Police Officer - Corporal

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) seeks a dedicated police officer to uphold safety across campus. You will conduct patrols, engage with students and staff, and lead crime-prevention activities in collaboration with zone contacts.

The role includes responding to emergencies, performing initial investigations, and coordinating with the CIU for complex cases. Training and court appearances may be required.

Qualifications

• Must pass a thorough background investigation and drug test.
• Must pass medical and psychological evaluations.
• Must obtain required immunizations and medical tests for work in patient care.
• Ability to obtain a special police commission within nine months.
• Must meet Tennessee POST certification within the first nine months of appointment.
• Completion of annual in-service training (minimum 40 hours).
• Must complete the department Field Training Program (FTP) within the designated timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive patrols and community policing in assigned zones.
• Respond to emergencies, incidents, and assist other agencies as needed.
• Investigate initial criminal activity, preserve crime scenes, and prepare reports.
• Provide training, mentoring, and onboarding for new officers.
• Appear in courts and administrative hearings as required.

Skills

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Presentation

Diversity awareness

Team relations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Age 21+

Competency examination

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

About the Work Unit: 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.

Background & Health Requirements

• 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.

ABOUT US

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. 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.