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University Police Officer-Lateral

Employer
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Location
UMass Amherst

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Administrative Jobs
Institutional & Business Affairs, Safety & Security
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Job no: 509225
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Police Operations
Union: NEPBA
Categories: Police, Public Safety, Security

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Employees of this position title serve as multi-skilled professionals performing the full spectrum of law enforcement, investigation, and emergency services. The primary duty of this position is the enforcement of all applicable state and local laws; and the enforcement of university traffic rules and regulations. By vigilant observation and investigation, employees in this position will perform identification, apprehension and detention when appropriate, of individuals suspected of violating these laws. Additionally, employees in this position provide education, preserve the public peace, provide protection to life and property, and provide needed assistance to the community.

Supervision

  • Supervises Police Officers of equal grade and department employees (when acting as officer-in-charge), Dispatchers, Police Cadets, and Student Security Monitors.

Essential Functions

  • Exercises police powers under authority of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 75 Section 32A, in order to prevent, deter, and detect violations of criminal and motor vehicle laws, rules, and regulations. Ensures public safety through enforcement and education.
  • Directs and controls pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic; enforces university traffic and parking rules and regulations; issues traffic citations under authority of MGL C 90 § 1c.
  • Patrols university properties and adjacent geographic areas (and areas subject to the provisions of mutual aid agreements), to ensure the protection of persons and property, and to detect and deter criminal activity. Remains alert for health and safety hazards, and theft or damage to property. Takes appropriate action to mitigate and/or report hazards and damage.
  • Operates motor vehicles and conducts patrols using marked, semi-marked, and unmarked police cars, motorcycles, bicycles, horses, ATV’s, and on foot. May operate pick-up truck/trailer combinations and other task specific vehicles.
  • Aids and assists all persons in danger of physical harm, or victims of crime, accidents, or illness.
  • Maintains order at the scene of public assemblies and gatherings, protests, marches, concerts, sporting, and other special events.
  • Responds to civil disorder, civil disobedience, and potentially riotous situations involving large or unruly crowds. Trains in and performs crowd control tactics. Restores public order and quality of life.
  • Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations into both routine and complex offenses, misdemeanor and felony criminal activities.
  • Applies investigative and interrogatory techniques when interviewing suspects, witnesses, and victims.
  • Prepares, writes, and executes search and arrest warrants.
  • In compliance with applicable law and department policy, conducts investigatory searches of persons, places, and property.
  • Prepares criminal complaints and other legal paperwork; reads and interprets other legal documents including court decisions, briefs, and judicial opinions.
  • Identifies criminal offenders, makes apprehensions via complaint application, or arrest with or without a warrant as permitted by law.
  • Detains and restrains criminal suspects, violent, hostile, and/or mentally unstable individuals in accordance with department policy and applicable law.
  • Mediates disputes; intervenes in cases of domestic violence and psychiatric crisis. Refers victims and witnesses to appropriate social service agencies.
  • Testifies in criminal courts and at other judicial and administrative hearings.
  • Conducts investigations into motor vehicle, pedestrian, and industrial accidents to include serious injury and fatal accidents or suicides in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police.
  • Catalogs, secures, and maintains evidence in criminal cases; maintains lost, found, and seized property in accordance with accepted chain of custody requirements.
  • Prepares notes, reports, logs, photo documents, and other electronically-generated documents to record significant events.
  • Utilizes computers with various software such as MS Office, Excel, IMC, Fusion, and surveillance camera systems.
  • Operates hand held, patrol vehicle mounted, and computer based audio and visual recording devices to include cameras and other surveillance equipment.
  • Operates, inspects, and maintains specialized equipment to include preliminary and infrared breath testing equipment, electronic fingerprint identification systems, and automated external defibrillators.
  • Operates RADAR and LIDAR traffic speed measuring devices.
  • Maintains proficiency with various types of firearms and specialty munitions.
  • May perform dignitary protection, plain clothes patrol, undercover and other covert operations.
  • Prepares for and will respond to mass casualty incidents, hostage situations, active shooter/terrorist threats, biological and chemical spills, or any situation that poses a threat to the community.
  • Secures and searches all detainees before transport to the station where arrest report entries are performed. Conducts inspection of detention facilities and maintains control of detainees while in custody.
  • May plan and direct in-service, specialized, advanced, and other training programs for probationary police officers, veteran officers, inter-agency law enforcement and emergency service providers, as well as special interest and community groups.
  • May serve as a member of an inter-agency task force, special operation, work group or committee.
  • Participates in multi-jurisdictional assignments such as warrant service, investigations, OUI roadblocks, and community outreach operations.
  • Performs emergency first aid, CPR, Narcan, Epi-pen and AED therapy within established medical guidelines and department policies.
  • Arrives punctually to all shift assignments and overtime assignments.
  • Assists campus businesses in the escort of funds to appropriate depository during evening hours or as requested during campus sponsored events.
  • Assists the public with directions, information, or assistance. Makes referrals to outside agencies when appropriate.
  • Remains knowledgeable and compliant with departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in accordance with state law and accreditation standards.
  • Conducts detailed background investigations for new hires according to established department procedure.
  • Performs ancillary and additional duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
  • Must possess a valid graduate certificate of training from a police academy approved by the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC), AND one of the following:
    • Candidate must have completed an Associate's degree or attained an equivalent number of credits (60) toward a Bachelor's degree at an accredited institution of higher learning prior to the date of hire (copy of transcripts verifying 60 credit hours towards Bachelor’s degree required at application)
    • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent, and have four (4) years of uninterrupted military service (DD-214 Member 4 Copy required at time of application, or official proof of service if still actively serving)
  • No criminal convictions as required by law (felony, domestic assault, drug dealer, etc.)
  • Current valid driver’s license.
  • Current Massachusetts Class A License To Carry a firearm.
  • First Responder/CPR/AED/Narcan and Epi-pen certifications.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Must possess the physical ability to perform duties required of a police officer.
  • Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Successful completion of two (2) oral board interviews and an interview with Chief of Police.
  • Successful completion of a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check.
  • Successful completion of a medical examination.
  • Recommendation upon completion of a psychological evaluation.
  • Successful completion of a background investigation process, including criminal, personal, financial inquiries to determine suitability of the candidate. (Note: Any prior conviction for a felony or untruthfulness in this background investigation process are automatic disqualifiers for employment)
  • Must possess the ability to work in all types of weather conditions, shift/squad assignments, and holidays as necessary.
  • Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Demonstrated proficiency with firearms as mandated by the state.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

