Police Officer

Santa Cruz, CA
University of California Santa Cruz

Salary range: $41.72 – $45.83 / hour.

Position Summary:

Police Officers are the primary representatives of the University of California Police Department, directly responsible for the delivery of public safety and law enforcement services on and near the campus and other properties owned, controlled, or occupied by the University. Police Officers work under the supervision of, and report directly to, a Sergeant of Police or Lieutenant. Police Officers must work independently as well as collaboratively, carrying out instructions and self-initiating activity in a manner consistent with law, regulations, department policies, and standard procedures.

Essential Functions:

  • Respond to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic collisions, and other emergencies. Respond calmly and constructively when faced with opposition or working under conditions of stress.
  • Initiate police action when necessary; use authority fairly and equitably.
  • Prevent and suppress crime. Manage conflict effectively, and de-escalate situations when appropriate.
  • Make arrests and search, fingerprint and transport prisoners.
  • Conduct missing person investigations.
  • Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of criminal incidents, disturbances, hazardous incidents, vehicle collisions, casualties, threat assessments, vulnerability assessments, and other investigations as assigned.
  • Enforce federal and state laws, and University regulations.
  • Locate, collect and preserve evidence and found property.
  • Interview victims, complainants, and witnesses. Interview and interrogate suspects.
  • Check campus buildings, grounds, and facilities for physical security and hazardous conditions and report deficiencies.
  • Direct traffic, enforce traffic regulations and write citations.
  • Prepare well-written and computer-generated reports.
  • Plan and execute patrol operations to provide security or tactical response to crime. Develop logical plans, evaluate alternatives and anticipate risks, obstacles, and likely consequences.
  • Serve warrants and subpoenas.
  • Execute assigned duties pursuant to University and police policy and procedures.
  • Analyze situations and take quick, effective, and reasonable action to prevent injury, loss of life, or destruction of property. Make decisions under emerging conditions and intense time constraints with limited or conflicting information.
  • Adhere to federal, state, and local laws and ordinances pertaining to apprehension, arrest, and prosecution of persons; rules of search, seizure, and evidence, departmental rules and regulations, and employment.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system, criminal law, and modern police methods and procedures, including but not limited to apprehension and arrest, criminal investigations, collection and presentation of evidence, and police record-keeping in daily activities.
  • Maintain confidentiality requirements of law enforcement information and personnel matters.
  • Apply crowd management, intervention and control tactics.
  • Understand and utilize the Incident Command System.
  • Comply with Jeanne Clery Act Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.
  • Perform actions according to laws pertaining to civil liability and privacy.
  • Practice modern principles of customer service.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
  • Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a pre-hire criminal history background check and a pre-hire credentialing check.
  • Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and be able to participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
  • Interviewees will be required to provide a current DMV record.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
  • Must have vision of 20/100 correctable to 20/30, with normal color vision.
  • Body weight must be proportional to height.
  • Must possess a current California POST Basic Certificate issued by the Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training OR possess a POST Academy Certificate, OR be currently enrolled in a CA POST law enforcement academy with an anticipated graduation within the next six( 6) months. Those awarded a POST Basic Certificate and have a three-year or longer break in service must have a current certificate through a POST requalification course.
  • Must possess a current CPR certificate.
  • Ability to perform essential physical job functions requiring sitting, standing, walking or running intermittently throughout shift; climbing fences, stairs, barricades, ladders or traversing uneven terrain; repeatedly kneeling, bending, or stooping; intermittently pushing, pulling, and using force to move objects; constantly reaching, handling, or grasping various objects.
  • Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
  • Ability to walk multiple nightly rounds on uneven surfaces and repeatedly climb stairs.
  • The ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
  • Ability to work long periods of time in wilderness conditions and to travel to remote areas.
  • Ability to work outside in all weather conditions. Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
  • Ability to walk to and work in remote areas with rugged terrain, heavy brush, biting and stinging insects, bears and mountain lions.
  • Poison Oak is present. Incumbent must be willing to take the measures required to work in contact with and cut/remove poison oak.
  • Ability to do occasional work in confined spaces such as attics and trenches while bending, stooping and/or kneeling with the possibility of being exposed to live electrical circuits and machinery.
  • Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
  • Ability to conduct outdoor site visits, including use of required personal protective equipment, as required to conduct investigations, inspections, or view work in place.
  • Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
  • Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary in storing and moving materials. The ability to lift light to moderate objects up to 40 lbs., with or without accommodation.
  • Ability to work a variable schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays; ability to work 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts.
  • Will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
  • Ability to occasionally work overtime with little or no advance notice.
  • Ability to work on-call.
  • Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
  • Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
  • Ability to work at any time of day or night and in periods of disaster and civil disorder.
  • Selected candidate will be required to take a TB test.
  • Selected candidate will be required to provide proof of negative TB test.
  • Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
  • Ability to wear a respirator in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 8, 5144.
  • Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
  • Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
  • Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
  • Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
  • Will be required to wear a University provided uniform.
  • Must wear uniform and equipment including but not limited to: utility belt, handgun, ammunition, baton, flashlight, and handcuffs and wear Kevlar vest at all times.
  • Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
  • Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
  • Currently employed as a peace officer for at least 2 years.
  • Prior law enforcement experience with the University of California or higher education setting.