"Police Officer"

About the Department

The primary purpose of the University Police Department is to provide a safe and secure environment for all university employees, students, and guests. It works collaboratively with academic and administrative units to deliver a comprehensive program in law enforcement, ensuring the highest level of safety, security, and service consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth and university policies.

About the Position

The primary objective of a George Mason University Police Officer is to exercise general police power within a specific jurisdiction to perform law enforcement, crime prevention, security, and related public safety functions while maintaining community outreach standards. The role is essential, requiring work in a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week configuration, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Enforces Laws and Investigates Crimes and Traffic Crashes: Enforces applicable laws and regulations, arrests violators, issues summonses or warnings, provides crowd control, responds to calls, investigates crashes, conducts interviews, writes reports, preserves crime scenes, collects evidence, and prepares for court.
• Provides Public Services and Assistance to Community Members: Offers assistance with sound decision-making and customer service, ensures courteous interactions, provides law enforcement services with high standards of care, solves problems, and follows up on contacts.
• Conducts Patrols and Participates in Crime Prevention Activities: Performs proactive patrols by vehicle, foot, or bicycle, reports hazards, engages in community outreach, and maintains public peace with current crime prevention methods.
• Provides Support and Assistance to Victims, Witnesses, and Persons in Need of Services: Maintains relationships with university administration and criminal justice elements, assists victims, provides case updates, handles crisis interventions, and submits referrals as required.
• Practices Personal Accountability and Follows Code of Conduct: Reviews and follows laws and policies, maintains physical fitness, certifications, and professional standards, demonstrates punctuality, and reports inappropriate activities.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent, U.S. citizenship, at least 21 years old by academy graduation, no felony convictions, and possession of a valid driver’s license. Must obtain NCIC/VCIN certification, maintain firearms proficiency, and comply with DCJS requirements. Knowledge of law enforcement practices, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to pass background checks, and maintain physical fitness.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s degree or higher, prior security or military experience, CIT training, knowledge of emergency management, and public speaking skills.