Lateral Public Safety Officer

The Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) seeks experienced officers for its Lateral Public Safety Officer (Lateral PSO) entry program. Qualified officers serve a diverse university community, applying their experience to patrol, community policing and initial investigations in a campus setting.

As a Lateral PSO, officers help maintain a safe and welcoming campus through proactive patrol, community policing, emergency response, and initial investigations. Officers apply their professional training and experience to protect life and property, prevent and detect crime, enforce applicable laws and University policies, and provide responsive public safety services.

The Lateral PSO is a bargaining unit position designed for candidates with qualifying law enforcement experience and certification. Newly hired officers complete departmental field training and become familiar with University policies, procedures, and campus operations. Successful candidates demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, strong communication skills, and a commitment to community-oriented public safety. A Lateral Public Safety Officer becomes a Senior Public Safety Officer on July 1 following the date on which the employee completes three complete years of total service in the role of Lateral Public Safety Officer.

Education and Experience

• Associates degree from an accredited college or university and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• An officer with at least five years of experience as a police officer or peace officer with another agency and NYS peace officer or police officer certification may be appointed as a Lateral Public Safety Officer.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen.
• NYS peace officer or police officer certification at appointment.

Skills and Knowledge

• Possess a valid driver's license and excellent driving record; must be able to obtain a valid New York State driver's license upon hire.
• Complete and maintain applicable NYS campus peace officer certification, firearms qualifications and departmental training requirements.
• Successfully complete the applicable probationary period, including the department's Field Training Program.
• Working knowledge of applicable criminal statutes and ability to learn and apply University and Department of Public Safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to follow lawful commands and written directions, evaluate information, and exercise sound independent judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Maintain physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
• Demonstrated proficiency with personal computers, including Windows-based applications.
• Ability and willingness to work assigned day, evening or night shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Successfully satisfy applicable criminal background, comprehensive background investigation, drug screening and psychological examination requirements.
• Demonstrated customer service and interpersonal skills, with strong verbal and written communication abilities, including the preparation of accurate, clear and thorough reports and records.

Responsibilities

• Supports the University and Department of Public Safety mission through ethical, professional and inclusive service.
• Conducts crime prevention and safety patrols, property checks and responds to calls for service.
• Maintains a visible public safety presence while applying principles of fairness, transparency and impartiality in community interactions and complaint resolutions.
• Prepares accurate activity, incident and investigative reports, including documentation for student code of conduct proceedings and criminal prosecutions.
• Effectively utilizes radio and electronic communications systems to coordinate public safety operations and facilitate timely information sharing.
• Under general supervision, performs patrol, law enforcement, initial investigations and emergency response duties, applying prior experience, departmental training and sound judgment.
• Patrols assigned areas on foot, bicycle or vehicle; investigates violations of University policies and applicable laws, accidents, injuries, alarms and suspicious activity.
• Conducts interviews, makes authorized arrests, provides emergency medical assistance and investigates criminal incidents.
• Secures crime scenes, collects and preserves evidence, and assists with suspect transport, booking, civil disturbances and crowd control.
• May serve as Field Training Officer, Officer in Charge, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor or in other specialized assignments upon completion of required training, qualifications and departmental authorization.
• Provides leadership, training and mentoring as assigned. Lateral appointment does not independently confer supervisory authority or specialized qualifications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume for full consideration.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university, with over 14,000 full-time undergraduate and over 4,000 full¬time graduate students representing the 50 states and 124 foreign countries. Founded in 1870, it is home to 11 schools and colleges offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Education, Engineering and Computer Science, Human Services and Health Professions, Information Studies, Law, Management, Citizenship and Public Affairs, Public Communications, and Visual and Performing Arts. Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000 and offers many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, a symphony orchestra, professional regional theater, and numerous malls and movie theaters. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites and wineries along the Finger Lakes to biking trails along the Erie Canal. According to the latest edition of the Places Rated Almanac, Syracuse ranks in the top 10% of Best Places to Live.

EEOC

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of veteran support through education, transition, and hiring. Syracuse University was ranked #1 in New York State and 17th in the nation at the end of 1947 in veteran enrollment as a result of participating in the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944 - the original GI Bill. Today, SU is strongly committed to the Yellow Ribbon Program which is a provision of the Post 9/11 GI Bill to assist in tuition educational benefits and other support. In addition, SU provides a career path for veterans to become Syracuse University employees.