Law Enforcement Officer I - Longwood University

Job Description:

Longwood University invites exceptional individuals to join our team as Police Officer / Law Enforcement Officer I in the Department of Police and Public Safety. Starting salary range will be between $45,000-$49,000 depending on qualifications. Successful candidates will provide professional police service to the University community on campus and throughout the Town of Farmville with responsibility for enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth and the rules and regulations of the University, while conducting patrols and responding to calls for service within our jurisdictional area. Police Officers are an essential part of our diverse and vibrant community as they ensure a secure environment for one of the Commonwealth's Division I universities. As a 24/7 law enforcement agency, staff may be assigned to work any shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs. As emergency personnel you will be required to work during inclement weather, facility, and health and safety related emergencies. The selected candidate is expected to initially be assigned to a 7pm to 7am night shift position. Overtime work outside of normal shift hours may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide professional police services to the University community and the community at large while conducting patrols and responding to calls for service within the Longwood University police jurisdictional area

• Investigate complaints, suspicious activity and crime/traffic accidents; make arrests and issue citations, secure evidence, and serve legal documents as needed

• Protect life and property

• Respond to safety hazards and mitigate or call in required staff

• Enforce university policies and regulations, to include parking, referring violations to campus jurisdictional process as appropriate

• Operate communication and police equipment, including vehicles

• Control crowds, traffic, parking, and pedestrians as required

• Prepare reports, conduct investigations, testify in court and at hearings as necessary

• Ensure campus facilities are safe, secure, and properly maintained through routine patrols, taking necessary mitigating actions, and reporting to appropriate staff for follow-up action

• Maintain positive relationships with students, staff, faculty, and campus visitors through routine interactions and providing educational programs as assigned

Requirements:

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Applicants must meet all requirements to be law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth of Virginia as listed in Virginia Code 15.2-1705 as well as Longwood University specific requirements, to include:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Proven ability to deal effectively with a diverse group of people

• Pass medical, drug screen, and psychological examinations

• Pass an extensive background investigation to include a fingerprint based criminal records check

• Have a valid Virginia driver's license, or be able to obtain one, and have a good driving record

• Longwood University requires police applicants to be 21 years of age at date of hire

• Must be available to work rotating shifts to include nights, weekends, and holidays

• Will serve a twelve-month probationary period

• Will be required to qualify with a departmental issued weapon

• As emergency personnel you will be required to work during inclement weather, facility, and health and safety related emergencies

• Directly relatable experience working in a high stress environment preferred (including military, fire, or rescue experience). The amount of such experience will be considered in the selection process

• Current Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Law Enforcement Certification preferred; advanced DCJS certifications, or training, such as instructor qualifications

• Prior experience working within a higher education law enforcement agency or working security at a college of university preferred

Additional Information:

This hiring process is intended to fill current and future vacancies within the next six to nine months on a rolling applicant processing basis with well qualified individuals being ranked and placed on an eligible to hire list.

A successful fingerprint based criminal background investigation is required. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. If a DCJS certified applicant is selected, the hiring date will be set once all selection processes are complete. If an uncertified applicant is selected, the selected applicant will be required to attend the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (CVCJA) and complete basic law enforcement training scheduled to begin on June 18, 2024 (subject to change). During training at the academy, the work location will be CVCJA in Lynchburg, VA, and the recruit will be required to provide their own transportation to and from the academy.

Commonwealth of Virginia benefits accompany this position to include:

• State health and dental benefits & flexible spending accounts

• Paid leave (which may include sick leave, personal leave, annual leave, etc.), and 13 holidays

• Retirement savings plans (some with limited employer match available (VRS)

• Life & Long-Term care insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employee discounts for various services, including Verizon.

• Educational benefits for most employees

• Fitness Center membership less expensive than most

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Longwood University will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodations to applicants in need of accommodations in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on your application. If, however, you require accommodations in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 434-395-2074 or humres@longwood.edu.

Per CFR: Title 34, the Title IX Coordinator's contact information can be located through this link http://www.longwood.edu/titleix/.

A diversified workforce is an important part of our strategic plan. EOE/AA

Application Instructions:

Position posted 05/20/24. To apply for this position, qualified applicants must complete the online application, attach a resume, cover letter and any other documents to be included with your application materials. Applicants must fully complete the online application. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be emailed a detailed background package that must be completed and returned. Review of both the application and background package will be used to select applicants for moving forward in the selection process.