Overview

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the primary department charged with creating a safe and secure environment at Princeton University. DPS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of 120 staff members.   The department consists of professional university police, non-sworn security officers, dispatchers and administrators dedicated to providing best-in-class service to the community. DPS was awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in July 2015. CALEA serves as the “International Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies” and oversees a rigorous accreditation process.

 

DPS sworn University Police Officers have the authority of commissioned police officers with full power of arrest deriving their law enforcement authority from New Jersey statutes (Title 18A, Sections 6-4.2 and 6-4.5) and the Trustees of Princeton University. Title 18A, Section 6-4.5 provides that sworn University Police Officers “shall possess all the powers of policemen and constables in criminal cases and offenses against the law anywhere in the State of New Jersey [including the powers of arrest], pursuant to any limitations as may be imposed by the governing body of the institution which appointed and commissioned the person.”

 

Sworn officers are required to complete the same police academies and annual training as their municipal counterparts.  This training has been approved and authorized by the State of New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Police Training Commission.  Our sworn officers who are unarmed on a daily basis have access to a rifle in two limited situations, an active shooter incident or when there is someone brandishing a firearm on campus. All sworn officers have qualified with a firearm while at the police academy and are required to attend mandatory in-service firearms training throughout the year to enable them to perform more efficiently and more safely. DPS has 39 sworn officers including the director of operations, the patrol captain, 3 lieutenants, 8 sergeants, 6 corporals, 2 detectives, and 18 police officers.

 

The Department of Public Safety is a 24/7, 365 day operation. The successful candidate must be able to work ALL shifts, including weekends and holidays.

 

To read the Princeton University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report click here.

Responsibilities

The Sergeant is responsible for the supervision of a specific shift as assigned by the Patrol Captain or their designee (e.g. Patrol Lieutenant). 

 

As part of the management team the Sergeant assists in planning, directing, coordinating, staff, and organizing operational resources to accomplish University goals and the department’s mission of Community Caretaking. 

 

The Sergeant:

      Follows, enforces, and reports violations of all University, state and local policies, rules, laws and ordinances through the chain of command by reports, memos and verbal communications.

• Maintains order; prevents crime and makes arrests as needed in order to insure the prompt delivery of professional law enforcement and other services to the campus community (e.g. students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors). 
• Responds to incidents within the campus jurisdiction along with officers and assumes control and protects the crime scene as needed.
• Attends and participates in supervisor and command staff meetings
• Represents management’s interests in any dispute resolution or step 1 grievance procedure in collaboration with Patrol Captain,
• Supports and assists in the implementation of community caretaking on campus.
• In accordance with departmental policy, may assume temporary command of operations during emergencies until a higher ranking officer arrives.
• Supervises events and other situations that occur on the assigned shift. This may include such tasks as crowd control, fire safety and ensuring proper security staffing.
• Assigns an officer(s) to respond to, investigate, and follow-up on incidents.
• Reviews and evaluates quality and quantity of work performed.
• Prepares review and corrects criminal incident reports and logs on the assigned shift.
• Insures proper timely documentation, investigation and follow-up of incidents according to professional law enforcement standards.
• Assesses incidents and requests back-up aid from the local police, fire department, and Princeton First Aid and Rescue (PFARS) as necessary according to established protocols
• Carries department issued radio at all times and supervisor’s cell phone when designated the Officer in Charge (OIC) on any given shift.
• While carrying the radio/cell phone provide guidance, assistance and responds to specific situations should the need arise.
• Ensure notifications to the Chain of Command as policy indicates (e.g. Lieutenant, Captain, Director of Operations, and Executive Director) on all personnel matters, any major incidents, etc.
• Performs visual inspections through vehicle, foot and bike patrol; identifies safety, lighting and other hazards in the Department’s patrol areas. Ensures a prompt response and takes corrective action as needed to address health and safety hazards.
• Administers first aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to injured people; transports ill/injured people to University Health Services, University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP), Helene Fuld, etc. as needed.
• Works closely with the Communications Center Manager to ensure strong dispatcher-officer collaboration.
• Monitors compliance with Department policies and procedures for incident and alarm response as well as calls for service.
• Responsible for ensuring that arrests and protective custodies are handled properly under the applicable laws; that prisoners are read their rights afforded under State and Federal laws, that all Department and court paperwork is completed in a timely manner; that prisoner injuries are documented in writing and first aid is rendered; that the prisoner is transported to the lockup, hospital or court as needed in a safe manner; that booking is completed including an assessment of suicide risk and that a suicide monitor is in place while the person is under the Department’s control; that a constant suicide monitor is conducted of prisoners; that meals are provided at regular intervals and that bail is offered according to accepted court practice.
• Testifies at court or other hearings on behalf of the Department. Coordinates with Administrative Captain/Lieutenant on court appearances for officers.

