Police Officer- School Resource Officer

City of Hampton • Hampton, VA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Hampton is hiring a certified law enforcement professional for its Police Division to serve as a School Resource Officer (SRO) in Hampton City Schools. The SRO patrols an assigned district during one of three shifts, enforces City of Hampton and Commonwealth of Virginia laws and ordinances, and helps maintain a safe, secure, and positive school environment. The role also serves as a mentor, educator, and liaison between the Police Division and the school community, building trust with students, staff, families, and administrators.

The position requires at least two years of certification as a Police Officer under Virginia Code 9.1-101. Internal applicants must meet additional Division-specific performance, firearms qualification, service, endorsement, and disciplinary requirements. Employees must pass a background check, maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record, and be subject to alcohol and controlled-substance testing. The employee may work beyond a standard 40-hour week, including evenings and weekends, travel frequently throughout the city, and be rotated to other Police Officer positions within the Division. The role may be considered essential personnel during city emergencies and may require long hours and unusual schedules.

Requirements

• Certified as a Police Officer as defined in Virginia Code 9.1-101 for at least two years.
• Able to function in stressful situations and exercise good judgment under potentially volatile conditions.
• Able to read and understand laws, policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, and follow written and oral directions.
• Highly motivated, self-supervising, productive, and able to adopt a flexible work schedule.
• Demonstrated ability to interact positively and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Successfully pass a background check before an offer of employment or promotion.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record under City of Hampton criteria.
• Maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate, and in other situations where credibility is important.
• For internal candidates: application must be endorsed by the current Unit Commander; most recent performance evaluation must be rated “achieved” at three or above; must score 80 or higher on Division firearm qualifications; must have at least two years as a Certified Officer with HPD at appointment; and must not have had any suspensions during the 12 months preceding the application.
• Subject to alcohol and controlled-substance testing under the City’s current substance abuse policy.

Responsibilities

• Perform general duties of a Police/Patrol Officer as required.
• Maintain working knowledge of juvenile law and school administrative policies.
• Enforce laws and ordinances relating to schools and juveniles.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with school administrators and rapport with students.
• Provide information to school administrators, Police Division personnel, and other school resource officers when appropriate.
• Guide students and parents seeking assistance with law enforcement concerns and make referrals to agencies such as Social Services or Intake when appropriate.
• Use alternative conflict-resolution methods instead of arrest when appropriate.
• Coordinate with Hampton City Schools to identify priorities.
• Respond to radio transmissions and citizens’ complaints, including incidents such as child abuse, fights, and vandalism, and take necessary corrective action.
• Attend school functions, including athletic events and dances, and attend meetings as needed.
• Provide or coordinate classroom instruction on law enforcement-related topics.
• Assist elementary school authorities with the student safety patrol program.
• Patrol Hampton City Schools and event locations in the City of Hampton by patrol car or on foot to prevent crime or disturbances and arrest violators.
• Become familiar with housing, businesses, and people within the assigned district; note suspicious persons and unusual conditions and conduct preliminary investigations.
• Check unoccupied buildings, including doors and windows, for security.
• Report hazards that endanger public safety, such as malfunctioning traffic signals or damaged utility structures.
• Investigate missing persons and watch for runaways and truants.
• Disperse unruly crowds at public gatherings.
• Serve warrants and summonses and arrest violators of misdemeanors and felonies.
• Prepare reports concerning events leading to and surrounding arrests.
• Coordinate courtroom testimony with the Commonwealth’s Attorney and appear in court as the arresting officer.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned to support the Division’s mission.

Benefits

• The City describes its workplace as welcoming and inclusive and identifies itself as a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a Military Spouse-Friendly Employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed