Casual Sworn Police Officer

Smith College; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 37,429 - 45,750; Part time

Job summary

Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, is seeking a police officer to maintain safety and security on campus. The role involves proactive patrols, emergency response, and fostering community engagement.

Candidates should have a High School diploma, possess strong communication skills, and be POST certified. The position is casual with compensation ranging from $27.17 to $33.21 per hour.

Qualifications

• POST certified with graduation from a Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) academy or Bridge Academy.
• Must hold and maintain a License to Carry firearms (LTC).
• Ability to work in a diverse community.

Responsibilities

• Conduct foot, bike, or vehicular patrols of the college property.
• Serve as first responders to emergencies.
• Assist with walk-ins to the office when necessary.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Decision-making skills

Customer service skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Associate's Degree

Job description

Job Summary

As the first point of contact, a Smith College police officer is a sworn law enforcement professional responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, bias‑free education environment. They serve students, staff, faculty, and community members by protecting property through proactive patrols, crime prevention, emergency response, and investigation of incidents while enforcing both state laws and college regulations. The officer fosters community engagement activities, develops close relationships with the campus community, and participates in creating a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. This is a casual, non‑benefitted position.

Pay

Pay for this role is typically between $27.17 and $33.21 hourly, covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

Essential Functions

• Conduct foot, bike, or vehicular patrols of the college property, including buildings, parking lots, and grounds to deter crime and ensure safety.
• Serve as first responders to emergencies, including medical calls, fires, and criminal acts, and assist outside departments when they are called onto campus for service.
• During patrols report any problems encountered to on‑duty officers and fill out work orders for Facilities Management if needed.
• Inspect and report lighting or emergency call box problems on campus.
• Attend all department‑mandated trainings and staff meetings as required.
• Follow the department chain of command for notifications and guidance.
• Maintain confidentiality of department information, records, reports, and logs.
• Familiarize oneself with department policies and procedures.
• Maintain an alert, attentive demeanor for the duration of the assigned shift.
• Assist, promote, and participate in community engagement activities (as assigned).
• Employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work and learning environment.
• Answer incoming phone lines and provide appropriate assistance to those calls (if dispatch trained).
• Assist with walk‑ins to the office when the situation dictates.
• Periodically monitor numerous security cameras and access points across campus.
• Respond to fire, trouble alarms, and other types of alarms.
• Accurately log all department calls for service, officer activity, and assistance provided into the department’s computer system.
• Make notifications to College officials and other agencies during emergency and non‑emergency situations.
• Maintain certification on the use of any State or Federal Criminal Justice Information Systems (DCJIS).
• Support and uphold the department’s mission and community‑poling philosophy.
• Check and secure campus buildings to help prevent crimes from occurring.
• Open buildings or rooms as assigned.
• Provide walking escorts and lockouts for members of the College community.
• Provide non‑emergency medical transports via College vehicle (when authorized) to Cooley Dickinson Hospital or other medical appointments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Required

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• 0 to 1 years of experience.
• POST certified with graduation from a Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) academy or Bridge Academy.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and complete all college driving credentialing requirements; a DMV background check will be completed prior to formal hire.
• Must hold or be able to obtain CPR and First Responder Certification shortly after hire.
• Must hold and maintain a License to Carry firearms (LTC).
• Must pass a criminal and work background check, driving background check, and medical pre‑screening.
• Be able to work in a diverse community.
• Ability to sit, walk, and stand for long periods of time.
• Strong communication, decision‑making, and interpersonal skills for a diverse college community is a must.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree.
• Demonstrate good customer service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, multi‑tasked environment.
• Ability to function calmly and efficiently in all types of situations, including emergencies.

Additional Information

Sworn Police Officers should remember that many times individuals interacting with the police department may be upset or irritated and should always be talked to in a calm and rational manner. Treat all persons with dignity and respect.

Position Type

Fixed Term.

EEO Statement

Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.