Sworn Police Officer

Job Summary

As the first point of contact a Smith College police officer is a sworn law enforcement professional responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, bias free education environment. They serve students, staff, faculty and community members and the protection of property through proactive patrols, crime prevention, emergency response, investigation of incidents by enforcing both state laws and college regulations while focusing and striving on community engagement activities. We strive to develop a close relationship with the campus community. Foster relationships by employing different strategies including programs and services that will engage relationship building. The principal responsibilities include patrols of the campus grounds and buildings, while ensuring safety and security of all college community members and property.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

• Conduct foot, bike, or vehicular patrols of the college property including buildings, parking lots and grounds to deter crime and ensure safety.
• Serve as first responders to emergencies, including medical calls, fire, and criminal acts and assist outside departments when they are called onto campus for service.
• During patrols of campus report any problems that you may come across to on-duty Officers and fill out work orders for Facilities Management if needed.
• Inspect and report lighting or emergency call box problems on campus.
• Attend all department mandated trainings and staff meetings as required.
• Follow department chain of command for notifications and guidance.
• Maintain confidentiality of department information, records, reports, and logs.
• Become familiar with department policies and procedures.
• Maintains an alert, attentive demeanor for the duration of assigned shift.
• Assist, promote and participate in community engagement activities (as assigned).
• Employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work & learning environment.

Other Functions:

• May answer incoming phone lines and provide appropriate assistance to those calls (if dispatch trained).
• Assist with walk-ins to our office when the situation dictates.
• Periodically monitor numerous security cameras and access points across campus.
• Respond to Fire, Trouble alarms and other types of alarms.
• Accurately log all department calls for service, officer activity, assistance provided into the department's computer system.
• Make notifications to College officials and other agencies during emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Maintain certification on the use of any State or Federal Criminal Justice Information Systems (DCJIS).
• Support and uphold the department's mission and community-poling philosophy.
• Check and secure campus buildings to help prevent crimes from occurring.
• Open buildings or rooms as assigned.
• Provide walking escorts and lockouts for members of the College community.
• Provide non-emergency medical transports via College vehicle (when authorized) to Cooley Dickinson Hospital or other medical appointments.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses):

• Minimum of a High School diploma and must be 21 years of age. College degree is preferred.
• Be POST certified with graduation from a Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) academy or Bridge Academy.
• Must have a valid driver's license. Must complete and comply with all college driving credentialing requirements. Division of Motor Vehicles background check will be completed prior to a formal hire.
• Must hold or be able to obtain shortly after hire CPR and First Responder Certification.
• Must hold and maintain a License to Carry firearms (LTC).
• Must be able to pass a criminal and work background check, driving background and a medical pre-screening.
• Be able to work in a diverse community.
• Ability to sit, walk and stand for long periods of time.
• Strong communication, decision-making, and interpersonal skills for a diverse college community is a must.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Can demonstrate good customer service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, multi-tasked environment.
• Ability to function calmly and efficiently in all types of situations including emergencies.

Additional Information:

Sworn Police Officers should remember that many times individuals who are interacting with the police department may be upset, irritated and should always be talked to in a calm and rational manner. Treat all persons with dignity and respect.

Compensation

In addition to a competitive benefits package, pay for this role is typically between $27.17 - $33.21 hourly covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

Position Type
Regular

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position. Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin
April 1, 2026

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.