Police Officer - SRO

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) seeks qualified police officers to proactively patrol campus areas, engage with the university community, and deter crime through outreach and education. The role includes handling emergencies, investigations, and protective assignments, with opportunities to support court proceedings and campus events.

The position emphasizes community relations, adherence to department policy, and collaboration with campus partners.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to obtain a special police commission within nine months.
• Ability to meet Tennessee POST certification within nine months.
• Annual department in-service training course (min. 40 hours) required.
• Complete Field Training Program within the designated timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to deter crime and engage with the community.
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls as the first responder.
• Conduct preliminary investigations and preserve evidence at scenes.
• Appear in court as a prosecuting officer or witness when required.
• Provide security for special events and maintain order during campus activities.
• Serve as School Resource Officer or assist in community policing as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Intercultural sensitivity

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

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

• Proactively patrol assigned areas to deter crime, enhance safety, and identify potential security risks through active community engagement.
• Collaborate with zone contacts and community members to implement effective crime prevention strategies.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with university personnel, students, patients, and surrounding community members.
• Participate in community outreach initiatives and deliver educational presentations on topics such as personal safety and crime prevention.
• Support university-wide safety efforts by working closely with departmental and campus community relations teams.
• Provide guidance and assistance to individuals navigating the criminal justice system.

Emergency & Non-Emergency Response

• Serve as the first responder to all emergency calls, including criminal activity in progress, alarms, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, and medical emergencies.
• Respond to non-emergency calls for service, addressing general security concerns and coordinating with internal departments or external agencies as needed.
• Perform protective services such as money/personnel escorts and secure transportation or detention of psychiatric patients in compliance with legal requirements.
• Provide mutual aid and backup support to fellow officers and assist other law enforcement agencies when necessary.

Investigation and Enforcement

• Conduct preliminary investigations of reported crimes, accidents, and incidents, ensuring proper identification, collection, and preservation of evidence.
• Secure crime scenes and maintain integrity throughout investigative processes.
• Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; advise individuals on available resources and legal procedures.
• Perform field stops, interviews, and enforce laws through arrests, citations, or warnings in accordance with departmental policy and state regulations.
• Process and maintain custody of arrested individuals during booking procedures.
• Prepare and submit accurate and thorough offense reports, follow-up documentation, and administrative forms.

Judicial and Administrative Proceedings

• Appear in court as a prosecuting officer or witness, providing accurate and professional testimony.
• Prepare detailed reports and documentation for judicial and administrative purposes.
• Testify at university administrative or disciplinary hearings as required.

Special Events and Assignments

• Provide essential security, crowd control, and order maintenance for special events, including athletic competitions, concerts, commencement, and visiting dignitaries.
• Coordinate security operations and logistics with other agencies as necessary.
• Act as a School Resource Officer (SRO) stationed at a specifically assigned school to provide focused community policing and support, acknowledging that this assignment is fluid and subject to reallocation based on the strategic needs of the police department and the university.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the assigned shift Sergeant and the chain of command.

Qualifications:

Education

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

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

• One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a police officer is required.

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 understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it.

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.