Police Officer

Overview

Purpose Of The Position:
The Police Officer, with moderate supervision, is responsible for the protection of life, property, and facilities of the University community through the proper administration and enforcement of regulations and laws in conformance with standard law enforcement practices in an institution of higher learning. These duties may involve an element of personal danger. Police Officers regularly conduct criminal investigations, perform searches and seizures, arrest offenders, present criminal cases to prosecutors for prosecution in district and municipal courts, respond to medical and other emergencies, write moving traffic violations, and assist other local law enforcement agencies.

• Patrols, on foot or by vehicle, assigned areas for signs of trouble and responds with action appropriate to the situation. Determines whether to initiate an investigation, a search, an arrest, or other applicable action. Participates in investigations, testifies in court, and confers with other law enforcement agencies.
• Collects, analyzes, and verifies information from interviews; assesses the consistency and value of information; makes notifications as needed. Locates, collects, handles, and preserves physical evidence. Interrogates complainants, witnesses, and suspects. Directs and controls traffic flow and pedestrian movement on campus; patrols streets and enforces traffic ordinances and laws.
• Enforces traffic laws and issues traffic citations for moving violations; may involve multitasking such as driving at higher speeds, monitoring radio traffic, and positioning vehicles for safety.
• Manages accident scenes by controlling traffic flow, directing traffic for extended periods in extreme weather, handling safety equipment, investigating causes (including photographing or diagramming), and taking appropriate enforcement action. Reports hazardous conditions.
• Completes written reports in accordance with department procedures; initiates follow-up reports when a case requires further investigation; marks and packages evidence when applicable and ensures proper documentation and storage for later examination or court presentation.
• Maintains reports in chronological order with clear narration, correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word use.
• Apprehends and/or arrests violators of the law, ensuring legal and constitutional soundness; may pursue suspects on foot in challenging environments and restrain combative individuals; takes suspects into custody and completes the booking process.
• Adheres to the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, state laws, city ordinances, departmental rules, ethics, and general police work principles; appears and testifies as a professional witness when summoned.
• Responds to emergency situations with physical exertion as needed; makes quick decisions, gains control of the situation, renders necessary aid, and interviews all parties involved.
• Operates emergency vehicle safely within department guidelines; drives at high speeds when necessary while maintaining safety and minimizing property damage; renders aid to citizens and motorists as appropriate.
• Establishes and maintains professional contact with University employees, residents, and others to obtain cooperation and maintain order and protection.
• Uses effective communication techniques with diverse groups, including individuals with differing beliefs or emotional states, to manage situations and prevent escalation.
• Provides information about police policies, procedures, and techniques to the public; maintains professional demeanor and appearance in compliance with rules; maintains good relations with other law enforcement agencies.
• Develops skills and proficiency with equipment (firearms, batons, handcuffs, vehicles); maintains equipment in good repair and reports needs to supervisor promptly.
• Maintains annual law enforcement certification as required by state statute; qualifies with duty weapons and attends required training; stays current on legal changes and departmental activities.
• Attends in-service training to meet state requirements and enhance service.
• Performs security checks for facilities and grounds to ensure safety of University property.
• Enforces University rules and regulations related to parking, traffic, safety, etc.; directs safety measures for safe transit of motorists; conducts preventative patrols by vehicle or on foot, including issuing citations.
• May mentor others as needed, and may be assigned to special investigations or surveillance tasks on a temporary basis; may work in adverse weather and extended hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the University mission.

• High school education or equivalent required; some college preferred. Minimum 19 years old; valid driver’s license; ability to work any shift; prior military service with honorable discharge; ability to obtain Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission Certification (APOSTC)…