Special Police Officer

St. Mary's City, MD
St. Mary's College of Maryland

Salary: $60,000.

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for the safety and security of all College properties; the faculty, staff, student body; and guests and visitors during the assigned shifts. The Special Police Officer will patrol designated areas of the College buildings, grounds, and adjacent public areas to provide deterrent patrols to enforce the statutes of the State of Maryland, and the rules and regulations of St. Mary’s College. The Special Police Officer shall be individually responsible for the post or assignment during assigned shifts. This is a sworn armed position with law enforcement authority by a Special Police Commission granted through the State of Maryland. This position reports to the shift Sergeant following the normal hierarchy of the Public Safety Department.

Essential Functions:

  • Responsible for following and applying the policies and procedures as defined in the Public Safety Directives Manual, Public Safety Procedures Manual, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and/or the employee handbook, and MOU with the Sheriff’s Office.
  • Must be available to work rotating shifts, respond to on-call emergencies and be available to work weekends and holidays.
  • Prevents and suppresses crime.
  • Protects life and property.
  • Apprehends and protects offenders. Preserves the peace and maintains order.
  • Enforces all state statutes and College regulations.
  • Engages in activities that enhance the relationship between the department and the community.
  • Must maintain a high level of proficiency in the use of police equipment including the handling, use, and storage of firearms and be capable of using force when appropriate based on the laws of the State of Maryland and Department policy.
  • Patrols designated areas, giving special attention to areas of high crime incidents to preserve order, to prevent and deter crime; discovers situations that may be of a criminal nature, or disruptive or hazardous.
  • Conducts criminal investigations.
  • Prepares reports of all investigations.
  • Make arrests pursuant to an authorized Special Police Commission and processes individuals; testifies in court or at college hearings.
  • Notifies superiors of major crimes and other notable incidents.
  • May respond to emergency calls such as fires and personal injuries.
  • May assist in the training of new officers.
  • Inspects and maintains assigned equipment including firearms and uniforms.
  • Must be able to exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree in accordance with department policy.
  • Must be able to pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting patrol vehicles, lifting, carrying, and dragging heavy objects, climbing over, and pulling oneself up over obstacles, jumping down from elevated surfaces, climbing through openings, jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas, balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
  • Must be able to perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings, and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people, and stopping suspicious persons.

Requirements:

  • Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • At least two years’ experience as a Public Safety Officer with St. Mary’s College or four years with another law enforcement or security department; must be eligible to carry a firearm and obtain a wear and carry permit issued by the Maryland State Police and have no disciplinary complaints recorded.
  • The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check and substance abuse testing.
  • Must possess a valid Maryland driver’s license.
  • Must pass a physical agility assessment, psychological test, and a medical examination to include drug screening, and undergo a complete background investigation.
  • Applicants must also have excellent customer service and public relations skills, basic computer skills, and have or able to obtain CPR, First Aid Certifications and a Special Police Commission.
  • Any combination of acceptable education and experience, which has provided the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill the requirements of this position, may be considered.
  • Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.