Special Police Officer

Howard University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Work-Life Balance

Financial Wellness

Professional Development

Additional Perks

Job summary

Howard University seeks a Security Officer to maintain safety on campus and off-site facilities. This role requires patrolling, responding to emergencies, and enforcing university and DC laws with professional conduct.

Responsibilities include handling incidents, coordinating with dispatch, and participating in court or hearings as needed. A strong commitment to public safety and the ability to work a flexible schedule are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of criminal law, including elements of offenses and rules of evidence.
• Ability to read and write administrative reports in English.
• Flexibility to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency calls within the University’s jurisdiction.
• Patrol assigned post and inspect premises to enforce laws and regulations.
• Detain individuals when necessary to protect life or property, reporting incidents accordingly.
• Assist in evacuations and appear as witness in hearings when required.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Public safety

Oral and written English

Physical fitness

Education

GED or High School Diploma

AA degree in criminal justice or related field

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