Job Summary

The Clayton State University Police Officer will report to an assigned supervisor, depending on the assignment. The position is shift-work and may require working nights, weekends, overtime, rotating shifts, and holidays. Work assignment may include any campus location, dependent on department needs.

This is regular or special detail police work in protecting life and property on the university campus. Work involves a professional response to the need for the prevention and detection of crimes, as well as the maintenance of law and order. Work also involves patrolling assigned areas, traffic enforcement, accident reporting, and criminal investigations. Assignments are received from superior officers and are carried out under established policies and procedures. However, employees will exercise quick, independent, and sound judgment and display initiative in applying work methods to emergency situations that arise when superior officers are not immediately available. Work is reviewed through conferences, written reports, inspections, and observation of results obtained.

The Police Officer conducts patrols, assists in investigations, and reviews reports. Considerable independent judgment, initiative, and understanding must be exercised in interpreting orders, rules, and regulations and in meeting emergency situations. Work is performed in accordance with established rules, regulations, and instructions from superior officers who review the work through reports, conferences, and observation of police efficiency. A Police Officer must be able to work any shift assigned.

The applicant who is offered this position will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug test, polygraph, CVSA, credit check, criminal background check, and psychological test.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine patrols, including on foot and by vehicle, of campus grounds, buildings, and parking areas to detect and deter criminal activity, safety hazards, and policy violations.
• Operate a motor vehicle during both day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic, and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as rain, ice, and snow.
• Respond promptly to non-emergency and emergency calls for service, accidents, and incidents, while providing assistance and coordinating with emergency services when necessary.
• Taking appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and property.
• Enforce campus policies, regulations, and applicable laws by issuing warnings, citations, or making arrests (forcibly if necessary), while ensuring the fair and respectful treatment of all community members.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Conduct investigations into incidents, crimes, or complaints on campus, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies as needed to resolve incidents.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and removing people from dangerous areas, and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.
• Build positive relationships with members of the community through outreach initiatives, educational programs, and collaborative efforts aimed at promoting safety, awareness, and trust to reduce risks and enhance the overall safety culture of the campus.
• Maintain accurate and complete reports of daily activities, incidents, arrests, and other relevant information using appropriate forms, reports, and databases, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and department policies and procedures.
• Participate in ongoing training programs, workshops, and certification courses to enhance job knowledge, skills, and readiness for handling diverse situations and staying abreast of best practices in law enforcement and campus security.
• Comply with Campus Security Authority responsibilities under the Clery Act.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or its equivalent
• Minimum age of 21 years
• United States Citizenship
• Valid Georgia driver's license
• No felony or other disqualifying criminal convictions
• Georgia POST Basic Law Enforcement Certification or ability to receive one within one year of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Georgia POST Council Basic Law Enforcement certificate in good standing.
• Advanced or specialized Georgia POST Council training certifications

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of standard police practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of Georgia criminal and traffic laws.
• Knowledge of the university properties, population, and traffic control problems.
• Knowledge of fire prevention techniques.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine the proper course of action.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.
• Ability to obtain information through interviews, interrogations, and observations.
• Ability to understand and execute difficult oral and written instructions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare comprehensive reports.
• Ability to develop and maintain good public relations.
• Ability to meet such specific requirements as may be established by a competent authority.
• Skill in administering first aid and comfort in case of accident, illness, and death situations.