Police Officer

California State University, Bakersfield•Bakersfield, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The CSUB University Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safest possible environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The University Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The University Police Department investigates crimes that occur on campus and assists other local law enforcement agencies. The Police Officer, under general supervision of the Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police, with additional direction from the Police Captain, performs entry-level sworn officer responsibilities in maintaining campus safety and security. The Police Officer duties involve a range of law enforcement duties requiring knowledge of criminal codes, investigative techniques, and effective community engagement. The Police Officer patrols campus facilities, responds to emergencies, enforces laws and traffic regulations, and assists in investigations as needed.

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – High school diploma or equivalent.
LICENSES – Successful completion of a California P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy (or valid waiver).
Current California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer certification prior to the date of appointment.
Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) – Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Understanding of law enforcement methods, procedures, and protocols for maintaining public safety and enforcing laws.
Knowledge of criminal codes, statutes, and regulations relevant to campus policing.
Familiarity with emergency response tactics and procedures for managing critical incidents, including medical emergencies, fires, and security breaches.
Proficiency in conducting investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing comprehensive reports.
Understanding of forensic procedures and evidence collection.
Ability to learn and use surveillance systems, alarm systems, and other security technologies used in campus security operations.
Understanding of community-oriented policing principles and strategies to build positive relationships with the campus community.
Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Ability to write clear reports detailing incidents, investigations, and other law enforcement activities.
Strong problem-solving skills to assess situations, evaluate risks, and make informed decisions under pressure.
Ability to analyze information, prioritize tasks, and respond appropriately to emergencies and incidents.
Proficiency in physical fitness and defensive tactics necessary for patrolling campus areas, apprehending suspects, and maintaining personal safety.
Excellent interpersonal skills to de-escalate conflicts, negotiate effectively, and maintain composure during challenging situations.
Empathy and cultural sensitivity when interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to adapt to changing situations, work effectively under pressure, and remain calm during emergencies.
Resilience to handle the physical and emotional demands of law enforcement work.
Commitment to upholding high ethical standards and integrity in all aspects of law enforcement duties.
Adherence to legal and professional codes of conduct while enforcing laws and regulations.
Strong attention to detail in conducting investigations, documenting incidents, and following procedural guidelines.
Ability to maintain accuracy and precision in all law enforcement activities.
Must be free from any physical, emotional, and mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of powers of a police officer.
Must be able to read and write at the levels necessary to perform the job of a police officer as determined using the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery or other job-related tests of reading and writing ability.
Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.
Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
Must be able to work overtime, holidays, nights, weekends, and adjust working hours to meet special jobs.
May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Previous experience in law enforcement.
Additional certifications or training in specialized areas of law enforcement.
Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment possessing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

Responsibilities

Law Enforcement & Patrol Conduct routine patrols of campus buildings, grounds, and parking areas on foot, bicycle, or vehicle to deter and detect criminal activity.
Check doors, windows, and other points of access to ensure security and report any suspicious conditions or unauthorized individuals.
Utilize campus surveillance systems and alarms to monitor activities across campus.
Respond promptly to alerts or alarms and investigate potential security breaches or unusual behavior captured on cameras.
Respond promptly to calls for service, emergencies, and alarms; investigate suspicious activities and persons.
Assess situations, gather information, and take appropriate action to ensure public safety and resolve incidents.
Investigate suspicious activities, persons, or vehicles observed during patrols or reported by community members.
Conduct field interviews, gather evidence, and document findings to determine if further action or intervention is required.
Maintain detailed logs and records of patrol activities, observations, incidents, and interactions with individuals.
Prepare accurate and thorough reports documenting investigative findings, witness statements, and evidence collected.
Monitor traffic flow on campus roadways, enforce parking regulations, and issue citations or warnings to violators.
Direct traffic during peak periods, special events, or emergencies to ensure safe and orderly movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Collaborate with campus security personnel, administrators, and student organizations to address safety concerns and coordinate responses to incidents.
Participate in joint patrols or operations with campus partners to enhance visibility and security presence across campus.
Public Safety & Community Engagement Provide general assistance and information to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Act as a resource for campus safety concerns.
Engage in proactive community policing initiatives to foster positive relationships with the campus community.
Conduct educational programs and presentations on crime prevention, personal safety, and campus security awareness.
Collaborate with campus departments and external agencies on public safety initiatives and emergency response planning.
Emergency & Incident Response Respond to emergencies such as medical incidents, fires, hazardous material spills, and natural disasters.
Coordinate with campus and external emergency services to ensure effective response and resolution of incidents.
Assist in crowd management and control during large events, protests, or disturbances on campus.
Provide first aid and emergency medical assistance to injured individuals until paramedics arrive.