Police Officer

Abilene, TX
Hardin-Simmons University

Position Summary:

The primary job of a Police Officer is to provide a safe and secure environment for all members of the University community through alert and thorough preventative patrol. In addition, they must be equally concerned with the courteous delivery of a wide variety of services consistent with the needs of students, faculty, staff and general public. To effectively accomplish these purposes, all officers must have a clear understanding of their powers, duties, responsibilities, and limitations, and conduct themselves at all times with courtesy and an attitude of service. The police officers are subject to the direction of the Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant and, ultimately, the Chief of Police. All officers will maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with any person on campus. They will complete the necessary initial investigations and other reports as needed.

Essential Functions:

  • Preserve the peace and resolve any conflict within the University area.
  • Create and maintain a sense of safety and security within the University community.
  • Assist all persons in danger of physical harm or victims of crime, accidents, or sudden illness.
  • Take effective measures to reduce opportunities for criminal activity within the University area.
  • Identify criminal offenders, making arrests as necessary, and participate in subsequent court of discipline proceedings.
  • Respond to initial complaints of crime and incidents restoring calm, taking necessary action, and initiating appropriate reports.
  • Report any security problems, unsafe conditions, and fire or safety hazards for correction to their supervisor.
  • Prepare all reports accurately, legibly, and completely.
  • Facilitate the movement of vehicular traffic on and around the University enforcing moving traffic and parking regulations.
  • Courteously assist all persons in the University area seeking directions, information, or assistance.
  • Acknowledge and respond without delay to calls for service.
  • Enforce University rules and regulations, local ordinances, and state law in a fair and equitable manner.
  • Perform other duties as directed by appropriate authority.
  • Enforces laws related to the protection of life and property, directs and controls traffic, prevents crime or disturbance of peace, and arrests violators by performing the following duties:
  • Patrols assigned area on foot, in patrol car, or to enforce laws, prevent and discover crimes, investigate crimes, maintain order, and answer calls and complaints.
  • Answers radio-dispatched or citizens’ requests for police services at the scene of accidents, domestic disputes, law violations, and peace disturbances.
  • Familiarizes self with beat and with persons living in area.
  • Investigates illegal or suspicious activities, persons, and establishments, and quells disturbances.
  • Locates, searches, detains, and arrests law violators, following recognized police procedures.
  • Interviews and questions victims, witnesses, and suspects.
  • Gathers and preserves evidence.
  • Performs first aid and provides other assistance to accident and other victims.
  • Investigates causes and results of accidents.
  • Directs and controls traffic.
  • Issues written citations for traffic and other minor violations.
  • Operates police communication and computer equipment to obtain, disseminate, and report information.
  • Attends community meetings to discuss crime prevention activities and crime problems.
  • Writes detailed incident, investigation, activity, and other reports.
  • Testifies in court to present evidence by describing conditions, situations, and actions.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Certified Peace Officer; demonstrated quality work as a police officer.
  • Three or more years of experience in law enforcement preferred.
  • Collaborative, effective, team leader with a strong commitment to working in collaboration with a diverse population of direct reports, senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni.
  • Enthusiastic about working in a team-oriented environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal (Emotional Intelligence) and communication skills required (ability to clearly express ideas and concepts orally and in writing).
  • Demonstrated ability to benchmark and use data to inform the development of best practices.
  • Strong commitment to the values of diversity and human compassion.
  • Demonstrated understanding of changing student needs and ability to articulate these needs to the University community.
  • Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and autonomous. Experience engaging student crisis and at-risk student needs.
  • TCOLE Peace Officer License Required.