Chief of School Police

Baltimore, MD
Baltimore City Public Schools

Position Summary:

Plans, coordinates and directs school security and law enforcement for all schools and other education properties. Leads this work with an understanding of the unique relationship with Baltimore City Police Department (BCPD), noting areas of authority, communication and collaboration such that the work of law enforcement is completed seamlessly and effectively with BCPD and all other law enforcement agencies.

Essential Functions:

  • Plans, organizes and directs the law enforcement program including prevention and control, and investigation of crimes against persons and properties within the vicinity of schools and buildings.
  • Aids in investigation of complaints, and reports findings and makes recommendations to the Chief of Schools Officer.
  • Implements the day to day operations of the school police force aligned to the School Police General Orders, Board Policy ECAE, and the Memorandum of Understanding with the Baltimore City Police Department.
  • Develops and recommends departmental security policies and procedures. Exercises judgment and maintains consistent application of established policies and procedures.
  • Oversees budget preparation, monitors expenditures and equipment procurement activities.
  • Directs personnel activities within the department including hiring, work schedules, promotions and terminations. Performs personnel evaluations, conducts counseling sessions and recommends disciplinary action as required.
  • Builds and sustains a culture of excellence by keeping a pulse on officer morale and adjusting as necessary.
  • Communicates frequently and effectively with all school police staff members so that basic information, changes and improvements are known and understood.
  • Coordinates ongoing training programs and activities for staff so that all police officers have current best practices.
  • Maintains an on-going, professional relationship with school-based leaders, communicating frequently and responding based on the urgency of the situation.
  • Has oversight and ensures processes and procedures are implemented that facilitate effective and efficient departmental operations of school police including regular and reliable data reporting, monitoring and accountability.
  • Maintains logs and files pertinent to school security and law enforcement.
  • Coordinates law enforcement activities such as workshops with City Schools’ administration and other public safety agencies.
  • Public speaking before school and community groups on school security and law enforcement issues.
  • Develops and maintains cohesive parent/school/community partnerships, especially with student groups across the district and within individual schools.
  • Ensures a system of school police data that documents important aspects of policing, especially the outcomes and details of all police calls and requests for service.
  • Provides data for and assists in the preparation of legislation and testifies at hearings on application of legislation.
  • Responds to inquiries from the news media.
  • Notifies appropriate administrative staff of emergencies (police and/or fire activities, equipment failure), events drawing news media attention and other significant incidents as required.
  • Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school boards policies and the professional standards.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related professional experience required.
  • Seven years of administrative and/or supervisory experience in law enforcement or related field.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Commitment to the approach that the vast majority of situations can be handled by school administrators through restorative practices and de-escalation techniques with law enforcement being a last resort.
  • Ability to communicate with others, assimilate and understand information and make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
  • Ability to deal effectively with others in identifying and resolving problems.
  • Ability to maintain good working relationships in servicing all levels City government and user agencies.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability.
  • Ability to prepare and adjust work schedules to meet staffing requirements.
  • Ability to provide lead supervision for shift operations.
  • Ability to work under pressure in response to emergency situations.
  • Good interpersonal communications and public contact skills.
  • Ability to work rotating shift hours including nights, holidays and weekends.