Police Officer – Certified

Position Summary:

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff, all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing. 

Essential Functions:

• Proactively patrol assigned areas to deter crime, enhance safety, and identify potential security risks through active community engagement.

• Collaborate with zone contacts and community members to implement effective crime prevention strategies.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with university personnel, students, patients, and surrounding community members.

• Participate in community outreach initiatives and deliver educational presentations on topics such as personal safety and crime prevention.

• Support university-wide safety efforts by working closely with departmental and campus community relations teams.

• Provide guidance and assistance to individuals navigating the criminal justice system.

• Serve as the first responder to all emergency calls, including criminal activity in progress, alarms, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, and medical emergencies.

• Respond to non-emergency calls for service, addressing general security concerns and coordinating with internal departments or external agencies as needed.

• Perform protective services such as money/personnel escorts and secure transportation or detention of psychiatric patients in compliance with legal requirements.

• Provide mutual aid and backup support to fellow officers and assist other law enforcement agencies when necessary.

Requirements:

• A High School Diploma or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) equivalent is required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to obtain a special police commission from the Chief Law Enforcement Official in Metropolitan Nashville within nine (9) months and maintain annual recommissioning.
• Ability to meet requirements for Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification within the first nine (9) months of appointment.
• Successful completion of an annual department-authorized and POST-approved in-service training course (minimum 40 hours).
• Must successfully complete the department Field Training Program (FTP) within the designated timeframe.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a police officer is required.
• Must complete and pass the departmental competency examination for consideration
• Must pass a thorough background investigation and drug test demonstrating good moral character, a good driving record, and no prior criminal convictions that would prohibit certification under the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services Act.
• Must pass a medical and psychological evaluation.
• Must obtain required immunizations and medical tests for work in patient care and high-risk areas.