Police Officer

Position Summary:

The Berklee Public Safety Department is a full-service police agency that serves the Berklee Community and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All officers are sworn Special State Police Officers and deputized in Suffolk County. Safety and security are a responsibility shared by the entire community, our mission is to enhance the safety and quality of life at the Berklee College of Music by working in partnership with the community to promote public safety and crime prevention through education and enforcement, to maintain public order while preserving the legal rights of all individuals, to provide effective, efficient and courteous service and to reduce the impact of crime. To fulfill this mission, the department fosters a culture of prevention through an organizational commitment to the philosophy of community-oriented policing and problems solving, (COPPS). The core of the COPPS philosophy is, building long term meaningful partnerships with community stakeholders and working collaboratively with them to identify and address problems and their root causes in a joint effort to reduce or prevent crime, disorder, fear of crime, and to improve the quality of life.

Essential Functions:

1. Protect life and property. Working as a member of a team, and in problem solving partnerships with the community, actively seeks to identify safety and security related problems and concerns and take the necessary steps to resolve those problems or concerns efficiently and effectively.
2. Respond safely and rapidly to emergency calls for police service such as reports of crimes in progress; suspected criminal activity; medical emergencies; environmental emergencies; fires, fire alarms; motion and intrusion alarms; and accidents, etc. Render aid and assistance to victims, advising them of available services, and making the appropriate referrals to available resources. Conduct thorough initial investigations of incidents and follow up investigations as assigned. Assist Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police, Boston Fire; Boston EMS; and other public safety services as requested and/or required.
3. In accordance with law, best practices and well as established policies and procedures, properly responding to and reporting incidents that are in violation of law, including arresting violators, seeking criminal summonses, testifying in a court of law and other duties associated with the criminal justice system or college rules and regulations.
4. Prevent criminal activity in and around Berklee College through highly visible, omnipresent police patrols. Attend community events and speak to students, faculty and/or staff regarding strategies and tactics to stay safe.
5. Using data to inform preventative patrol tactics and problem-solving strategies.
6. Performing traffic direction, parking enforcement, and crowd control duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be a United States citizen
• Applicant must possess a High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age
• Applicant must have an active Massachusetts Driver’s License
• Applicant must have an active Massachusetts License to Carry a Firearm (M.G.L.c.140, section 131) (Without restriction)
• Entry Level Applicant must successfully pass the Human Resources Division (HRD) comprehensive medical exam
• Entry Level Applicant must successfully pass the Human Resources Division (HRD) Physical Ability Test (PAT)
• Entry Level Applicant will be required to attend and complete a Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) certified basic police Recruit Officer Course
• Applicant must be able to obtain and retain their POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) certification; their Special State Police powers in accordance with M.G.L. ch.22 s. 63; and their Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs powers
• Applicant must be eligible for appointment as Special State Police Officer in accordance with M.G.L. ch.22 s. 63
• Applicant will be required to successfully complete a period of “field training” and show their proficiency in the proper use of department issued firearms, equipment, and vehicles
• Applicant candidate(s) will be required to pass a comprehensive background investigation, a pre-employment psychological examination, and a pre-employment medical exam

Preferred Requirements:

• Applicant would have an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field from an accredited college or university or a Bachelor’s Degree in any subject matter from an accredited college or university
• Applicant would have obtained their POST certification by having completed a Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) certified basic police Recruit Officer Academy and/or obtained a permanent exemption from the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) that has been approved and accepted by the Massachusetts State Police
• Applicant would have active certification in CPR/First Aid/AED
• Applicant would have campus law enforcement experience
• Applicant would have knowledge of the IMC operating system(s)
• Applicant would have knowledge of police procedures and practices, the laws of arrest and criminal procedures
• Strong ability to understand the dynamics and culture of working at an institution of higher learning