Police Officer

Position Overview The University of Kansas Police Officer is a commissioned law enforcement officer with full authority under applicable law. The Officer performs duties in accordance with departmental rules, state laws, city ordinances, law enforcement codes of ethics, the U.S. Constitution, and general principles of law enforcement. If not certified as a law enforcement officer in Kansas, the Officer will complete required training at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. The Officer regularly conducts criminal investigations, performs searches and seizures, arrests offenders, presents criminal cases to prosecutors, responds to medical and other emergencies, writes moving traffic violations, and assists other local law enforcement agencies. Benefits Up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day. Retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, State of Kansas discounts, educational and professional development opportunities, tuition assistance up to 12 credit hours per year, Executive Tuition Assistance Scholarship award opportunities. Job Description Patrol, Law Enforcement Operations, and Public Safety Response (40%) Patrols assigned areas on foot or by vehicle to identify signs of trouble and respond with action appropriate to the situation. Evaluates observed or suspected violations of law and determines whether to initiate investigations, searches, arrests, or other appropriate actions. Collects, analyzes, verifies, and assesses the consistency and value of information obtained through interviews with persons involved. Makes required notifications as indicated or necessary. Interviews complainants, witnesses, and suspects. Directs and controls traffic flow and pedestrian movement on campus. Patrols streets and enforces traffic laws and ordinances, issuing traffic citations for moving violations in municipal and district courts as appropriate. Performs traffic enforcement duties that may include multitasking (e.g., operating a vehicle at higher speeds, reading license plates, communicating via radio, and positioning vehicles to provide safety for officer, violator and public safety). Manages accident scenes by controlling traffic flow, including directing traffic for extended periods and in extreme weather conditions. Investigates traffic accidents by determining cause, photographing scenes, and/or preparing diagrams of the scene. Takes appropriate enforcement action related to traffic incidents, such as holding safety equipment (e.g., traffic wands) while indicating traffic patterns with arms extended at shoulder height, photographing and/or sketching diagrams of the scene, and taking appropriate enforcement action. Reports hazardous conditions as observed. Apprehends and/or arrests violators of the law, exercising care to ensure legal and constitutional soundness which may involve pursuing a suspect on foot in extreme climates over hilly terrain or obstacles and/or restraining combative individuals. Takes suspects into custody and completes the booking process, appearing and testifying as a professional witness when summoned. Responds to emergency situations, which may involve extreme physical exertion such as running up flights of stairs and carrying necessary equipment; makes immediate decisions based on known facts; initiates immediate action to gain control of the situation; renders necessary aid; and interviews all parties involved. Operates emergency vehicle safely and within the guidelines established by the department, which could involve driving at high speeds while relaying and receiving pertinent information over excessive background noise. Exercises all appropriate caution to ensure safety of all concerned and minimum property damage whenever feasible, rendering aid and assistance to citizens and motorists whenever appropriate. Carries out required and appropriate duties when assigned, often with short notice and could involve adverse weather conditions and extended hours. May be required to supervise others in a limited capacity as the situation demands, providing training sessions for new officers when requested. May be assigned to work special investigations on a temporary basis as deemed necessary by the department. Performs surveillance operations sometimes in extreme weather and/or extended periods of time without relief. Investigations, Evidence Handling, and Case Management (20%) Completes written reports in compliance with department procedures, determining the necessity of reports and completing them promptly using the appropriate report forms. Initiates follow‑up reports when a case requires further investigation. Conducts and assists with investigations; testifies in court; and collaborates with other law enforcement agencies. Locates, collects, handles, and preserves physical evidence. When applicable, marks and packages evidence and ensures that it is properly documented and stored for later examination or court presentation. Reports are well organized with narration given in chronological order; concise writing with correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word use. Logs, tracks, and disposes of lost and found property in accordance with departmental procedures. Community Engagement, Communication, and Interagency Relations (20%) Establishes and maintains professional contact with university employees, residents, and others common to patrol district to obtain cooperation and a favorable attitude in the maintenance of order and effective police protection. Uses a variety of communication skills and special techniques when contacting members of the community who may include groups with beliefs contrary to those of the officer, persons who may be emotionally