  • Duties require extended periods of outdoor work and exposure to conditions including temperatures that may range from below freezing to in excess of 100 degrees. The department requires employees to be physically and mentally able to adjust to work in changing environments and conditions. Emergency service and law enforcement work requires entry into hazardous environments; exposure to dangerous persons, animals, and substances; and exposure to infectious diseases. A wide range of personal protective equipment is required to be used and maintained, some of which may be uncomfortable or inconvenient to wear. Adherence to specific safety procedures and other precautions is required.
  • Rigorous field work requires above average physical performance, endurance, and superior conditioning. This includes prolonged standing, walking or running over uneven ground; recurring bending, climbing, reaching, lifting, and carrying of items weighing in excess of fifty pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items; and similar strenuous activities requiring agility and dexterity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is paramount to working in an environment in which a large percentage of the community are between the ages of 18-22.
  • Dangerous persons must be physically confronted, subdued, and controlled. Sometimes these persons are armed with lethal weapons which can increase the high stress commonly associated with the incumbent's work assignment.

Work Schedule

  • Shift and hours vary (40 hours per week)

Salary Information

  • Grade 16

Special Instructions to Applicants

In order to ensure consideration, please apply before the priority deadline of August 31, 2021. The position may remain open until filled.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Jul 9 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 31 2021 Eastern Daylight Time

Organization

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the preeminent public research universities in America. Nestled in idyllic Amherst, Massachusetts—often called “The top college town in North America”—the campus is consistently ranked among the top public research universities in the nation, and offers a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers. 

As one of the nation's top public research universities – as measured by national and international rankings, academic citations, and research funding – the campus spends more than $180 million on research each year, demonstrating its contribution to the nation’s position as a technological and economic leader. The university works in conjunction with academic, government, and private partners to translate new knowledge and scientific discoveries into technical innovations and scholarly works that create opportunities for students, faculty and the public. 

Eight schools and colleges offer more than 85 undergraduate majors, 68 master’s and 48 doctoral degree programs, many counted among the top programs in the nation and world. UMass Amherst is also home to New England's premier honors college.

The 1,159 full-time faculty members are dedicated teachers and world-renowned researchers and the campus has regularly been listed among the top performers in terms of faculty awards. With over 24,000 students from all 50 states and over 70 countries, the student body is the most academically successful in the history of the campus. Students participate in 240 organizations, 21 NCAA Division I athletic teams, extensive intramurals, living-learning residence halls, community service, and internships. With one of the largest residential life systems in the nation, UMass Amherst houses approximately 12,000 students on campus. The university is enjoying a facilities renaissance, including new buildings in the sciences, the arts, and recreation. UMass Amherst is part of the Five College consortium with Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Amherst colleges.

As an employer, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a national leader in developing family-friendly policies, benefits and amenities designed to help faculty members develop both productive careers and satisfying personal lives. The university offers one of the nation’s most generous parental leave policies. The university is also part of the Academic Career Network, a regional consortium formed to serve dual-career couples and encourage greater diversity in the academy.

 

Company info
Website
Telephone
4135454894
Location
181 PRESIDENTS DR
Whitmore Administration Building
Amherst
Massachusetts
01003
US

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