Police Officer

Joplin, MO
Missouri Southern State University

Position Summary:

Officers are guardians of the students, faculty/staff members and visitors on our campus. They will enforce University regulations, and city and state laws as they apply on University property and designated areas, as well as being involved in several crime prevention programs initiated by the UPD.

Essential Functions:

  • Patrols assigned area on foot, bicycle, or in patrol car to prevent, discover, and deter the commission of crime, enforce university rules and regulations, provide personal and property security and traffic law enforcement.
  • Observes and makes note of suspicious persons, possible violators, hazardous conditions or unusual situations.
  • Checks buildings and property following security procedures; locks entry-ways and points of access as scheduled, takes notes and reports evidence of damage and possible break-ins.
  • Observes public or student gatherings and analyzes developments to determine need for action.
  • Responds to emergency alarms and dispatched calls regarding a variety of services including: illness, accidents, disturbances, crime and other acts against persons or property, animal control, and motorist assistance. Provides necessary assistance and takes appropriate action based on analysis of situation and facts.
  • Assists in parking patrol activities including issuing citations and ordering vehicle removals. Performs traffic control duties, directing automobile and pedestrian traffic to maintain safe and efficient flow. Issues warnings or citations to drivers when violations of motor vehicle laws are observed. May administer field sobriety tests.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations of incidents as necessary; collects and preserves physical evidence, protects crime scene, interviews suspects and witnesses, and file appropriate reports as directed by federal, state or local legal requirements. Prepares court cases and provides legal testimony in response to subpoena as witness and / or reporting officer.
  • May arrest individuals and take into custody. Processes arrested individuals by taking photographs, obtaining fingerprints, and writing arrest reports; transports violators to jail.
  • Provides escort service for designated individuals and money messengers, and assists with special events on campus.
  • Renders first aid as needed, following prescribed procedures and victim / personal safety precautions.
  • Takes and writes incident / accident reports, including those of missing / stolen property and criminal activity.
  • Provides general assistance and information to students, staff and members of the public.
  • Assists federal, state, county and city law enforcement authorities as requested or dispatched by the central office.
  • Prepares and files daily activity reports of disturbances, accidents, crimes and tickets issued in prescribed format.
  • May prepare and process documents such as citations, complaints, affidavits, and warrants.
  • May serve in the capacity of field training officer.
  • May assist with UPD initiated prevention programs such as Green Dot, ALICE, and Women’s Self-Defense. Participation in these programs is largely voluntary.

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
  • Successful completion of the Missouri 600 hour police academy required for hiring as commissioned officer.
  • Advanced levels of education preferred.
  • Depending upon department staffing levels, Missouri POST certification may be required as a condition of employment, or designated as required to be obtained within a reasonable period after employment.
  • When POST certification is required, the employee must maintain all the continuing education requirements to remain POST certified as a condition of continued employment.
  • Commission to active officer duties will begin after certification is obtained.