Police Officer

Washington, DC
American University

Salary: $26.47-$34.42 per hour.

Position Summary:

The Police Officer, certified as a University Special Police Officer (USPO) under DC Municipal Regulations, provides a safe and secure environment to all members of the American University Community. The Police Officer, through mobile patrol and fixed posts, provides law enforcement services and emergency response on all University property. The Police Officer, reporting to a Police Sergeant, writes incident reports, conducts preliminary investigations, promotes crime prevention efforts, and utilizes their arrest authority.

Essential Functions:

  • Police Services and Incident Response: Performs preventative police and public service duties, through mobile (foot, bicycle and/or vehicle) patrols or fixed post. Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service and determines the appropriate action. Identifies and articulates suspicious and criminal behavior and determines the appropriate action. Enforces all Federal and District of Columbia laws and all-American University policies and regulations. Supports the University’s educational mission through maintaining a safe, secure, and peaceful environment. Determines the appropriate response to violations of law and policy, utilizing tools such as arrest, warning, parking citation, barring notice or student conduct referral. Identifies and reports ongoing community crime risks. Directs traffic and enforces parking and traffic regulations.
  • Incident Reports and Preliminary Investigation: Accurately and thoroughly writes and prepares incident reports. Collects, packages, photographs and documents evidence and property. Conducts preliminary investigations, including victim, witness, and suspect interviews. Obtains arrest warrants. Testifies in court.
  • Community Liaison and Crime Prevention: Becomes acquainted with members of the campus community. Acts as liaison between university/municipal police agencies and the community. Assists with community outreach efforts, presentations, and training. Supports and aids crime victims and connects them with resources.
  • Access Control: Provides access control functions such as locking and unlocking buildings, as well as providing access to secured spaces for authorized university personnel, students, and contractors. Communicate any irregularities in security devices with management. Display the ability to operate the basic functions of a fire system control panel, such as acknowledging, silencing, and resetting of alarms. Train other Police Officers in law enforcement techniques; other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Is at least twenty-one (21) years old.
  • Is of good moral character; and
  • Is approved for appointment by the Chief of Police.
  • Received one (1) week (40 hours) of indoctrination training prior to performing any patrol duties.
  • Completes the Campus Law Enforcement Academy (250 hours) or an equivalent law enforcement academy within two (2) years of receiving a campus and university special police officer commission or has previously completed an equivalent law enforcement academy. Previous law enforcement or security training of two hundred and fifty (250) hours may be substituted to meet the requirements of this subsection.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a Campus Special Police Officer Commission.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and obtain university driving privileges.
  • Must successfully complete a background investigation, reference check, medical examination, psychological examination, criminal background check and drug screening.
  • Possess or be able to obtain certification at recognized law enforcement training academy or equivalent.
  • Must be able to complete all required university police training, including certification in Arrest Control Tactics, Expandable Baton, and Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol (Pepper
  • Spray) Training.
  • Must possess high level verbal and written skills. Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population.
  • Must possess a working knowledge of computer skills and telecommunications equipment.
  • Must be able to use word-processing software, e-mail, electronic forms, and the Internet.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Law enforcement officer certification from a federal, state, local or campus law enforcement agency/academy; one year of law enforcement, military, or security experience; experience working in a dispatch or alarm monitoring center.