Special Police Officer

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. BASIC FUNCTION The purpose of this position is to maintain safety guidelines and to provide 24-hour security patrol needed for the protection of life and property within the Howard University campus and off-site facilities. SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY None NATURE AND SCOPE Internal contacts include executives, administrators, students, and staff of the Department of Public Safety, the University and Howard University Hospital, and HUH faculty, students, and staff of the University and Hospital. External contacts include parent/guardians, patients, Mayoral Command Post, representatives from local and national Homeland Security operations, social service agencies, special police officers, Security Officer’s Management Branch, members of the local criminal justice system to include Metropolitan Police, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Department of Corrections, Youth Services organizations, etc. and the general public. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES Answers all emergency and non-emergency phone calls; directs officers to respond to all emergencies, alarms, and service requests; monitors all burglar/security alarms, cameras, and fire alarms; or logs and tracks officer activity using computer-aided dispatch. preventative police and public service activities. Responds to emergency and non-emergency service calls and evaluates the best course of action. Determines appropriate action after identifying and articulating suspicious and criminal behavior. All federal and District of Columbia laws, as well as all American University policies and regulations, are enforced. Maintains a safe, secure, and peaceful environment that supports the University's educational objective. Determines the appropriate course of action in cases of law and policy infractions, including arrest, warning, parking citation, barring notice, or student conduct referral. Identifies and reports on continuing criminal threats in the community. Directs traffic and ensures that parking and traffic restrictions are adhered to. Apprehends or detains individuals suspected of committing criminal offenses using force only when necessary to protect life or property. Notifies suspects of Miranda rights and reports all details of incidents to a Patrol Supervisor. Assists in controlling large crowds and student gatherings, using mature judgment and tact when incidents arise necessitating intervention. Determines the need for additional support as necessary to provide for the security of persons and property on university premises and relays to the dispatcher or relays the information to a supervisor. Prepares special reports in cases of arrest and handles incidents when supervisors are not available to dissolve matters requiring their attention. Patrols assigned post, inspects buildings, grounds, and other premises, enforces the University and District of Columbia laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that they are observed. Settles disturbances of the peace and investigates all unusual occurrences. Assists in the evacuation of buildings and carrying out proper procedures as directed by superiors. As situations require, appears in court and University Judicial Boards/Hearings as a witness against offenders. The Police Officer is assigned to one of three shifts (daylight, evening, or midnight), but if necessary, must perform any other schedule or assignment. Performs other appropriate job-related duties as assigned. CORE COMPETENCIES Knowledge of criminal law, including elements of offenses, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, search and seizures, methods of law enforcement, maintenance of public safety and security and other law enforcement principles and practices. Knowledge of municipal and governmental policy and procedural changes relating to the security of other public safety organizations that affect criminal investigative activities. Skill in the use of firearms and other standard police equipment. Skill in the use of both oral and written English with the ability to read some technical literature, write administrative reports, and describe cases verbally. Skill in public and customer relations with the ability to use tact, diplomacy, and decorum. Ability to successfully complete a University sponsored police academy. Ability to pass regular and/or random physical, psychological, and drug tests as necessary and appropriate. Ability to participate in the investigation of crimes and incidents. Ability to remain emotionally stable and to display mature judgment and tact in explosive and/or dangerous situations. Ability to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective work relations with students, staff, faculty, medical staff, patients, other public safety organizations of the University, Hospital, and the general public. Ability to pass a physical agility test. REQUIREMENTS High School Graduation or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)and Four (4) years of responsible work experience in law enforcement or security work Possession of an AA degree in criminal justice or other related fields, possession of United States citizenship with no criminal record Possession of a good driving record and a driver’s license valid Must successfully pass a qualifying physical examination, agility, and drug tests Completion of a University-sponsored or law enforcement academy or the ability to successfully complete a police academy Must possess a Special Police Commission with firearm authorization or be able to obtain said commission within six months of hire date The Police Officer is designated as an “Essential” employee under Howard University policy. The Police Officer will be required to work regardless of weather or natural/ manmade disaster and is subject to call-out. COVID - 19 Vaccination Information: All newly hired faculty, staff and student employees are required to vaccinate and to have proof of vaccination(s) upon their first day of employment. Please familiarize yourself with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements and verification policy. Exemption and Waiver Information: Medical and religious exemptions from vaccinations will be granted in accordance with federal and local law. Employees must request an exemption by completing the COVID-19 vaccination exemption request form. More information on Howard University’s COVID-19 response and protocol can be found here. Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280. This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.