Police Officer

Role overview

The Police Officer supports campus safety under the direction of a shift or operations supervisor and the Director of Public Safety/Chief of Campus Police. This role focuses on maintaining a secure university environment and enforcing university rules as well as applicable state and local laws.

Core duties

• Carry out crime prevention activities, campus patrols, radio communication, parking and traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, follow-up work, and incident reporting.
• Protect university employees, students, property, and visitors.
• Watch over all assigned areas and maintain situational awareness across the department’s jurisdiction.
• Spot potential safety or security issues and report them promptly.
• Coordinate with outside law enforcement agencies when needed.
• Handle additional work-related assignments as directed.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to identify campus safety and security risks and respond appropriately.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to work any assigned shift.
• Ability to chase and apprehend suspects or suspicious persons on foot across campus buildings and grounds when necessary.
• Ability to perform security and policing duties while on bicycle patrol.
• Ability to stay calm and respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to deliver protection and apply law-enforcement procedures safely and correctly.
• Ability to determine facts through direct contact, observation, and review of records.
• Ability to complete annual weapons qualification to maintain P.O.S.T. certification.
• Ability to see, hear, and communicate clearly, especially with students and campus visitors.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse groups, the university community, and the public.

Physical demands

• Must be able to pursue suspects or suspicious individuals on foot across university buildings and grounds and make arrests when necessary.
• Must be able to run, jump, and physically restrain an individual as needed during an arrest.

Minimum qualifications

• Applicant must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Current P.O.S.T. certification is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• No criminal convictions are permitted.
• Must successfully complete a psychological evaluation.
• Must pass a detailed background check conducted by the university.
• Must complete a physical examination by a licensed physician at the candidate’s own cost.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Must have a telephone for emergency call-back by the department.
• This is an essential role and the employee must report to work during emergencies or disaster situations.

Additional information

This position reports under general supervision within the public safety structure and requires readiness to support campus operations whenever needed.