University Police Officer I

Kingston, RI
University of Rhode Island

Salary: $45,000 – $49,000

Position Summary:

Assume responsibility as a University of Rhode Island law enforcement officer by successfully acquiring and completing training, both formal and on the job, in the skills necessary to promote public safety and to enforce laws and University of Rhode Island Board of Trustees and University of Rhode Island regulations; Effect arrests in accordance with provisions of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances; Maintain order and security on premises within the legal jurisdiction; Provide emergency medical services to the University community; and Protect life and property.

Essential Functions:

  • Successfully complete the various training aspects as established by the Rhode Island Police Officers’ Commission on Standards and Training.
  • Successfully complete established departmental field training requirements.
  • Patrol campus in motor vehicles or using bicycles, and/or on foot, in order to deter and detect criminal or unsafe activity.
  • Inspect campus buildings and property to guard against theft, damage, defacement, destruction, or fire. Investigate all alarms and suspicious persons to ensure the safety of the campus community.
  • Respond promptly to and assist in investigations of fire, disturbances, criminal offenses, domestic violence, missing persons, personal injuries, traffic accidents and other emergencies, and assist with the preparation of the paperwork relating to those investigations. Gather information by interviewing and obtaining statements from witnesses, victims, suspects, and cooperating individuals.
  • Operate the department’s communications equipment and communications center; answer telephone inquiries; receive reports of criminal activity; dispatch foot and mobile units; operate department’s emergency notification and early alert paging system; monitor alarm systems; prepare and distribute approved department reports.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively over law enforcement radio channels when initiating and responding to radio communications and while working operational and or administrative assignments.
  • Operate law enforcement support equipment to include, but not be limited to, telephones, cell phones, safety equipment, fixed and portable radios, computers, including mobile data terminals and video and audible cameras.
  • Maintain and operate all Department vehicles in accordance with Department policy, including inspecting vehicles for damage, contraband, or mechanical defects at the start and completion of the shift.
  • Maintain all assigned department equipment, uniforms, and weapons, including firearms, in a state of operational readiness.
  • Be familiar with all areas of campus. This will include knowledge of roads, administrative, academic, and athletic buildings, residence halls, Greek houses, and other specialty housing.
  • Assist in maintaining orderly control of large crowds and in enforcing regulations at special events.
  • Identify and report public safety hazards within the campus.
  • Mediate disputes, defuse situations, and reach a satisfactory resolution between emotionally upset and often irrational persons involved in disputes, drunkenness or under the influence of narcotics, or those involved in situations in which a heightened emotional state may impair judgment.
  • 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, consistent with Department policy and applicable laws.
  • Interact with members of the University community and students in particular, engaging in community policing. This will include close interaction with student interns, and attendance and participation in University events designed to foster the relationship between the police and other members of the University community.
  • Recognizing the ever-changing nature of police work, attend periodic advanced training. This will include subjects such as non-violent conflict resolution, domestic violence and sexual assault investigations, cultural sensitivity, and tactics in recognizing and responding to those with mental health issues. This will be achieved through a combination of in-service training and outside seminars.
  • Receive mandatory annual training on issues of hazardous materials and bloodborne pathogens and in those areas required by the POST and state law.
  • Arrest persons with or without a warrant, as permitted by law, for violations of state or federal statutes or local ordinances occurring on or adjacent to University property, and process those arrested in compliance with law and Department policy; and arrest those who are wanted by other law enforcement agencies. Ensure that all such arrests are properly documented in an official police report.
  • Preserve crime scenes in accordance with Department policy. Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions. Seize, transport, photograph, and inventory evidence and property taken into custody and ensure the proper securing of evidence and property seized.
  • Assist in rendering safety-related services to the University community, including participating in the presentation of programs related to law enforcement and safety education. Effectively communicate with individuals by providing assistance, information, and directions.
  • Enforce University parking regulations and State traffic laws; issue related citations where appropriate, and perform traffic control duties, including traffic direction, use of radar or laser equipment for speed detection, and investigation of motor vehicle crashes.
  • Patrol parking areas to protect against vehicle theft and vandalism, and to enhance pedestrian safety.
  • Essential and secondary duties may require maintaining physical condition necessary for the apprehension of suspects, including walking, running, bicycling, operating motorized equipment and vehicles, and positioning and maintaining traffic barricades.

Requirements:

  • Associate’s or higher degree at time of appointment.
  • Successful completion of a police training curriculum approved by the Rhode Island Police Officers’ Commission on Standards and Training within twelve months of hire date.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work evenings and weekends.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
  • Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician’s certificate.
  • Must satisfactorily pass a written competency test and the physical agility and psychological testing mandated by the Rhode Island Police Officers’ Commission on Standards and Training.
  • Must pass a national criminal background check.
  • Valid driver’s license required.
  • Must become skilled in the use of department-issued materials, communications equipment, records management software, mobile data terminal, firearms and weapons, restraining devices and defensive equipment.
  • Must meet and maintain department standards on use of issued equipment and qualify with department-issued firearms in accordance with State law.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Associate’s degree in police science or other related curriculum.
  • Demonstrated law enforcement experience such as gained through one year of employment with a campus, municipal or state police force, or other governmental enforcement organization, or two years of military experience.
  • Demonstrated professional experience that relates to, aligns with, connects to, and/or favorably corresponds with law enforcement.