Special Police Officer

Washington, DC
Howard University

Position Summary:

The purpose of this position is to maintain safety guidelines and to provide 24-hour security patrol needed for the protection of life and property within the Howard University campus and off-site facilities.

Essential Functions:

  • Responds as directed to emergency calls involving criminal activities within the University’s jurisdiction.
  • Apprehends or detains individuals suspected of committing criminal offenses using force only when necessary to protect life or property.
  • Notifies suspects of Miranda rights and reports all details of incidents to a Patrol Supervisor.
  • Assists in controlling large crowds and student gatherings, using mature judgment and tact when incidents arise necessitating intervention.
  • Determines the need for additional support as necessary to provide for the security of persons and property on University premises and relays to the dispatcher or relays the information to a supervisor.
  • Prepares special reports in cases of arrest and handles incidents when supervisors are not available to dissolve matters requiring their attention.
  • Responds to calls involving criminal activity.
  • Patrols assigned post, inspects buildings, grounds, and other premises, enforces the University and District of Columbia laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that they are observed.
  • Settles disturbances of the peace and investigates all unusual occurrences.
  • Assists in the evacuation of buildings and carrying out proper procedures as directed by superiors.
  • As situations require, appears in court and University Judicial Boards/Hearings as a witness against offenders.

Requirements:

  • High School Graduation or General Equivalency Diploma (GED); and four (4) years of responsible work experience in law enforcement or security work;
  • Possession of an AA degree in criminal justice or other related fields, possession of United States citizenship with no criminal record;
  • Possession of a good driving record and a driver’s license valid in the District of Columbia; must successfully pass a qualifying physical examination, agility, and drug tests;
  • Completion of a University-sponsored or law enforcement academy or the ability to successfully complete a police academy;
  • Must possess a Special Police Commission with firearm authorization or be able to obtain said commission within six months after employment.