Special Police Officer

Howard University; Washington; On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision coverage

Mental health support

PTO & holidays

Flexible work arrangements

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Career advancement paths

Wellness programs

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Howard University is seeking a Security Officer in the Campus Public Safety division. The role focuses on maintaining safety, patrolling campus areas, and responding to emergencies. Candidates must meet minimum-law enforcement standards and pass background and fitness checks.

The position requires flexibility to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. It supports a comprehensive benefits package, including health plans and retirement contributions.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of criminal law, rules of evidence, and arrest procedures.
• Ability to operate firearms and police equipment in accordance with safety rules.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and professional demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergencies and criminal incidents within the University and off-site facilities.
• Patrol premises, enforce university and DC laws, and report incidents with detail.
• Deter disturbances, assist in evacuations, and appear in court when required.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Firearms handling

Public relations

Oral & written English

Physical fitness

Flexible schedule

Education

High School diploma or GED

AA degree in criminal justice

Tools

Police equipment

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here Is What We Offer

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

Basic Function

The purpose of this position is to maintain safety guidelines and to provide 24-hour security patrol needed for the protection of life and property within the Howard University campus and off-site facilities.

SUPERVISORY

Accountability

None

Nature And Scope

Internal contacts include executives, administrators, students, and staff of the Department of Public Safety, the University and Howard University Hospital, and HUH faculty, students, and staff of the University and Hospital. External contacts include parent/guardians, patients, Mayoral Command Post, representatives from local and national Homeland Security operations, social service agencies, special police officers, Security Officer’s Management Branch, members of the local criminal justice system to include Metropolitan Police, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Department of Corrections, Youth Services organizations, etc. and the general public.

PRINCIPAL

Accountabilities

Responds as directed to emergency calls involving criminal activities within the University’s jurisdiction.

Apprehends or detains individuals suspected of committing criminal offenses using force only when necessary to protect life or property.

Notifies suspects of Miranda rights and reports all details of incidents to a Patrol Supervisor.

Assists in controlling large crowds and student gatherings, using mature judgment and tact when incidents arise necessitating intervention.

Determines the need for additional support as necessary to provide for the security of persons and property on University premises and relays to the dispatcher or relays the information to a supervisor.

Prepares special reports in cases of arrest and handles incidents when supervisors are not available to dissolve matters requiring their attention.

Responds to calls involving criminal activity.

Patrols assigned post, inspects buildings, grounds, and other premises, enforces the University and District of Columbia laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that they are observed.

Settles disturbances of the peace and investigates all unusual occurrences.

Assists in the evacuation of buildings and carrying out proper procedures as directed by superiors.

As situations require, appears in court and University Judicial Boards/Hearings as a witness against offenders.

Performs other appropriate job-related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Knowledge of criminal law, including elements of offenses, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, search and seizures, methods of law enforcement, maintenance of public safety and security and other law enforcement principles and practices.

Knowledge of municipal and governmental policy and procedural changes relating to the security of other public safety organizations that affect criminal investigative activities.

Skill in the use of firearms and other standard police equipment.

Skill in the use of both oral and written English with the ability to read some technical literature, write administrative reports, and describe cases verbally.

Skill in public and customer relations with the ability to use tact, diplomacy, and decorum.

Ability to successfully complete a University sponsored police academy.

Ability to pass regular and/or random physical, psychological, and drug tests as necessary and appropriate.

Ability to participate in the investigation of crimes and incidents.

Ability to remain emotionally stable and to display mature judgment and tact in explosive and/or dangerous situations.

Ability to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective work relations with students, staff, faculty, medical staff, patients, other public safety organizations of the University, Hospital, and the general public.

Ability to pass a physical agility test.

MINIMUM

Requirements

High School Graduation or General Equivalency Diploma (GED); and four (4) years of responsible work experience in law enforcement or security work; possession of an AA degree in criminal justice or other related fields, possession of United States citizenship with no criminal record; possession of a good driving record and a driver’s license valid in the District of Columbia; must successfully pass a qualifying physical examination, agility, and drug tests; completion of a University-sponsored or law enforcement academy or the ability to successfully complete a police academy; must possess a Special Police Commission with firearm authorization or be able to obtain said commission within six months after employment.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.

Expected Salary Range: $21.00- $22.59 Starting Hourly

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure