Campus Police Officer

Washington & Jefferson College; Washington (Washington County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A private liberal arts college is seeking a Campus Safety Officer responsible for ensuring campus safety and security. This role requires Pennsylvania Act 120 certification or equivalent, with responsibilities including patrols, responding to emergencies, and enforcing laws. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication, judgment, and ethical conduct while serving the campus community.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited law enforcement academy required.
• Must possess Pennsylvania Act 120 certification or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 21 years.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patrols of college properties for safety.
• Respond to emergencies and service calls.
• Enforce criminal and traffic laws.

Skills

Judgment

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Completion of law enforcement academy

Associate's degree or 60 college credits

2 years law enforcement experience

Tools

Firearms training

CPR/AED/First Aid certifications

Job description

This position is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the campus community and reports directly to the Chief of Police/ Director of Campus & Public Safety. It requires sound independent judgment and a strong commitment to public service.

The ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate legal, ethical, and unbiased conduct while providing law enforcement and community services to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and guests. In accordance with Act 501, officers employed by Washington & Jefferson College are armed Police Officers, commissioned by the Washington County Court of Common Pleas, and possess the same arrest and prosecution authority as any Police Officer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Candidates must be willing to work four twelve-hour shifts (7:00 AM-7:00 PM or 7:00 PM-7:00 AM), including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. They may also be required to attend court proceedings or respond to emergency recalls outside of scheduled hours.

The ideal candidate will possess the current Pennsylvania Act 120 certification or an equivalent out-of-state or military academy certification. The successful applicant must also meet all college hiring requirements, including an oral panel interview, background investigation, Chiefs interview, and medical/psychological evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct vehicle, foot, and bicycle patrols of college-owned or operated properties to ensure the safety and security of the campus community.
• Foster positive relationships through daily, professional interactions with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Conduct thorough preliminary investigations and submit accurate, timely, and professionally written incident reports.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to a variety of emergencies and service calls, including but not limited to lock/unlock requests, medical emergencies, fires, alarms, accidents, suspicious activity, and criminal incidents.
• Serve as a first responder during medical and mental health emergencies, administering care within the scope of training and department protocols.
• Enforce Pennsylvania criminal and traffic laws as appropriate and report violations of the Student Code of Conduct when applicable, with a focus on preserving peace and maintaining a safe campus environment.
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and interpersonal skills by attending required training sessions and professional development opportunities.
• Provide assistance to other local, state, or federal agencies upon request and as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental operations and college safety initiatives.

Qualifications

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Completion of an accredited local, state, tribal, or federal law enforcement academy at the time of application.
• Possession of Pennsylvania Act 120 certification, or the ability to meet all legal and psychological standards for certification as prescribed under PA Act 120.
• Ability to maintain Act 120 certification standards throughout the course of employment.
• Eligibility to carry a firearm and free from any convictions that would disqualify under Title 37 of the Pennsylvania Code (Police Officers Education and Training Program).
• Must meet all requirements under Act 57 of 2020 pertaining to background checks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 21 years.
• One of the following:
  • An associate's degree or at least 60 college credits from an accredited institution.
  • A minimum of two years (4,160 hours) of law enforcement experience.
  • Four years of honorable military service combined with at least two years (4,160 hours) of applicable public safety-related experience.
  • An equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Legal and Background Requirements:

• No criminal convictions, plea agreements, or nolo contendere pleas.
• Must remain free from habitual addiction to intoxicating substances or controlled drugs.
• Must be able to legally carry a firearm and comply with all MPOETC and departmental standards related to firearms and weapons.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver's license with a clean driving record and the ability to remain covered under the College's auto insurance policy.
• Must successfully complete the Pennsylvania MPOETC Psychological Evaluation, Medical Examination, drug screening, and an extensive background investigation prior to employment.

Professional and Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong judgment, decision-making, and independent problem-solving abilities within departmental and College policy guidelines.
• Excellent communication skills-both oral and written-including the ability to de-escalate emotionally charged or challenging situations.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct both on and off duty.
• Commitment to a high-quality work ethic, personal accountability, and a professional appearance.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain respectful and effective working relationships within a diverse campus community.
• Commitment to upholding the College's core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, dignity, and respect.

Training and Operational Expectations:

• Willingness to attend and successfully complete all mandatory in-service legal training, CPR/AED/First Aid certifications, firearms and less-lethal weapons training, and other College-required trainings.
• Openness to continuous training that enhances professional job performance, including embracing community policing and 21st-century policing principles.

Work Schedule and Flexibility:

• Willingness and availability to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Availability for emergency recall and the ability to attend court proceedings outside of scheduled hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.