College Police Officer

Southwestern College•Chula Vista, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chief Safety Officer and with work direction from an assigned Sergeant, College Police and Safety patrol the campuses of Southwestern College to provide for the safety and security of persons and property. Officers enforce the California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, other applicable statutes and codes, and District policies. The role includes campus and off-campus patrols, responding to calls for service, investigating reported criminal activity, documenting incidents, enforcing parking and traffic rules, and supporting crime prevention and campus safety education. This is a non-telecommuting position in indoor and outdoor environments. Officers are required to wear a uniform while on duty; uniforms, safety equipment, operational equipment, and dry-cleaning maintenance are provided by the employer. Work may involve driving, adverse weather, evening, weekend, and holiday hours, and being on call during off-duty hours. Successful candidates may be assigned to any of the listed campus sites: Chula Vista, Crown Cove, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Currently enrolled in a California POST Basic Academy, with verification of enrollment and at least 50% completion of the academy curriculum, including academic and fitness components that meet or exceed POST standards; the academy must be completed within six months of employment.
Possess a valid POST Basic certificate or be able to obtain one within one year of completing the POST Basic Academy.
Upon hire, successfully meet Government Code section 1031 requirements and pass psychological, medical, and background investigations.
Certification in the use of various lethal and non-lethal weapons.
Possess or be able to obtain appropriate valid first aid and CPR certification, including Automated External Defibrillator certification, within the first year of employment.
Valid California driver's license and safe driving record.
Completion of P.C. 832 and 832.2 training.
Successfully complete the Southwestern College Police Department Field Training Program within the first year of employment.
Satisfactorily pass a pre-employment physical examination if selected.
Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States upon entering the background investigation.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, court procedures, rules of evidence, police methods, investigation techniques, use of force, police equipment, public relations, report writing, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to perform law-enforcement assignments, respond appropriately to emergencies, conduct investigations, use police equipment and vehicles, make arrests, prepare clear reports, communicate effectively, work independently, remain alert, and maintain ethical standards.
Ability to work sensitively and effectively with diverse community college populations and establish effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a California POST-approved academy; or possession of a current California POST Academy certificate dated within the past three years; or POST recertification dated within the past three years.
Lateral-entry qualification: currently employed as a full-time paid sworn peace officer with a California law-enforcement agency and at least one year of continuous full-time law-enforcement experience at the time of application.

Responsibilities

Patrol on- and off-campus sites, including buildings, classrooms, restrooms, and parking lots, by foot, cart, or vehicle to maintain security and order.
Inspect, identify, document, and follow up on unusual conditions, potential hazards, and security risks; report unauthorized persons and act on observations.
Investigate reports of criminal activity; assist crime victims; interview witnesses; collect physical evidence; and photograph crime scenes and evidence.
Record and document incidents in patrol logs and prepare reports, including use-of-force, arrest, criminal citation, notice-to-appear, warrantless-arrest, and property-evidence reports.
Respond to calls for service, provide security escorts as needed, and assist people with vehicles in parking lots.
Patrol parking lots and streets, check vehicle permits and parking compliance, conduct traffic stops, issue citations, and help ensure safe vehicle movement and clearly marked parking areas and roadways.
Answer station telephones and respond to inquiries by providing information to visitors, students, and staff.
Participate in crime-prevention work and prepare and deliver campus-safety presentations to students, faculty, staff, and the public.
Appear in court as a witness or arresting officer when required.