Chief of Police/PubIic Safety

The Chief of Public Safety will immerse themselves in the campus community and is responsible for the planning, implementation, evaluation and management of all security and safety aspects of the University. The individual provides administrative, supervisory, and hands-on responsibility for safety and security and will ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and reporting. The successful candidate will work to create policy and procedures in accordance with a peace officer and community policing model that enhances a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming university environment. This position works in collaboration with campus leaders and community law enforcement partners to ensure policy application to higher education principles with a focus on a holistic approach to public safety, student success, wellness, and respect for diversity. The Chief will also lead the University’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), oversees safety and security training programs for the campus community, and in most cases is the first point of contact for safety and security concerns.

• Reporting to the Vice President of Business Affairs/Chief Financial Officer (VPBA/CFO), the incumbent
• Plans, directs, coordinates, controls, and staffs all activities of the department 24/7, 365 days a year
• Exhibits professionalism and appropriate decorum
• Supervises department staff (including both sworn peace officers and campus security guards)
• Supervises Fire and Safety staff
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, statutes,
• Ensures compliance with the University’s rules and regulations
• Serves as liaison with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies
• Responds to and investigate calls from the campus at large, concerning security matters
• Directs TU-related confidential investigations, considering the sensitivity of such investigations and the need to protect the victims
• Provides educational programs and training in areas of crime prevention, safety and accident prevention, and fire prevention
• Supervises various personnel functions including, but not limited to, hiring, performance evaluations, salary recommendations, promotions, transfers, shift scheduling, and vacation schedules of all related staff
• Ensures that all members of the department receive regular training required to maintain appropriate certifications and remain knowledgeable of current trends, techniques, and practices within the profession
• Prepares offense and incident reports and ensures the thoroughness of the information contained in those reports
• Ensures compliance with all required state and federal reporting requirements and completion of an annual Campus Crime and Safety Report (Cleary Act)
• Maintains departmental policy consistent with the law
• Monitors professional conduct of all related staff
• Maintains parking and traffic control programs
• Ensures that students, faculty, and staff have parking decals and/or TU-issued identification before entering the campus
• Ensures the observance of all visitors entering the campus and that a state-issued identification is presented, as warranted
• Develops appropriate protocols for active shooter drills
• Develops, presents, and justifies an annual departmental budget
• Makes regular inspections of fire protection warning equipment, burglar alarms, mass notification systems, and other safety equipment
• Provides safety and security for all special events on campus by coordinating with other administrators and regional law enforcement agencies in obtaining additional help as needed. Promotes a positive image that supports the mission of the University
• Maintains high expectations and regard for staff and fellow officers
• Develops and maintains open lines of communication with University business units and student organizations for the promotion, function, and improvement of safety and security programs
• Coordinates working relationships with the Dean of Student’s office concerning the student judicial process and discipline proceedings
• Manages operations that provide security and control of lost and found items
• Develops emergency plans consistent with federal law (National Incident Management) requirements
• Serves as the Director of the Emergency Response Team and develops and maintains the University Emergency Operations Plan, which includes scheduling and facilitating meetings, drills, and reviews of emergency readiness.
• Maintains and updates the Campus Security and Safety Plan
• Approves all drivers via the Safety Officer process
• Receives and serves legal documents involving the Universi
• Responsible for physical security that includes building lock systems, key control, alarm and security video systems, for the main campus and off-site facilities.
• Maintain the department records management system, including incident logs, investigative
• Serves as a driver for the President, upon request, requiring overnight stays, as necessary
• Ensures that the departmental fleet is properly maintained
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related area from an accredited college or university required (Master’s in Criminal Justice or related area preferred)
• Five years of certified police experience is required, which includes at least three years of: supervision, assessments of training needs, staffing, analyzing the effectiveness of policies/procedures within a policing operation, and investigations
• Alabama Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (APOST) certification required within six months of employment
• Certification from APOST and shares concurrent jurisdiction within the City of Tuskegee within six month of employment
• Graduate of an executive level Law Enforcement program such as FBI National Academy, SLEDS, FLETC, or AACOP Certified Police Chief Program preferred
• Proficient knowledge and understanding of current electronic security equipment
• Valid Alabama driver’s license with a good driving record
• Ability to pass departmental mental and physical tests, as required

• Sufficient physical ability to: perform heavy or moderate lifting; walk, sit, or stand for prolonged periods of time; properly discharge firearms, if needed; react quickly and properly to emergency situations; and operate motorized vehicles
• Ability to monitor fire and motion systems

• Satisfactory completion of drug and alcohol tests upon request
• Ability to administer CPR or First Aid (certification preferred)
• Interpersonal skills needed to effectively communicate with faculty, staff, students, and the general public
• Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment
• Maintain operational knowledge of technical law enforcement jargon and radio 10-codes
• Ability to operate emergency equipment
• Proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and relevant position software programs

YES

YES

NO

1

07/17/2023

12/31/2023

No

Each applicant, including all current employees, must complete and submit the following documents:

• Tuskegee University employment application
• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Recommendation letters
• Copies of unofficial transcripts.
• Please note that official transcripts(s) will be required upon hire

https://tuskegee.peopleadmin.com/postings/879