Safety & Security Specialist

Safety & Security Specialist

The Safety & Security Specialist serves as a welcoming and vigilant presence within the Vanderbilt University community. As part of Vanderbilt University Public Safety, this role supports the safety and security of campus and medical center environments by operating weapon detection equipment, screening individuals entering facilities, and providing general patrol coverage across buildings, grounds, parking lots, and garages. The Specialist responds to safety concerns, assists visitors and staff, and communicates clearly and professionally to maintain a safe, respectful, and service-oriented environment.

This role also supports traffic flow, parking guidelines, and emergency response activities, escalating concerns to supervisory personnel when needed.

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff, all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing.

• Serve the community through proactive security post assignments or patrol functions including self-initiated activities.
• Responsible for monitoring individuals as they pass through the weapon detector, ensuring that each person is scanned thoroughly.
• Adhere to established security protocols and procedures while operating the weapon detector checkpoint to ensure the safety and security of the premises.
• Assist visitors who may require assistance or guidance as they pass through the weapon detector. This could include helping them remove items from their person or explaining the process.
• Respond to non‑police emergency calls to include but not be limited to the following: alarms (fire, general security), hazardous material spills and leaks, and pedestrian or vehicular traffic control.
• Use trained tactics to assist in controlling, de‑escalating, or restraining combative and/or violent patients as requested by medical personnel.
• Provide backup and assistance for other officers within guidelines specified in department policy and procedures.
• Respond to general security or safety hazard calls for service as directed.
• Maintain knowledge of the institutional Disaster Plan and the role of the Safety & Security Specialist in the administration of the plan.
• Maintain familiarity with personal protective equipment, including protective suits and N‑95 respirators.
• Provide walking escorts as assigned.
• Provide security for events, including athletic events, concerts, speaking engagements, visiting dignitaries, commencement, and other events as assigned.
• Provide internal and external disaster assistance according to Departmental, University, and Medical Center policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with established procedures and protocols.

• Set up, operate, maintain, and store the weapon detector, ensuring it remains in good working condition and promptly reporting any malfunctions or issues to the shift supervisor.
• Actively monitor the weapon detector for alarm triggers and assess whether activations are caused by harmless items (e.g., keys, coins) or potential threats.
• Perform secondary screenings on individuals who trigger alarms, using handheld detectors or physical pat‑downs as appropriate to locate and identify the source.

• Effectively communicate with VUPS and VUMC personnel to ensure a coordinated effort in maintaining security and responding to any potential threats detected by the weapon detector.
• Develop rapport with members of the university community as well as surrounding areas; participate in community relations activities.
• Assist the community members and provide courteous and professional customer service to individuals entering the…