Inside Higher Ed is hiring: POLICE OFFICER Part Time in Valparaiso

POLICE OFFICER – Limited Part Time (up to 44 weeks per year)

Performs a variety of routine and complex police/public safety work consisting of preventative patrol, community policing activities, criminal investigations, vehicle crash investigations, enforcement of Federal and State statutes, enforcement of Valparaiso University Rules & Regulations, traffic control activities, safety checks, event and site security, responding to medical and fire calls, providing emergency response to community member requests, and performing all other police/public safety functions within the Valparaiso University Campus.

Major Responsibilities

• To patrol the Valparaiso University Campus and nearby city streets on foot, bicycle, ATV, or in a police vehicle to preserve law and order, prevent and/or discover the commission of a crime, aid citizens in need, and note and report situations which endanger the health, safety, and convenience of the campus community.
• Answer calls for service and impartially investigate complaints.
• Investigate crimes, campus rule and regulation violations, legally arrest persons, or issue state and campus citations; participate in prosecutions or campus judicial processes and work with the campus community to reduce crime.
• Provide campus policing services as needed (including, but not limited to safety programming, bank details, Clery reporting, funeral escorts, animal control, medical and fire assistance, motorist assists, and other services).
• Perform security protection and traffic control for various events/activities on and near campus (including uniform and undercover details).
• Complete all required reports accurately and in a timely manner.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Hold an Indiana Law Enforcement Academy certification or equivalent law enforcement academy/experience.
• Adapt to changes and perform duties under life‑threatening or high‑stress environments.
• Minimum of a high school education.
• Maintain a current driver’s license.
• Major logical and/or critical thinking to solve problems and interpret instructions.
• Effective communication in English, both verbally and in writing, with the police department, campus community, and the general public.
• Operation of tools and equipment.
• Learn applicable laws, ordinances, campus policies, rules and regulations, and department procedures (SOPs); maintain good physical condition; exercise sound judgment; follow instructions; learn campus and nearby geography.
• Maintain mental capacity for ongoing training and expanding skill level to exercise sound judgment under stressful or dangerous circumstances.
• Evaluate various options, including life‑and‑death decisions.
• Effectively deal with personal danger (armed persons, dangerous animals, communicable diseases, hazardous materials, emergency driving, hazardous materials, natural and man‑made disasters).
• Work holidays, weekends and shift work.

Authority & Responsibility

To protect life and property; the patrol officer will enforce Federal law, Indiana State statutes, and the Valparaiso University policy, rules, and regulations. This may include investigations, detaining, restraining, and/or arresting subjects, temporarily committing a person to a health facility, and/or making life or death decisions in the line of duty. Administrative decisions will be made by the VUPD command staff and will not be made by patrol police officers.

Tools & Equipment Used

Police vehicles, police radios, radar, TASER, alarms, handguns, rifles, shotguns, batons, handcuffs, pepper spray, first aid equipment, personal computers (various software), and telephone.

Confidential Data

Police officers must maintain confidentiality, as they will be exposed to law‑enforcement sensitive records. Confidential data includes all police records such as criminal records, requests for services, traffic information, juvenile records, domestic abuse complaints, child abuse complaints, employee personnel files and all written and computerized records. Legal and internal controls supervise release of any information from the Police Department.

Note

Valparaiso University Police Department is currently accepting applications for a Part‑Time Police Officer. The position is uniform patrol. Applicants must be certified police officer in Indiana or have completed another state academy that is transferable to Indiana. Applicants must be able to perform all police patrol officer duties and tasks, work all shifts, weekends, holidays, and maintain a current driver’s license. This position has the opportunity to become full time in the future.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable, credit history may be included. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all application questions

Contact

Please address cover letter to Charles Garber, Chief of Police, VUPD. Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.

Job Location: Valparaiso, Indiana, United States. Position Type: Part‑Time.