Police Officer (Certified)

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech is comprised of the Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management and has a critical role in supporting the well-being of our community. We are essential in planning for and responding to emergency events, and in creating a culture of preparedness where employees and students are safe in their work and living environments. Police Officers at Virginia Tech protect and serve a diverse University community. Police Officers also perform other duties as requested by supervisor, take initiative to support the best interests of the department and a healthy work environment, strive to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct, Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community, and support the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Requirements

• Experience with writing reports or similar documents.
• Experience working with the public.
• Demonstrated computer experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse department and the university community.
• Ability to give creditable court testimony and comprehend legal documents.
• Ability to use independent judgment and exercise considerable restraint under stressful situations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle at high speeds in adverse conditions.
• Ability to ascertain facts through personal contact, observation, and examination of records.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to recognize safety and security hazards on campus and take appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities.
• Ability to run, jump, climb stairs, bend, lift, and physically restrain an individual as needed.
• Ability to perform duties on bicycle, vehicle, or foot.
• Must pass physical abilities test by running 1.5 miles within 20 minutes.
• Must be able to use a respirator.
• Candidates for employment are required to successfully complete an extensive background check and credit history check, with satisfactory results. This includes, but is not limited to, a driving records check, criminal history check (including fingerprinting), and a pre-employment drug screening.
• Incumbents are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol screening in accordance with department policy.
• Successful completion of a psychological assessment is required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen as required by Virginia Code Section 15.2-1705.
• Must qualify under federal and state guidelines to carry a firearm.
• Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from carrying a firearm.
• Must be a high school graduate or able to furnish documentary evidence of equivalency degree.
• Must currently possess a valid Virginia Operator's License or be able to obtain it within 30 days of employment.
• Must meet vision requirements: no worse than 20/200 uncorrected, must correct to 20/20; color blindness, including pronounced shade deficiencies, will be disqualifying.
• Must be at least 20 years of age on the date of hire.
• Must meet all other standards by law (15.2-1705: 9-169 Code of Virginia) and by the policy of the Criminal Justice Services Board.
• Employees who have already completed a probationary period in a different position that accept a transfer/promotion into this position are required to complete a new probationary period.

Nice To Haves

• Current Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Certification at the time of hire.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, police science, or related field.
• Previous military experience.

Responsibilities

• Investigating motor vehicle accidents, personal injuries, and criminal matters
• Enforcement of state and federal laws and University policies
• Preparation of reports
• Courtroom testimony
• Traffic direction and crowd control
• Response to emergency situations
• Extended foot patrol
• Working a rotating shift that includes weekends, nights, and holidays
• Reporting for duty in adverse weather conditions and/or when the university is otherwise closed (“Emergency Personnel”)
• Adhering to all criteria established for a Nationally Accredited Police Department

Benefits

• Base salary of $54k.
• Hiring incentives are available to increase the starting salary for military service, completing advanced education degrees (Associates, Bachelors, or Masters), and/or currently possessing a Virginia DCJS certification ($1k)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED