Public Safety Officer

Summary:

Reporting to the Supervisor of Community Policing, the Public Safety Officer maintains the safety and security of the entire campus community and protects all University property.

Job Description:

• Conducts foot and vehicular patrols of assigned campus areas; and enforces laws, ordinances, and regulations of the District of Columbia applicable to the campus community.
• Investigates campus traffic accidents, injuries, and illnesses that occur on campus, incidents that appear inconsistent with University policy, suspicious persons and circumstances; and takes careful and complete notes and submits written reports.
• Investigates, evaluates, and responds to criminal actions, including the pursuit, detainment, and arrest of suspects; and prepares detailed reports and provides testimony for legal review, investigation, and hearings.
• Maintains a constant watch for fire and other hazardous situations that may threaten the safety of the campus community; checks and secures campus buildings; detects defects in utility systems, buildings, and grounds; makes immediate notifications in emergencies; and submits written reports.
• Directs vehicular traffic; enforces parking assignments and motor vehicle and parking regulations; provides evidence for appeals; monitors parking lots as assigned; performs meter collections/maintenance; and issues citations, as appropriate.
• Provides fire-evacuation control; and conducts bomb-threat searches.
• Deals courteously and professionally with members of the campus community and all others who may be on campus; and assists and advises visitors.
• Identifies and registers vehicles and drivers at the main and Sixth Street kiosks.
• Serves as a dispatcher, as assigned.
• Acquires and maintains a familiarity and understanding of all D.C. laws and regulations, and University and department directives, mandates, policies, and procedures.
• Provides guidance to security trainees as assigned.
• Establishes and maintains a positive and supportive working relationship with co-workers and supervisors.
• Demonstrates a genuine commitment to belonging in the workplace and participates in activities and workshops to foster continuous learning.
• Serves as a mandatory reporter under Title IX; and commits to completing Title IX training and other compliance requirements on an annual basis.
• Prioritizes safety in the workplace as a collective responsibility for the well-being of employees and fosters a culture of safety that is integral to our success, including strict adherence to safety procedures and protocols, as well as promptly reporting any safety hazards or incidents.
• Performs related and other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• A minimum of three years of experience with public safety, public service, or a related field (Associate's degree with one year of experience in the above-mentioned area will be considered).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience working in a higher education setting.
• Ability to communicate in American Sign Language.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively, including in writing, and to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and across University departments, outside constituents, and groups.

Additional Position Details:

• Selected candidates must submit a copy of their valid driver's license at the time of the interview.
• The incumbent must possess a District of Columbia Metropolitan Special Police Officer (MSPO) Commission or be able to obtain one within the first six months of employment.
• The incumbent must successfully complete the Consortium of Universities Public Safety Institute training or have previously completed an equivalent program.
• The incumbent must be available to work holidays, weekends, and varying shifts based on operational and staffing needs. Work schedules may change as necessary to ensure adequate public safety coverage.
• This position is expected to be the employee's primary employment commitment. Any outside employment must not interfere with the employee's ability to meet scheduling, attendance, or performance expectations.
• Because this position involves public safety responsibilities, the incumbent may be subject to periodic testing for illicit drug use in accordance with University policy, applicable District of Columbia law, and licensing or regulatory requirements.