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Inside Higher Ed

University Police Sergeant

Inside Higher Ed, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298

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Job no:

522356

Position Type:

Staff Full Time

Campus:

UMass Boston

Department:

Public Safety

Pay Grade:

18E

Date opened:

12 Aug 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

General Summary of Position Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 253 of the Acts of 2020 (“An Act Relative to Justice, Equity and Accountability in Law Enforcement in the Commonwealth”), the position of The University Police Sergeant is regulated by the Massachusetts Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). University Police Sergeants are appointed as sworn police officers pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws chapter 75, section 32A and chapter 90C which grant University Police Sergeants the same authority, immunities and privileges as a duly appointed and qualified sworn police officer acting elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Under the general supervision of the University Police Lieutenant, a Sergeant patrols assigned areas of property used, owned or occupied by the University of Massachusetts and areas adjacent to the university to provide a safe and secure environment for all members of the University community by means of an alert and vigilant preventive patrol. Patrol Sergeants provide first‑line supervision of the activities of sworn and/or non‑sworn personnel on a shift. They are engaged in patrol duty, bike patrol, criminal investigations, community relations, crime prevention activities, and in‑service training activities. An employee in this class frequently participates in the work performed by subordinate officers and is responsible for performing related duties as required. The Patrol Sergeant’s primary responsibility is to ensure the effective performance of duty by patrol personnel. Patrol Sergeants work independently in performing regularly assigned duties and assume complete charge in the event of the absence of a superior officer. Work is performed in accordance with federal, state, and local laws as well as university and departmental policies, procedures, and general orders. Work is reviewed by inspection, through verbal and written reports, and by results achieved.

Essential Functions

Support the University of Massachusetts Boston Police Department mission and the policies and procedures in support of that mission, which is aligned with the University and the Division of Student Affairs’ mission.

Exercise police powers under M.G.L. Ch. 75 s. 32A in the detection and apprehension of law violators; investigate crimes, accidents, and complaints. Identify criminal offenders, make apprehensions when necessary, and participate in subsequent court proceedings as required.

Patrol buildings and lands of the University ensuring the protection of persons and property, being observant for criminal activity or anything that might endanger life, health and safety or result in theft or damage to property and report same for the appropriate action to be taken.

Create and maintain a sense of safety and security within the University and adjacent areas enhancing public interest of law enforcement and for the University by constant example of courteous and ethical service. Aid and assist all persons in danger of physical harm or victims of crime, accidents, or illness.

Assist in the maintenance of traffic control on lands of the University; enforce State motor vehicle laws, as well as University by‑laws, rules and regulations regarding traffic and parking.

Maintain order at the scene of special events, whether scheduled or unscheduled, on the lands of the University. Conduct investigations and submit necessary accurate reports as related to the enforcement of State, Local and University by‑laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Ensure that all evidence gathered, i.e., drugs and other controlled substances, blood, gun evidence, etc. are meeting chain of custody standards, comply with accreditation standards, adhere to legal requirements, and are properly audited and safely maintained.

Be fully cognizant of current departmental rules, regulations, orders, policies and procedures, particularly those that affect their area of responsibility, and instruct and guide patrol personnel in their compliance.

Assist superior officers in supervision of all police and security personnel; review subordinates’ work for proper performance and conformance with laws, rules, regulations, instructions, and procedures; manage scheduling and time off request, prepare shift notices and assignments; conduct performance evaluations; conduct initial investigations on citizen complaints; make recommendations in matters concerning employee discipline and retention.

Review police documentation including incident and accident reports and daily logs for accuracy and compliance with criminal, motor vehicle, and traffic laws and with university regulations.

Ensure that all prisoners in their care and custody are safely transported and processed in accordance with department policies and procedures.

Assist command staff in establishing procedures; make recommendations regarding improvements or changes in department operations.

Conduct accident and crime investigations and prepare detailed reports, including State Motor Vehicle Accident Reports and State Uniform Incident Reports.

