Special Police Officer

General Job Information

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Summary

This position is located in the DC Public Library, Public Safety Division. This position serves as a Special Police Officer (SPO) and is within the Office of Public Safety (OPS). The role of SPO is responsible for safeguarding the lives and property of DCPL by providing a safe/secure environment for the employees and the public while on DCPL properties and it's 26 branches and locations. The DC Public Library is seeking full-time Special Police Officers.

Duties and Responsibilities

The selected candidate duties and assignments involve the application of law enforcement principles and techniques including the following:

• Patrols and maintains law and order by observing, reporting, and responding to illegal and unauthorized activity occurring on DCPL owned and controlled premises.

• Observes conditions and activity, taking appropriate action, where there appears to be potential for or are actual violations of the laws or guidelines.

• Responds to calls from citizens, library patrons, and employees in cases of criminal activity and violations of the DCPL behavioral guidelines.

• Investigates circumstances of the call, determines if arrest or other action is warranted.

• Completes appropriate reports and exercise full count presentment authority as arresting officer.

• Participates actively in prosecutions.

• Participates in short-term investigations under the guidance of a higher ranking official of OPS.

• Investigates thefts and other crimes from persons on library premises.

• Routinely patrols and inspects the building and grounds to prevent crimes and violations of DCPL behavioral guidelines.

• Monitors/operates two-way radio system and phone system and acts as communication dispatcher as needed or assigned.

• Assists MPD, Federal law agencies, the other enforcement agencies as needed.

• Checks, inspects, and secures the exterior of the building, entrances, and windows.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The incumbent must have reached the age of twenty-one (21) years; be a citizen of the United States; be of good moral character; , shall possess a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma, or one (1) year of experience as a special police officer. The incumbent shall be able to read, write, and speak the English language, and shall be certified by a licensed physician as physically and psychologically fit to perform the duties of a special police officer. Must have the ability to successfully complete and pass the Metropolitan Police Department D.C. Code class or qualified equivalent.

An applicant who has been dishonorably discharged from the military shall be ineligible to be commissioned as a special police officer.

LICENSURES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Upon appointment, the incumbent must obtain and maintain Special Police Officer (SPO) commission through the District of Columbia license issuance process and maintain all the prescribed requirements and qualifications associated with SPO status. Must be able to successfully complete firearms qualification with the agency. Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle license issued by State of residence.

Residency Requirement

A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Educational Service, Management Supervisory Service, an attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905) other than the Senior Executive Attorney Service (SEAS), or an attorney position in the Excepted Service (series 950) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected the person shall be required to present, no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

General Suitability Screening

This position is subject to general suitability screening; verification of employment history, reference checks and degree/license, as applicable. The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory general suitability screening.

Enhanced Suitability Screening

The position for which the individual is applying has been identified and designated as requiring enhanced suitability screening; If tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test will be conducted (as appropriate); and the appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory enhanced suitability screening.

Employment Benefits

Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan. However, if selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.

Working Conditions/Environment

The work requires constant mental attention as well as physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces, up and down stairways, and lifting heavy items as needed or required. It also requires agility and dexterity with strength to pursue, apprehend, and detain/arrest uncooperative suspects or to defend oneself or others against physical attack.

Other Significant Factors

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Regular Appointment

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the collective bargaining unit.

Tour of Duty: There will not be a primary shift. The incumbent may be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, days, evenings, and midnights shifts for a 24/7/365 operation.

Promotion Potential: Yes

Equal Employment Opportunity

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.

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