excited, or people with varied cultural and educational backgrounds; maintains control and avoids negative consequences such as escalation, unsubstantiated accusations, or unnecessary alarm. Provides information about police policies, procedures, and techniques as they affect the public. Presents a professional demeanor in accordance with law enforcement code of ethics and a well‑groomed appearance in compliance with departmental rules and regulations. Disseminates information to the public through programs, literature, community events, and personal contacts. Develops and conducts programs at an appropriate level to groups requesting assistance or when a potential problem is identified; implements community relationship projects or programs to improve the community’s perception of law enforcement. Maintains relationships with local community resource groups to stay abreast of programs and information that can provide assistance to the department and the university. Listens to community concerns and takes steps to assist with those concerns when possible. Maintains good relations with other law enforcement agencies. Training and Equipment Management (15%) Develops skills and proficiency in the use of all equipment, including firearms, batons, handcuffs, and vehicles. Maintains safe care and control of authorized equipment and vehicles. Keeps all issued equipment readily available and in good repair; reports all equipment needs to supervisor as they arise. Maintains an inventory of police department equipment; in some cases issues uniforms and other equipment to officers. Assists with the purchasing process and tracks purchase orders from the department, ensuring that purchases meet guidelines set by the department, the university, and the State of Kansas; coordinates maintenance and repair of police vehicles. Maintains annual law enforcement officer certification as required by state statute. Qualifies with duty weapons per department policy. Attends all required departmental training and utilizes such training to its fullest extent. Complies with all laws, rules, regulations, code of ethics, and procedures applying to the law enforcement profession; maintains certification in first aid principles and is skilled in their application. Other Duties as Assigned (5%) As required by department needs. Position Requirements Must be a U.S. citizen. Must be 21 years of age by the time of appointment. Must possess a valid driver’s license by hire date and maintain it throughout employment. Ability to qualify annually with duty weapon. Must be in compliance with the university police department policies and procedures regarding intentional body alterations. Successful completion of background check, physical exam, drug screen, and psychological assessment. Must be free of convictions, expunged convictions, and diversions for any crimes which are a felony or its equivalent under the uniform code of military justice imposed by a state or federal government. Must be free of any diversions, convictions and expunged convictions for any misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence or their equivalent under the uniform code of military justice imposed by any state or federal government. Must be able to perform all essential job functions and not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of self or others. Physical Requirements Lift and carry equipment and evidence (up to 50 lbs. occasionally; up to 25 lbs. frequently). Drag, pull, or carry (150‑180 lbs.) a distance of 25‑50 feet to simulate rescue/evacuation. Push/pull objects (e.g., stalled vehicles, doors, obstacles) with sustained effort. Frequently stand and walk for prolonged periods (up to 8‑12 hours per shift) on varied terrain, including stairs, slopes, uneven ground, and in all weather conditions. Run short and medium distance (e.g., up to 1/4 – ½ mile) over hilly or obstructed terrain; perform rapid changes of direction during foot pursuits. Climb and descend multiple flights of stairs carrying duty gear and emergency equipment. Use physical control/restraint techniques, including grappling, handcuffing, and ground control, which may require kneeling, crouching, twisting, and prone/supine positions. Enter, exit, and operate patrol vehicles repeatedly during a shift including wearing full duty gear. Perform fine and gross motor tasks (e.g., operate firearms, Taser, radios, computers) with both hands, including gloved use in cold weather. Work in extreme heat/cold, rain, snow, low-light, and high-noise environments. Sufficient hand/eye coordination and dexterity to use cameras, evidence-collection tools, computers, radios, digital systems, and standard law enforcement equipment. Ability to sit for extended periods during interviews, surveillance, or computer-based case work. Must be able to perform all essential job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodation. Required Qualifications High school diploma or completion of a G.E.D. equivalency. Certified as a law enforcement officer or ability to be certified without restriction by the Kansas Commission on Peace Officer’s Standards and Training. Preferred Qualifications Commissioned law enforcement experience as a certified police officer. Significant progress towards or achievement of an associate's degree or higher in administration of justice, criminal justice, or a closely related field. Application Instructions Complete application includes a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed as submitted; applicants will be contacted as positions become available. Contact Chief Nelson Mosley at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Advertised salary starts at $60,180. Apply to Job. #J-18808-Ljbffr