Campus Police Officer I

About the position

As a Campus Police Officer, the candidate should be knowledgeable about relevant laws and regulations and be able to effectively communicate with members of the college community. They should be physically fit and able to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently. Additionally, they should be able to work collaboratively with other members of the department and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.

Responsibilities

• Ensures and maintains a secure campus environment; investigate complaints and reports of suspicious activity; control crowds as necessary.
• Provides protection and security of persons, facilities and property.
• Patrols campus buildings and adjacent area(s) via foot, bike or Campus Police vehicle.
• Enforces college and department policies, rules and regulations, local laws, Massachusetts General Laws, and federal laws.
• Exercises police powers by making arrests, searching persons, and/or restraining and transporting violent persons; advise suspects of their constitutional rights to prosecute violators and to prevent further violations of law.
• Investigates crimes by interviewing witnesses, victims and others; mediate disputes; preserve crime scenes for examination by experts.
• Enforces campus traffic and safety regulations by directing traffic; assisting operators of disabled motor vehicles; assisting pedestrians in crossing streets; writing traffic tickets; inspecting licenses, permits and registrations for validity; and ensuring an orderly flow of traffic during snow removal or sanding.
• Operates equipment, such as but not limited to two-way radios, base stations, public address system, emergency medical equipment, office machines, firearms and riot control equipment.
• Performs related duties such as cooperating and sharing information with other agencies; notifying designated personnel of emergencies; writing activity reports, daily logs, and investigative reports; maintaining records on lost and found items, criminal records and files on known criminals; assisting in the evacuation of community members in fire drills; assisting in fire fighting operations; and raising and lowering flags.
• Provides emergency medical assistance.
• Provides assistance to courts or grand juries in prosecution cases.
• Work during periods of inclement weather, hurricanes, blizzards, natural and manmade disasters.
• Performs occasional mandatory overtime, details, and campus dispatch and switchboard operator duties.
• Promotes community policing and community engagement in all tasks and duties.
• Participates in community engagement and continually offer exceptional customer service to the entire Holyoke community and surrounding areas.
• Focus on the Commonwealth's Equity Agenda by applying related best practices throughout all job functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Requirements

• Must be able to meet the requirements of Chapter 253 of the Acts of 2020 (Police Reform Bill).
• Candidates must be 21 years of age at the time of hire.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Completed a full time Campus Police Academy and/or fulltime MPTC training academy or the ability to successfully pass the Physical Agility Testing, medical examination, pre-screening (which includes a physical endurance testing) and successfully complete MPTC Full Recruit Academy.
• All candidates must complete Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) approved physical and psychological fitness evaluation.
• Appointee must be eligible for appointment as a Special State Police Officer under chapter 22C, Section 63 of the Massachusetts General Laws and must be eligible to become POST Certified, undergoing an extensive background investigation and CORI Check.
• Possess and maintain first aid, AED, Narcan and CPR certificates, or be able to obtain certification within the first 6 months of employment.
• All final candidates must successfully complete an interview process required by POST.
• Possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a Class A license to carry firearm (M.G.L. c.140, section 131).
• Possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Some knowledge of police procedures and practices, the law of arrest, and criminal procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare written reports.
• Reliable transportation.

Nice-to-haves

• Working knowledge of the buildings and grounds of the College and of its rules and regulations.
• POST Certified.
• First responder/ CPR / EMT certified.
• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
• Certifications as an instructor in areas of defensive tactics, firearms, or first responder.
• Current LTC with the city or town of residency.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Support for professional development and continuing education.