Special Police Officer

Columbia, MD
Howard Community College

Salary: $48,555.

Position Summary:

The Special Police Officer (SPO) is responsible for protecting life and property at Howard Community College (HCC). An officer in this position patrols College buildings and grounds, including satellite locations, enforcing statutes of the State of Maryland’s Education Articles as well as rules and regulations specific to HCC.

Essential Functions:

  • Investigates HCC policy violations and takes appropriate action.
  • Exercises arrest authority within legal boundaries.
  • Conducts appropriate follow-up with individuals involved in campus incidents.
  • Prepares incident reports in accordance with departmental standards.
  • Works closely with the local prosecuting attorney and provides courtroom testimony when called upon to do so.
  • Identifies safety and security deficiencies and initiates corrective action.
  • Interacts effectively with the college community by competently providing direction, mediating disputes, and rendering aid within established parameters.
  • Responds to medical emergencies, rendering first aid and administering an Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) as circumstances dictate.
  • Implements procedures in accordance with the Emergency Operations Plan (EOD).
  • Completes all initial and refresher training requirements in a timely manner.
  • Maintains an active SPO commission along with relevant certifications and qualifications.
  • Acts as lead officer in the absence of a supervisor.
  • Monitors activities and events on campus property.
  • Conducts traffic and pedestrian control, including appropriate enforcement measures, to ensure a safe campus environment.
  • Fosters a working relationship with local law enforcement to coordinate investigative efforts and mutual aid response to significant incidents and emergency situations on campus.
  • Engages in routine roving and foot patrols to monitor campus grounds and conduct frequent building checks.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Director or his/her designee.

Requirements:

  • High School or equivalent.
  • Pass a physical exam, drug screening, and background investigation.
  • Must be able to work in the U.S. on an unrestricted base.
  • Must possess or be able to possess a Maryland Special Police Officer commission and handgun permit.
  • Annual maintain a minimum of a 70% score at the range.
  • Successful completion of a certified training academy for law enforcement.
  • Minimum seven years of experience in law enforcement; 10 years of experience, preferred.
  • Honorably separated from previous employers.
  • Available to work assigned shifts, including evenings and weekends.
  • Knowledge of surveillance procedures utilizing electronic equipment preferred.
  • Ability to use routine equipment such as a desktop computer, two-way radio and experience with Microsoft office applications.
  • Knowledge of federal, state and local criminal laws.
  • Knowledge of higher education regulations as they relate to student information and security preferred.
  • Appreciation for the sensitive issues involving today’s college-age population.
  • Ability to interact in a positive, sensitive, courteous and understanding way with members of a diverse academic community and the general public.
  • Team player who values diversity.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Able to perform all duties while considering the impact of any action on the college’s sustainability initiatives in the areas of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic prosperity.
  • A valid Maryland State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check that includes: no felony convictions, including guilty pleas or nolo contendre pleas to felony charges or any misdemeanor involving drug or weapons, criminal violations, theft or other misdemeanors involving moral turpitude, and acts of dishonesty.
  • Pre-employment, post-offer drug test and physical examination required.
  • Uniformed officer position; uniform provided by Howard Community College.