Provide public assistance, including lockout services, escorts, first aid, and vehicle jump‑starts.

Conduct inspections of police personnel and their equipment to ensure high standards of personal appearance and safety.

Represent the department at community engagement events and meetings.

Demonstrate or acquire specialized law enforcement skills; may participate in various community crime prevention programs, departmental outreach programs and serve on various University committees/specialized programs.

Assume charge of police and security in the absence of the command staff. Take personal command of the police organization in the absence of the command staff in times of emergency until the arrival of the superior officer; call off‑duty personnel to duty in order to deal with emergency conditions or incidents.

Serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act and is familiar with other federal mandates 2008 Higher Education and Opportunity Act (HEOA), 2013 Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Save Act), 2013 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Maintain an effective relationship with members of other law enforcement agencies and other University departments, furnishing cooperation as required.

Report punctually to all assignments and respond immediately to all emergencies. Perform emergency first aid, CPR, Narcan, Epi‑pen and AED therapy within established medical guidelines and department policies.

May authorize the incurring of overtime for assigned personnel, within the prescribed University and Department policies and procedures.

Perform related work as required in various specialized aspects of law enforcement and police operations as assigned.

Other Functions

Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Understand responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.

Demonstrate capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

Work collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of the University and the Division of Student Affairs.

Understand responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behave in ways consistent both with law and with university department policy.

Contribute toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.

Understand and contribute to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non‑discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.

Use access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercise care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Internal and lateral candidates must possess a minimum of three (3) years of progressive law enforcement experience as a full‑time sworn police officer in good standing as a University of Massachusetts Boston Police Officer and/or with another law enforcement agency; AND

Must have successfully completed a Massachusetts Basic Police Training Program from an accredited police academy, approved by the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC) or have successfully completed training that is substantially equivalent to or greater than that of a Massachusetts police officer at a comparable level of experience to obtain an academy exemption through the MPTC.

Any candidate who has sustained disciplinary action during the previous twelve (12) months and/or on any form of disciplinary probation shall be considered ineligible to apply.

Special Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen.

Must possess valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a valid MA driver license.

Must possess valid MA license to carry.

Ability to re‑qualify with departmentally issued firearm and all departmentally issued non‑lethal weapons.

Be able to successfully complete a background check.

Be able to successfully complete and pass psychological evaluation.

Be able to successfully complete and pass drug screening.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to work at any hour and in all weather conditions.

Ability to maintain professionalism and acceptable personal demeanor under periods of stress, verbal and physical abuse, danger, and emotional tension.

Ability to physically perform the essential functions of a job.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of police and security personnel of lower grade while maintaining good working relationships.

Training and experience in criminal investigations.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of state laws, rules, and regulations, and ability to interpret new laws, rules and regulations correctly and accurately.

Working knowledge and understanding of Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), 2008 Higher Education and Opportunity Act (HEOA), 2013 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Working knowledge of personnel management.

Ability to make sound decisions and awareness of their consequences.

Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of authority and the public.

Ability to stand, walk and sit for long periods of time.

Ability to maintain good order and acceptable personal demeanor under periods of stress, verbal and physical abuse, danger, and emotional tension.

Strong organizational skills.

Strong commitment to the University’s mission and customer service.

Normal visual acuity and manual dexterity.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Supervision Received

The incumbent receives direct supervision from the rank of Lieutenant or higher and acts under the general supervision of the Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety. Exercises considerable discretion, guided by the goals, objectives, policies, and procedures established by the Police Chief and the University.

Supervision Exercised

Number of non‑student employees directly supervised: 6

Number of non‑student employees indirectly supervised: 2

Average number of student employees supervised at any given time: 0

Application Instructions Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional work references. Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Grade: 18E

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

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Seniority level:

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:

Other, Information Technology, and Management

Industries:

Online Audio and Video Media

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