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East Tennessee State University

Public Safety Police Officer

East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States, 37603

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Public Safety Police Officer

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Job Summary East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer 2 with the ETSU Police Department. This role involves providing comprehensive law enforcement and crime prevention services to ensure the safety of the university community. Officers enforce state and local laws, as well as university policies and procedures, through proactive patrols by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or vehicle. Working at ETSU offers the opportunity to serve in a diverse academic environment, fostering positive relationships and contributing to a safe, supportive campus through community‑oriented policing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated leadership abilities and sound decision‑making under pressure.

Able to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations.

Maintains a professional appearance at all times.

Meets departmental standards for grooming and uniform compliance.

Knowledgeable in the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including TB masks.

Follows established safety procedures in high‑risk environments involving hazardous materials, infectious diseases, and other occupational exposures.

Meets all Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) requirements.

Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement or extreme weather.

Required Qualifications

High School Education or G.E.D.

Must have a valid driver's license in the State of Tennessee or be eligible to obtain one and do so within 60 days of appointment, and maintain during incumbency.

Must be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen.

Must attend and successfully complete, annually, a department-authorized and POST-approved in‑service training course consisting of at least forty (40) hours of instruction.

Must successfully pass a background check that demonstrates a good moral character with no prior convictions that would prohibit meeting the standards set forth by the State of Tennessee to become a police officer.

Must pass a Psychological Evaluation.

Successful candidates who have not yet graduated from an approved Police Academy will be required to attend and successfully pass all qualifications as required by the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified police officer meeting all of the requirements for P.O.S.T. certification in Tennessee.

Two years of experience as a Police Officer (will consider relevant military service as years of experience).

Graduate of an accredited, approved Police Academy.

Knowledgeable and skilled in electronic records management software, law enforcement training in areas of instructor development, supervising event security, field training officer, and instructor courses for in‑service POST curriculum.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Certification is a plus.

Physical Demands

Capable of standing for extended periods, walking, climbing, lifting, and performing other physically demanding tasks.

Must pass a comprehensive medical examination, including vision screening and drug testing.

Able to remain in a patrol car for an entire shift if required.

Willing to obtain required immunizations and medical tests to work in patient care and high‑risk areas.

May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood‑borne pathogens, loud noises, smoke, fire, and other environmental risks.

Key Functions and Expected Performance – Internal

Engage daily with students, parents, staff, faculty, physicians, and visitors to:

Provide information and directions.

Take police reports and conduct preliminary investigations.

Offer victim assistance.

Represent the department at university functions and meetings as needed.

Key Functions and Expected Performance – External

Maintain frequent contact with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to:

Share or request information.

Coordinate mutual aid or assistance.

Interact regularly with the general public during law enforcement activities.

Occasionally communicate with media outlets.

Act as a liaison between the department and external agencies.

Community‑Oriented Policing

Conduct proactive patrols in assigned areas, engaging with community members to identify security concerns and develop crime prevention strategies.

Provide safety and crime prevention information during patrols.

Collaborate with ETSU PD Community Relations on issues related to physical security and safety.

Build rapport with the university and surrounding community members; participate in community outreach activities.

Assist individuals navigating the criminal justice system.

Conduct personal safety classes, crime prevention presentations, and orientation sessions for new students and employees.

Calls for Service

Respond to emergency calls, including:

Alarms (fire, panic, holdup)

Hazardous materials incidents

Traffic crashes

Crimes in progress

Injuries or medical emergencies

Respond to non‑emergency calls involving:

Potentially volatile situations

Coordination with other ETSU departments

Sensitive issues (e.g., individuals with protective orders, alias patients)

Perform general service duties such as:

Lock/unlock buildings

Assist motorists

Provide safety escorts

Assist other law enforcement agencies upon request.

Back up fellow officers as needed.

Aid medical personnel with the detention and secure transportation of psychiatric patients.

Investigations

Conduct preliminary investigations into criminal activity and accidents.

Secure and maintain crime scenes.

Coordinate with detectives as necessary.

Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; advise them of available resources and procedures.

Process and photograph crime scenes or coordinate appropriate resources.

May conduct photo lineups and other investigative tasks.

Educate victims on crime prevention to avoid re‑victimization.

Perform field interviews, make arrests, issue citations, and provide warnings.

Complete and submit offense reports, follow‑up reports, and required documentation.

Judicial Proceedings

Testify in court as a witness or prosecuting officer.

Search and maintain custody of prisoners during the booking process.

Provide testimony at university administrative hearings as required.

Submit related reports and documentation.

Special Events and Assignments

Provide security at university events such as:

Athletic games

Concerts

Guest speaker engagements

Commencement ceremonies

VIP or dignitary visits

Compensation & Benefits Job Family - Public Safety Police Officer

Market Range - 6

For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

Non‑exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.

Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check.

University Overview East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution's focus on community engagement.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Other

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