27-17 Community Policing Officer (Police Specialist, WCU Internal Applicants Only) - Public Safety

Police Specialist

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania's Public Safety Department invites WCU internal applicants for the position of Police Specialist.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The Police Specialist is a sworn law enforcement officer who performs specialized assignments in addition to regular patrol responsibilities. Specialists serve as subject matter experts in designated program areas, enhancing departmental operations through community engagement, officer development, crime prevention initiatives, and specialized patrol functions. Assignments are made based on departmental needs, training, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.

Responsibilities include:

• Patrol the campus using a department-issued police mountain
• Provide highly visible patrols to deter criminal activity and improve community engagement
• Respond to calls for service and assist with emergency incidents while utilizing bicycle patrol techniques
• Conduct proactive patrols in areas that are difficult to access by vehicle
• Develop and participate in community policing initiatives that strengthen partnerships between the Police Department and the campus community
• Participate in outreach events, educational programs, and problem-solving initiatives as assigned by department administration
• Foster positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors
• Identify community concerns and work collaboratively to develop solutions
• Present departmental overviews during new student orientation programs
• Conduct crime prevention presentations for residence halls, student organizations, faculty, and staff
• Provide educational programming on personal safety, theft prevention, active threat awareness, and related topics
• Assist with departmental crime prevention campaigns and community education initiatives
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver specialized training programs for department personnel
• Provide instruction within assigned areas of expertise, ensuring officers maintain proficiency in required skills
• Assist with planning annual training schedules and documenting training records
• Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend improvements to departmental training programs
• Perform other duties as assigned

Essential functions:

This position is deemed "essential" and must remain or report to work during partial or full day closings of the University due to hazardous road conditions, emergency circumstances or for other reasons.

Minimum qualifications:

• One year as a Patrol Officer or two years of police work AND formal training in the provision of basic police services as certified through Act 12O Training AND other specialized training in a specific area of police work such as crime prevention, criminal investigation, traffic accident investigation and/or crime scene processing; OR any equivalent experience or training.
• Valid Driver's license

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of Commonwealth laws, rules, and regulations governing motor vehicle operation and personal conduct for employees or visitors at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Universities; or of modern police practices and methods used in crime investigation and the identification and preservation of physical evidence
• Knowledge of Commonwealth provisions for emergency situations
• Knowledge of group behavior and the principles and practices of group control
• Skill in the use and care of offensive and defensive weapons
• Ability to enforce laws firmly, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in…