Patrol Officer (Campus Police)

Washington College; Chestertown (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington College seeks a dedicated Patrol Officer to join our Campus Police. Officers serve as sworn Campus Police Officers with Maryland Special Police Commission eligibility, enforcing campus policies and laws while ensuring a safe campus environment.

Responsibilities include patrols, emergency response, investigations, traffic control, event safety, and community outreach. Must obtain Commission within one year and maintain proficiency with department equipment and training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Possess a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to pass background investigations and pre-employment screening, including Maryland State Police checks.
• Ability to obtain Commissioned Campus Police Officer (Special Police Officer) certification within one year of employment.
• Ability to complete training and maintain proficiency with department weapons, equipment, and defensive tactics systems.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned campus areas on foot, bicycle, or vehicle and maintain a visible presence to deter crime.
• Respond to emergencies, secure scenes, assist individuals, and coordinate with emergency services.
• Enforce campus policies and applicable laws; conduct criminal and administrative investigations; prepare detailed reports.
• Assist with traffic flow, parking enforcement, and crowd management during events.
• Engage with students, faculty, staff, and visitors to build positive relationships and promote campus safety.
• Collaborate with allied law enforcement and provide testimony in judicial proceedings as required.

Skills

Patrol procedures

Emergency response

Report writing

Public safety

Communication

Community policing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Washington College is seeking a dedicated Patrol Officer to join our Campus Police.

Patrol Officers serve as sworn Campus Police Officers required to obtain and maintain a Special Police Commission granted by the Governor of the State of Maryland, and play a vital role in maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors at Washington College. Officers are responsible for enforcing campus policies and regulations, as well as applicable local, state, and federal laws. Duties include responding to emergencies and calls for service, conducting criminal and administrative investigations, preparing reports, general patrol duties, and maintaining a highly visible presence to deter crime and enhance public safety.

As a Patrol Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the campus community through proactive campus policing, problem-solving, and relationship building. Washington College is committed to the principles of community-oriented policing, where officers work closely with students, faculty, staff, and community partners to identify concerns, develop solutions, and foster a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration.

Patrol Officers are expected to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, and compassion while serving the campus community. Successful candidates will embrace a service-first mindset, engage positively with the campus population, and actively contribute to creating an environment where all members of the Washington College community feel safe, supported, and valued.

Essential Functions:

Patrol and Monitoring:

• Conduct regular patrols of assigned areas on foot, bicycle, or patrol vehicle to monitor for any suspicious activities or safety hazards.
• Maintain a visible presence on campus to deter criminal activities and ensure the safety of individuals.

Emergency Response:

• Respond promptly to emergency calls, accidents, and incidents occurring on campus.
• Take immediate action to secure the scene, provide assistance to those in need, and coordinate with appropriate emergency services.
• Law Enforcement and Investigation:
• Enforce campus policies, rules, and regulations, as well as local, state, and federal laws.
• Conduct investigations into incidents such as thefts, assaults, vandalism, and other criminal activities occurring on campus.
• Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare detailed reports for follow-up actions.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Campus Police Officer Certification (Special Police Commission) issued by the Governor of The State of Maryland with-in one year of employment.

Traffic Control and Parking Enforcement:

• Ensure the safe flow of traffic on campus roads and parking areas.
• Enforce parking regulations, issue citations when necessary, and assist with traffic accidents or vehicle-related incidents.

Crowd Management and Event Operations:

• Assist with crowd management and public safety operations during campus events, athletic contests, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other large gatherings.
• Work collaboratively with event organizers, campus departments, and community partners to maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for all attendees.
• Monitor event activities, address public safety concerns, provide assistance to guests, and respond to incidents as needed to ensure the successful operation of campus events.

Community Engagement:

• Build positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors through outreach programs and community policing initiatives.
• Offer educational programs on crime prevention, personal safety, and campus safety awareness.
• Attend campus events and be community policing oriented.

Other Duties:

• Collaborate with allied law enforcement agencies with regard to investigations relating to college matters.
• Give testimony and introduce evidence in judicial proceedings.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information relating to investigations.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Possess a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background investigations, reference checks, and pre-employment screening requirements. To include a background investigation conducted by the Maryland State Police.
• Ability to obtain appointment as a Commissioned Campus Police Officer (Special Police Officer) through the State of Maryland and successfully complete all required training within one (1) year of employment.
• Ability to successfully complete and maintain proficiency with all department-issued weapons, equipment, and defensive tactics systems. Officers must meet or exceed all departmental qualification standards and obtain and maintain all required certifications, and any other certifications required by the department, Washington College, the State of Maryland, or applicable regulatory agencies.
• Previous experience in campus law enforcement, campus public safety, municipal policing, military police, emergency services, or a related public service field is preferred.
• Current or prior law enforcement certification, Special Police Commission Training Certification, military service, or completion of law enforcement/public safety coursework is desirable.
• Current certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED, or the ability to obtain certification.
• Demonstrated commitment to community-oriented policing and providing exceptional service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective during emergencies, critical incidents, and high-stress situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports.
• Strong analytical thinking, sound judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while exercising initiative and discretion, as well as function effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and competing priorities.
• Proficiency in the use of computers, mobile technology, report management systems, and other law enforcement and public safety software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
• High energy level and a willingness to actively engage with the campus community.
• Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, special events, and respond to call-backs during emergencies or critical incidents.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, training, and adherence to departmental policies, procedures, and accreditation standards.