Police Officer - Corporal

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is seeking a dedicated law enforcement professional to join a 400+ member team within the Office of the Chief of Police. This role focuses on community policing, proactive patrols, emergency response, investigations, and event security across the Vanderbilt campus community.

The position requires at least 3 years of police experience, a high school diploma or GED, and Tennessee POST certification within nine months of appointment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required and must be at least 21 years old.
• Three years of experience as a police officer.
• Ability to obtain Tennessee POST certification within nine months of appointment.
• Pass a thorough background investigation and drug test including medical and psychological evaluations.
• Must meet immunizations and medical tests for work in patient care and high-risk areas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive patrols and deter crime; develop localized crime prevention strategies.
• Identify security-related conditions and resolve issues with zone contacts.
• Provide safety, crime prevention, and community policing information; deliver safety classes and orientations.
• Establish relationships with university members; coordinate with Community Relations on security concerns.
• Serve as a first responder to emergencies (fire, alarms, medical, etc.) and assist with general calls for service.
• Interview victims, witnesses and suspects; file reports; issue citations or warnings as appropriate.
• Appear in municipal, state, and federal courts as prosecuting officer or witness; provide testimony.
• Provide security for special events and coordinate with internal and external agencies.
• Complete field training and participate in ongoing training per department standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Presentation skills

Diversity & inclusion

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Job description

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. 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.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Community-Oriented Policing & Patrol

Conduct proactive patrols of assigned zones to deter crime, identify security risks, and implement localized crime prevention strategies.

Take a lead role in identifying security-related conditions and resolving issues through collaborative partnerships with designated zone contacts.

Provide safety, crime prevention, and community policing information during patrol duties; develop and deliver personal safety classes, crime prevention presentations, and orientation sessions for students and employees.

Establish and maintain positive relationships with university members and surrounding communities; coordinate efforts with Community Relations personnel on physical security and safety concerns.

Offer guidance and support to community members navigating the criminal justice system and related processes.

Emergency and Incident Response

Serve as a first responder for all emergency incidents, including but not limited to: fire, panic, and holdup alarms; hazardous material spills; traffic crashes; crimes in progress; and medical emergencies.

Respond to general calls for service, including facility access, motor vehicle assistance, personal safety escorts, and secure transport of persons or valuables.

Provide mutual aid and backup support to departmental personnel and external law enforcement agencies as requested.

Assist medical personnel in the detention and secure transport of psychiatric patients to courts or other facilities.

Investigations and Enforcement

Conduct initial investigations of criminal activity, accidents, and incidents; protect and maintain crime scenes, coordinating with the Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) for specialized cases.

Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; inform involved parties of available options and next steps.

Execute field stops, conduct interviews, make arrests, and issue citations or warnings in accordance with state law and departmental policy.

Prepare and submit accurate documentation, including offense reports, follow-up reports, citations, and warnings; may conduct photo lineups or other follow-up investigative duties.

Review and provide feedback on incident reports and documentation for accuracy when delegated.

Training and Development

Support the onboarding and mentoring of new officers when assigned.

Share best practices and departmental standards to promote professional growth among peers.

Judicial and Administrative Proceedings

Appear in municipal, state, and federal courts as a prosecuting officer or witness, providing factual and accurate testimony.

Execute searches of prisoners and maintain secure custody of arrested individuals throughout the booking process.

Provide testimony and supporting documentation at university administrative hearings as required.

Special Events and Assignments

Provide security, crowd control, and order maintenance for special events such as athletic competitions, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and visits by dignitaries.

Coordinate security details with relevant internal and external agencies as necessary.

Assist in coordinating special assignments, escorts, and event security details.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position has no supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the assigned shift Sergeant.

Qualifications

Education

A High School Diploma or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) equivalent is required.

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Must complete and pass the departmental competency examination for consideration.

Certifications & Licensing

Ability to obtain a special police commission from the Chief Law Enforcement Official in Metropolitan Nashville within nine (9) months and maintain annual recommissioning.

Ability to meet requirements for Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification within the first nine (9) months of appointment.

Successful completion of an annual department-authorized and POST-approved in-service training course (minimum 40 hours).

Must successfully complete the department Field Training Program (FTP) within the designated timeframe.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience as a police officer is required.

Specialized Expertise

Must demonstrate commitment and assignment in one of the following areas:

• Firearms Training/Safety and/or Specialized Instructor
• Field Training Officer (FTO)
• State Certified Trainer
• RAD Trainer

Must pass a thorough background investigation and drug test demonstrating good moral character, a good driving record, and no prior criminal convictions that would prohibit certification under the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services Act.

Must pass a medical and psychological evaluation.

Must obtain required immunizations and medical tests for work in patient care and high-risk areas.

Skills

Strong organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, communication, and presentation skills.

Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

Ability to maintain harmonious relationships within the department.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Must be able to stand for long periods, walk, climb, and lift; meet departmental standards for appearance and grooming.

Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and in inclement or extreme weather conditions.

Must be able to use precautionary equipment (e.g., TB mask) and may encounter hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, loud noises, and potential physical danger from violent individuals.

May be confined to a patrol car for an entire shift.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.