capacity to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, or wind.