With minimal supervision from the Department leadership, a police officer is an essential University position responsible for enforcing laws (federal, state or local), University Traffic and Parking Regulations and violations of the code of conduct throughout the campus, as authorized by Texas Statutes. The police officer serves as an ambassador for the University serving the community in a joint effort, where University Police Department members, students, faculty, staff, visitors and neighbors of St. Mary's University strive to create a safe and secure environment for the entire higher education community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Conducts proactive patrol of all campus property by foot, bicycle, golf cart, and/or motor vehicle in order to deter crimes against persons and property.
• Utilizes appropriate University, Local, State, Federal databases, for wants/warrants, criminal histories and other databases as authorized or required.
• Detects violations of Federal, State, local laws and, University policies; Takes appropriate actions in accordance with those laws, the Texas code of Criminal Procedure, and department policies and procedures.
• Enforces parking regulations and issue citations as required.
• Enforces Texas State Traffic Laws and issue citations as required.
• Completes computer-based incident reports in accordance with standard department policies and procedures; Reports all violations of laws, college rules and regulations, suspicious persons and circumstances, enforcement activities and unsafe conditions or hazards.
• Responds to calls for assistance from students, faculty, staff, administration, visitors and neighboring law enforcement/emergency service agencies.
• Ensures that campus facilities are locked and unlocked in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Escorts community members to and from buildings and parking lots as requested.
• Conducts responsibilities and duties as normally associated with or require Law Enforcement in a higher educational setting.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED required. Associate's Degree or higher degree preferred. Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, and/or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire, with a favorable driving record.
• Must be a certified Peace Officer as established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE); Experience in law enforcement preferred.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and/or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire, with a favorable driving record, motor vehicle liability insurance and personal injury insurance, and complete the University Van Driver Training within 90 days of employment date.
• Must clear and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance including No criminal arrests over a class B misdemeanor and/ or Family Violence conviction.
• Must be able to clear a Standardized written test and report writing evaluation test; an approved physical test, and an approved range qualification with a passing score of 75.
• Must Possess positive interpersonal communication skills; Attitude must be proactive, customer service oriented with a system's thinking approach; Creativity and positive learning skills are important.
• Must possess an understanding of higher education and sensitivity to the customer service/community policing law enforcement model as it relates to an educational setting.
• Must have ability to respond professionally to inquiries, concerns and, complaints from various constituencies of the University.
• Must have a high ethical standards and a strong sense of confidentiality; ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines; thrive in a complex work environment; displays solid problem solving and interpersonal skills; works well independently and as part of a team.
• Must have strong self-judgment abilities to assist in the preparation of department personnel policy information; Use discretion to complete work assignments; Initiative is frequently required to complete work assignments; ability to make decisions regarding policy interpretation and individual work priorities
• Must have the ability to demonstrate a capacity for leadership, and the commitment to work collaboratively with a diverse and dynamic community.
• Must have ability to accept and support the Universities Guiding Principles, as well as the Vision, Mission, Values and Goals of the University and Police Department.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong public relations and customer service skills with an ability to implement diplomacy and discretion at all times; an ability to work effectively with communities across the university.
• Must have the ability to demonstrate advanced skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Must be able to work holidays, weekends, shifts (Day, Evening, Nights) based upon University/ Department needs; Mandatory over-time or schedule adjustment based upon Department needs is possible;
• Must be available for emergency recall back to duty at a moment's notice in the event of a declared emergency incident impacting the University's operation and/or special events

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Able to successfully handle frustrating conditions such as limits on time, limited access to equipment, and dealing with uncomfortable customers.
• Able to carry 80 pounds up and down stairs
• Frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/ stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Frequent walking, running, climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, and bicycle riding; frequent driving
• Work outside and inside, on slippery or uneven walking surfaces; frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, insects, dust, toxic chemicals and fumes, noise, vibration, and electrical hazards; may work in tight or enclosed spaces; may work alone; may work irregular hours

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

NOTE: It is a requirement for continued employment of any commissioned Peace Officer at St. Mary's University Police Department maintain fitness for duty as outlined in Policy 18 of the St. Mary's University Police Department policy manual.

St. Mary's University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages all qualified candidates apply.