Police Officer (DMHAS)

State of Connecticut • Bridgeport, CT

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring currently certified police officers for its Safety Services Division. Officers exercise full police powers and perform law-enforcement, safety, and security duties across DMHAS campuses, helping protect staff, clients, and visitors in a recovery-oriented healthcare environment. Assignments may be at any of the listed facilities and may involve different locations and shifts. The positions are hazardous duty, full-time, 40 hours per week, with first-, second-, and third-shift opportunities and every other weekend off.

The role includes security, protection, enforcement, and administrative work. Duties may include patrols, access control, crowd and traffic control, emergency response, investigations, arrests, incident reporting, court testimony, and assistance with safety programs. Officers may also provide first aid or CPR, transport or escort individuals, support searches for escaped patients or inmates, and perform other related duties as directed.

DMHAS serves people with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of services and supports that promote health, dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency. Its Public Safety Division works to maintain a safe and secure environment of care through leadership and partnership. Officers are expected to serve with understanding and compassion, act with integrity, and enforce the law impartially and professionally.

Applicants must have Connecticut law-enforcement certification, or qualify for the stated temporary pending-certification exception. Incumbents must maintain required police certification and arrest authority, a valid driver's license, and eligibility to bear arms. An EMT certification may be required. Applicants must pass a physical fitness assessment and, following a conditional offer, a medical examination and drug screening. The work may involve dangerous or unpleasant situations, uncomfortable weather, and prolonged periods in a vehicle.

Requirements

• Certification as a law-enforcement officer in Connecticut pursuant to Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council regulations; candidates with pending certification may be employed temporarily pending recertification.
• Successful completion of prescribed training and probationary requirements for Protective Services Trainee may substitute as stated.
• Authorization to work lawfully in the United States by the date of appointment.
• Possess and maintain the required authority from the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to make arrests and present individuals before a competent authority.
• Possess and maintain Connecticut law-enforcement certification; loss of certification results in removal from the class.
• Possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Be eligible and qualified to bear arms.
• Meet physical fitness requirements and possess sufficient health, strength, stamina, agility, endurance, and visual and auditory acuity to perform the duties.
• Pass a physical fitness assessment and a comprehensive medical examination, including controlled-substance screening, after a conditional offer.
• May be required to obtain and retain Emergency Medical Technician certification.
• May be required to travel.
• Knowledge of police and security practices and procedures, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, traffic and crowd control, criminal law, and court procedures.
• Interpersonal, oral communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze emergency situations and develop effective courses of action, and to use computer software.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and security at DMHAS facilities through law-enforcement and security activities.
• Protect clients, staff, and visitors and uphold standards of care and security.
• Conduct patrols and monitor areas for physical security, authorized access, theft, trespass, vandalism, or violations.
• Provide traffic and crowd control and enforce motor vehicle and parking regulations.
• Respond to emergencies, assess assistance needs, and arrange appropriate support; provide CPR or first aid when needed.
• Investigate incidents, suspicious activity, and violations; question witnesses, make arrests, and issue summonses as appropriate.
• Assist in searches for escaped patients or inmates and support State Police investigations of major criminal acts when needed.
• Record information and prepare arrest paperwork, activity reports, and other documentation.
• Apply for and serve arrest warrants, arrange bond payments or written promises to appear, and provide court testimony.
• Process arrested individuals, including determining charges, conducting checks, inventorying belongings, and transporting them when required.
• Participate in evacuation activities and other emergency preparedness duties.
• Work collaboratively as part of the DMHAS Public Safety Division in a recovery-oriented healthcare setting.
• Perform related duties as assigned, which may include safety training, public presentations, dispatching, or minor equipment repairs.

Benefits

• Hazardous Duty pension plan (State Employees Retirement System Tier IV).
• Retirement after 25 years with pension and healthcare benefits.
• Career development and promotional pathways.
• Supportive culture that values a healthy work/life balance.
• Comprehensive State Employee Benefits are referenced; specific benefits are not detailed.

What This Job Offers

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