Police Officer

The Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech is comprised of the Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management and has a critical role in supporting the well-being of our community. We are essential in planning for and responding to emergency events, and in creating a culture of preparedness where employees and students are safe in their work and living environments.
Police Officers at Virginia Tech protect and serve a diverse University community.

Responsibilities include:

investigating motor vehicle accidents, personal injuries, and criminal matters; enforcement of state and federal laws and University policies; preparation of reports; courtroom testimony; traffic direction and crowd control; response to emergency situations; extended foot patrol; working a rotating shift that includes weekends, nights, and holidays; reporting for duty in adverse weather conditions and/or when the university is otherwise closed (“Emergency Personnel”);

and adhering to all criteria established for a Nationally Accredited Police Department.
Police Officers also perform other duties as requested by supervisor, take initiative to support the best interests of the department and a healthy work environment, strive to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct, Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community, and support the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Experience:

• Experience with writing reports or similar documents.
• Experience working with the public.
• Demonstrated computer experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse department and the university community.
• Ability to give creditable court testimony and comprehend legal documents.
• Ability to use independent judgment and exercise considerable restraint under stressful situations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle at high speeds in adverse conditions.
• Ability to ascertain facts through personal contact, observation, and examination of records.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to recognize safety and security hazards on campus and take appropriate corrective action.

Physical Fitness:

• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities.
• Ability to run, jump, climb stairs, bend, lift, and physically restrain an individual as needed.
• Ability to perform duties on bicycle, vehicle, or foot.
• Must pass physical abilities test by running 1.5 miles within 20 minutes.
• Must be able to use a respirator.
• Following a conditional offer, one must pass a medical exam, including vision testing.

Pre-Employment and Ongoing Employee Screening:

• Candidates for employment are required to successfully complete an extensive background check and credit history check, with satisfactory results. This includes, but is not limited to, a driving records check, criminal history check (including fingerprinting), and a pre-employment drug screening.
• Incumbents are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol screening in accordance with department policy.
• Successful completion of a psychological assessment is required.

Federal, State, Local Government, and Other Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen as required by Virginia Code Section 15.2-1705.
• Must qualify under federal and state guidelines to carry a firearm. Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from carrying a firearm.
• Must be a high school graduate or able to furnish documentary evidence of equivalency degree.
• Must currently possess a valid Virginia Operator's License or be able to obtain it within 30 days of employment.
• Must meet vision requirements: no worse than…