 Human Resources: 

• Ensures that staffing levels are maintained in accordance with established procedures and policies.
• Replaces officer on sick leave, Short-term Disability (STD) or Worker’s Compensation (W/C) to meet established staffing levels.
• Calls in staff in order to meet the needs of emergency or other situations on campus.
• Monitors staff time balances in Police Officer Scheduling System (POSS) and inputs data into time collection as needed as well as approving and submitting overtime slips and time out of the workplace approval (vacation, sick, personal time).
• Review and become familiar with both the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and International Union, Security, Police & Fire Professional of America (SPFPA) union contracts
• Evaluates staff, provides field training, coaches, and counsels, and provides oral feedback on an on-going basis as well as written evaluation and career path planning on an annual basis.
• Develop staff with appropriate training to successfully complete Department investigations. Provide support and resources to expand department investigative services to best handle all investigations. Show positive leadership by encouraging others to learn and develop, giving clear and direct guidance and feedback on their performance. Encourage and support staff, making sure they are motivated to achieve results.
• Works closely with the Administrative Captain/Lieutenant to ensure all staff (including Sergeant) maintain required certifications (e.g. criminal justice cert, CPR, etc.) and attend mandatory training as needed by Attorney General Guidelines and Department policy.
• Maintain a trustful and cooperative relationship with members of the division and University community to ensure work is completed efficiently and with a spirit of cooperation. Maintain a high level of morale on their assigned shift and within the division.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Current New Jersey Police Training Commission (PTC) certification
• Minimum of four years of public safety officer (sworn) on a university campus or four years of service to the department or equivalent service to a New Jersey municipal Department as a sworn officer with a minimum of four years post academy experience
• Must be able to work ALL shifts, including night, weekends, holidays, and overtime shifts as required. Overtime is MANDATORY. Must have the flexibility to alter schedule based on department and operational need.
• Must have intermediate computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, POSS, and IMC among other programs.
• Must have knowledge of New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice and Criminal Procedure Laws
• Must have demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, written communication skills, verbal skills and problem solving skills
• Must have demonstrated ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
• Current valid motor vehicle operator’s license
• Current certification in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Defensive Tactics
• Must successfully undergo the following examinations:
  • Selection and screening process (written and oral)
  • Comprehensive background investigation
  • Psychological evaluation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

• Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, and run; must be able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights.
• Moderate physical activity. Must be able to exert up to thirty pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including automobile, office equipment, radio, telephone, etc.
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures and loud noises.
• Work environment involves moderate exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety; must be physically fit and able to defend one's self or others from attack or physical assault.
• Must have 20-20 or 20-30 vision either naturally or with corrective lenses.
• Must be able to wear required uniform including, but not limited to a protective vest
• Must be able to meet POPES requirements for hire, transfer, or promotion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s
• Experience in public/private campus environment
• Training in investigations, sexual assault, and crime scene management.
• Current certification in suicide prevention

 

 Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW.

 

Salary GradeAPS, 040Standard Weekly Hours40.00Work Schedule, If Other Than Standard HoursMust be able to work ALL shifts, including night, weekends, holidays, and overtime shifts as required. Overtime is MANDATORY. Must have the flexibility to alter schedule based on department and operational need.Eligible for OvertimeNoBenefits EligibleYesEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)YesPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredYesValid Driver’s License RequiredYes