Public Safety Officer

Brown University; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University seeks a Public Safety Officer (PSO), a civilian, non-sworn role within the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management. The PSO patrols campus posts, participates in outreach events, and performs non-criminal services such as registrations and safety checks.

Responsibilities include preventing incidents, inspecting property, enforcing university rules, and assisting in rescue operations.

Qualifications

• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to prepare reports, including sketches and using appropriate grammar.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Must be able to engage in security functions including patrols and rescue operations.
• Must successfully pass department training and probation.

Responsibilities

• Patrol the assigned post and prevent incidents.
• Inspect University properties and control access.
• Enforce University rules and assist non-criminal matters.
• Provide rescue functions and support campus events.
• Document incidents and testify as needed.
• Maintain communication with the community and department.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Report writing

Computer basics

multitasking

Education

High school diploma / GED

Job description

Job Description

The Public Safety Officer (PSO) is a non-sworn uniformed, civilian employee of the Brown University Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management. The PSO is responsible for performing security patrols of a given post on campus. In addition, the PSO will provide support for various department outreach events on campus, for example laptop and bicycle registration tables.

Patrol-Related Responsibilities

• Prevention patrol of the post.
• External patrol and internal inspection of all University property and development of a working knowledge of the activity and community on the post.
• Protection of property.
• Enforcement of all University rules and regulations.
• Providing non-criminal services to the Brown University community.
• Must be able to provide rescue functions.
• Writing non-criminal reports and witness statements as dictated by their responsibilities.
• Testifying in any University hearing or criminal court necessitated by performance.
• Assisting the Campus Police Officer when called upon.
• Initiate and enhance communication between the Department and the community.
• Assist with identifying problems to community awareness and communications.

Illustrative Examples of Patrol-Related Work

The Public Safety Officer will patrol and take action only on University property and in University buildings. They will be responsible for their post assignment and will handle all non-criminal situations in that area. Report hazardous conditions and physical security problems; admit authorized people to University buildings; perform lock-up responsibilities; conduct building patrols and provide information to guests and members of the Brown University campus and respond to complaints of violations of University rules and regulations. Perform rescue functions in emergencies, such as fires. Will be held responsible for completing all paperwork as required by their actions.

Public Safety Officer Qualifications/Job Functions

• Must have a high school diploma/GED.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must pass a background investigation.
• Candidates must not have any felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions.
• Must pass a psychological examination administered by the University of Rhode Island, and a physical examination administered by the department’s provider.
• Must be able to engage in security functions that include such things as working various shifts, walking on foot patrol, climbing stairs and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure that they are secure.
• Must be able to perform and directly assist in rescue operations which may involve lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects, climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles, jumping down from elevated surfaces, climbing through openings, jumping over obstacles, crawling in confined areas, balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain mutually cooperative relationships with students, staff, faculty and the neighboring community.
• Must be able to communicate with sensitivity and tact and maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able to effectively give information and directions.
• Must be able to prepare reports, including sketches and using appropriate grammar.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Must be capable of prioritizing tasks and handling a multiphasic position.
• Must successfully pass this Department’s Public Safety Officer training program, including receiving instruction on Use of Force policy as it applies to Public Safety Officers.
• Must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period (six months if promoted into this position).
• An employee transferred or promoted from a part-time to a full-time position, or an employee transferred or promoted during the first twelve months of employment with the Department, shall serve a twelve (12) month probation in the new position.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon consent to criminal background screening and education verification with results satisfactory to Brown.

Job Details

• Job Posting Title: Public Safety Officer
• Department: Public Safety and Emergency Management
• Grade: Department of Public Safety
• Worker Type: Employee
• Worker Sub-Type: Regular Time
• Type: Full time
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
• Position Work Location: Onsite
• Recruiting Start Date: 2026-10-21

Visa and Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Contact

If you have any questions you may contact [e-mail].

EEO Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

About Brown University

Welcome! Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island. Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community.

Additional Information

You can find detailed information about our salary ranges on our website.

Attachments

A resume is required as part of your job application.