Special Police Officer

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

The purpose of this position is to maintain safety guidelines and to provide 24-hour security patrol needed for the protection of life and property within the Howard University campus and off-site facilities.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:    

None

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include executives, administrators, students, and staff of the Department of Public Safety, the University and Howard University Hospital, and HUH faculty, students, and staff of the University and Hospital.  External contacts include parent/guardians, patients, Mayoral Command Post, representatives from local and national Homeland Security operations, social service agencies, special police officers, Security Officer’s Management Branch, members of the local criminal justice system to include Metropolitan Police, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Department of Corrections, Youth Services organizations, etc. and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Responds as directed to emergency calls involving criminal activities within the University’s jurisdiction.
• Apprehends or detains individuals suspected of committing criminal offenses using force only when necessary to protect life or property.
• Notifies suspects of Miranda rights and reports all details of incidents to a Patrol Supervisor.
• Assists in controlling large crowds and student gatherings, using mature judgment and tact when incidents arise necessitating intervention.
• Determines the need for additional support as necessary to provide for the security of persons and property on University premises and relays to the dispatcher or relays the information to a supervisor.
• Prepares special reports in cases of arrest and handles incidents when supervisors are not available to dissolve matters requiring their attention.
• Responds to calls involving criminal activity.
• Patrols assigned post, inspects buildings, grounds, and other premises, enforces the University and District of Columbia laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that they are observed.
• Settles disturbances of the peace and investigates all unusual occurrences.
• Assists in the evacuation of buildings and carrying out proper procedures as directed by superiors.
• As situations require, appears in court and University Judicial Boards/Hearings as a witness against offenders.
• Performs other appropriate job-related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:         

• Knowledge of criminal law, including elements of offenses, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, search and seizures, methods of law enforcement, maintenance of public safety and security and other law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of municipal and governmental policy and procedural changes relating to the security of other public safety organizations that affect criminal investigative activities.
• Skill in the use of firearms and other standard police equipment.
• Skill in the use of both oral and written English with the ability to read some technical literature, write administrative reports, and describe cases verbally.
• Skill in public and customer relations with the ability to use tact, diplomacy, and decorum.
• Ability to successfully complete a University sponsored police academy.
• Ability to pass regular and/or random physical, psychological, and drug tests as necessary and appropriate.
• Ability to participate in the investigation of crimes and incidents.
• Ability to remain emotionally stable and to display mature judgment and tact in explosive and/or dangerous situations.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective work relations with students, staff, faculty, medical staff, patients, other public safety organizations of the University, Hospital, and the general public.
• Ability to pass a physical agility test.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:       

High School Graduation or General Equivalency Diploma (GED); and four (4) years of responsible work experience in law enforcement or security work;  possession of an AA degree in criminal justice or other related fields, possession of United States citizenship with no criminal record; possession of a good driving record and a driver’s license valid in the District of Columbia; must successfully pass a qualifying physical examination, agility, and drug tests; completion of a University-sponsored or law enforcement academy or the ability to successfully complete a police academy; must possess a Special Police Commission with firearm authorization or be able to obtain said commission within six months after employment.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $22.06 Starting Hourly