University Police Officer

General Summary of Position:

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 253 of the Acts of 2020, the position of University Police Officer is regulated by the Massachusetts Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). University Police Officers are appointed as sworn police officers pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws chapter 75, section 32A and chapter 90C, which grants them the same authority, immunities, and privileges as a duly appointed and qualified sworn police officer acting elsewhere in the Commonwealth.

Under the general supervision of the University Patrol Sergeant, a University Police Officer patrols assigned areas of property used, owned, or occupied by the University of Massachusetts and areas adjacent to the university to provide a safe and secure environment for all members of the University community by means of an alert and vigilant preventive patrol. Work is performed in accordance with federal, state, and local laws as well as university and departmental policies, procedures, and general orders. Work is reviewed by inspection, through verbal and written reports, and by results achieved.

University Police Officer candidates must have successfully completed a Massachusetts Basic Police Training Program from an accredited police academy, approved by the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC), or have successfully completed training that is substantially equivalent to or greater than that of a Massachusetts police officer at a comparable level of experience to obtain an academy exemption through the MPTC. Contingent upon appointment, the appointee(s) shall be considered probationary through twelve (12) continuous months of service, beginning on the date the appointee(s) report for duty.

Essential Functions:

• Supports the University of Massachusetts Boston Police Department mission and the policies and procedures in support of that mission, which is aligned with the University and the Division of Student Affairs’ mission.
• Exercises police powers under M.G.L. Ch. 75 s. 32A in the detection and apprehension of law violators; investigates crimes, accidents, and complaints. Identifies criminal offenders, makes apprehensions when necessary, and participates in subsequent court proceedings as required.
• Patrols buildings and lands of the University ensuring the protection of persons and property, being observant for criminal activity, or anything which might endanger life, health and safety or result in theft or damage to property and reports same for the appropriate action to be taken.
• Creates and maintains a sense of safety and security within the University and adjacent areas enhancing public interest of law enforcement and for the University by constant example of courteous and ethical service. Aids and assists all persons in danger of physical harm or victims of crime, accidents, or illness.
• Assists in the maintenance of traffic control on lands of the University; enforces State motor vehicle laws, as well as University by-laws, rules and regulations regarding traffic and parking.
• Maintains order at the scene of special events, whether scheduled or unscheduled, upon the lands of the University. Conducts investigations and submits necessary accurate reports as related to the enforcement of State, Local and University by-laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Be fully cognizant of current departmental rules, regulations, orders, policies, and procedures.
• Conducts accident and crime investigations and prepares detailed reports, including State Motor Vehicle Accident Reports and State Uniform Incident Reports.
• Provides public assistance, including lockout services, escorts, first aid, and vehicle jump-starts.
• Represents the department at community engagement events and meetings.
• Demonstrates or acquires specialized law enforcement skills; may participate in various community crime prevention programs, departmental outreach programs and serve on various University committees/specialized programs.
• Serves as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act and is familiar with other federal mandates.
• Reports punctually to all assignments and responds immediately to all emergencies. Performs emergency first aid, CPR, Narcan, Epi-pen and AED therapy within established medical guidelines and department policies.
• Performs related work as required in various specialized aspects of law enforcement and police operations as assigned.

Other Functions:

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Works collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of the University and the Division of Student Affairs.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university department policy.
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
• Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.
• Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university-related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Contingent upon appointment, the appointee will participate in an in-house 10-week post-academy field training program.
• Applicants with prior police experience must have successfully completed a Massachusetts Basic Police Training Program from an accredited police academy approved by the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC) or have successfully completed training that is substantially equivalent to or greater than that of a Massachusetts police officer at a comparable level of experience to obtain an academy exemption through the MPTC.
• Applicants with prior police experience may be required to pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT) and a psychological evaluation.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional work references. Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.