Police Officer I - Public Safety

State of Colorado•Pueblo, CO

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for all individuals on the grounds of the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHHIP) and within the surrounding community. This involves enforcing State Statutes, traffic laws, and regulations, particularly concerning the custody of criminally insane patients. The role requires adherence to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DPS Policy, and CMHIP-specific procedures. Key duties include law enforcement, patient crisis intervention, secure transport of patients, and ongoing training.

Requirements

Current, valid Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification.
One (1) year of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.
Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver's license.
Must be able to lawfully carry firearms and maintain proficiency.
Must successfully complete and pass a Pre-Employment Psychological Exam and a Polygraph Test.
Must successfully complete and pass a post-offer Medical Fitness for Duty examination.
Must possess and maintain valid Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification and provide a copy.
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose that information and explain why it should not disqualify them.

Nice To Haves

College education (preferably 2 years or more) in a behavioral health and/or juvenile justice related field.
Experience working with patients in positive leadership roles, such as mentoring and coaching.
Experience working in a high security locked environment.
Experience working with patients who suffer from mental illness.
Relevant years of state service experience.

Responsibilities

Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations, employing sound judgment and emotional control.
Actively use effective communication and verbal de-escalation skills when interacting with patients and staff.
Provide interior security within the facility by patrolling patient unit areas on irregular patrols.
Enforce laws and regulations, exercise powers of custody and arrest, and take persons into custody suspected of unlawful behavior.
Detect criminal activity and take appropriate enforcement action.
Respond to communication orders (dispatch) and investigate complaints and incidents.
Interview witnesses, prepare evidence and reports, and respond to emergencies and requests for assistance.
Provide traffic and crowd control, write detailed and accurate reports and citations.
Prepare cases for prosecution by the District Attorney and execute warrants of the court.
Testify in court proceedings as a witness.
Coach, teach, and mentor other employees, role-modeling adherence to policies and implementing procedures.
Provide shift briefing and communicate pertinent information regarding patients, incidents, and building needs.
Identify concerns and provide solutions to minimize potential threats.
Ensure adherence to all safety standards throughout the facility.
Respond to all alarms, assess situations, and provide direction.
Ensure the provision of least restrictive alternatives and lowest level interventions.
Respond to and handle patient crisis incidents beyond the capabilities of hospital staff.
Transport criminally and civilly committed patients and/or convicted felons to and from various locations (courts, hospitals, clinics, jails) via state vehicles.
Responsible for patient property, equipment, records, and medications during transport.
Ensure the integrity of the transport vehicle and plan safe transportation routes, including alternate routes for emergencies.
Attend and actively participate in all assigned training and successfully complete all requirements.
Maintain required POST certification and Police One assignments.
Meet and keep current all mandatory training pursuant to prevailing CMHIP/DPS Policy.
Assist with other duties within reason as recommended by the Appointing Authority and/or Supervisor.