Police Security Officer

Security Officer Position

Individuals in these positions are responsible for performing entry level work of moderate difficulty providing security, safety and protection for person and property. Work is performed under direct supervision of a high ranking officer. Work involves physical exertion including walking and standing, detaining individuals, preparing reports and extensive public contact. Work is reviewed through reports, meeting and observation of duties performed for compliance with established rules and regulatory guidelines. Security officer positions involve regular and irregular shift work and shift rotations necessary to provide security services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year (weekends and holidays included). Work shifts are normally eight (8) or ten (10) hours in duration but may be extended in the event of emergency, disaster, manpower shortage, workload or work-in-progress. High percentage of attendance, on-time arrival to work and ability to work overtime when necessary are required.

An additional 7% Shift Differential pay for security officers who work Midnight shift.

The St. Louis County Police Department offers tuition reimbursement and education incentives for security officers who possess a degree of higher education from an accredited institution. They shall receive the following addition to their base rate of pay:

• Associate's degree: $1,200/year
• Bachelor's degree: $2,400/year
• Master's degree: $4,800/year
• Doctorate degree: $7,200/year

Education incentive pay is subject to confirmation by Human Resources and will include proof of an official transcript awarding or conferring the degree. Per the Department's Collective Bargaining Agreement, newly hired employees who do not possess corresponding experience will start at the base starting pay listed in this posting.

Position will remain open until filled.

Examples of Duties

• Patrols assigned facility, on foot, to guard and protect persons and property against vandalism, arson, prowlers and other conditions that could lead to loss of life or property.
• Inspects buildings for open doors or windows, damage, safety hazards, and faulty mechanical problems.
• Responds to emergency radio calls including accidents, bomb threats, fires and hostage situations.
• Investigates suspected crimes on the premises including larcenies and stolen articles.
• Assists the general public, visitors and employees by answering questions, locating offices and escorting to specific locations.
• Reports all pertinent data of action taken during a shift by maintaining a written log and orally giving information to shift supervisor.
• Restrains and detains persons who damage property and molest or harass persons for arrest by police authority.
• Operates two way communication system to monitor and provide assistance for routine activities and as contact for the medical examiner and investigators.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

AGE REQUIREMENT : Must be at least 21 years of age. RESIDENCY : No residency requirement. Must be a citizen of the United States or must possess a valid work permit and must submit an application for United States citizenship when eligible. EDUCATION REQUIREMENT : Documentary proof of high school education or presentation of a State Equivalency Certificate and transcript of scores. PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG GUIDELINES : Any illegal adult drug use or possession of a controlled substance, excluding marijuana, within one year prior to employment. The word "drug" refers to any type of controlled substance for which you do not have a prescription. TATTOO POLICY : Department employees shall not display tattoos that are visible on the face, neck, or head. Tattoos which may be visible in a short sleeve uniform will be considered by the Chief of Police on a case-by-case basis. Imagery which may be deemed inappropriate or offensive in nature shall be considered grounds for disqualification. Applicants will be required to provide a photograph and explanation to provide context of any visible tattoos. VISION : No minimum uncorrected requirements; eyesight must be correctable to 20/20. ARREST RECORD : Must be free from conviction of a Felony. A Class "A" Misdemeanor conviction will be cause for immediate dismissal from the process, unless otherwise directed by the Chief of Police. DRIVER'S LICENSE : Must possess a valid State Operator's License having five (5) or less points assessed against his/her driving record at time of application, unless otherwise directed by the Chief of Police. MILITARY : Must not have a "Dishonorable" discharge or "Bad Conduct" discharge if having served in the military. All "Other Than Honorable" discharges will be reviewed on an individual basis. APPLICANT MUST be able to be licensed as a security officer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Knowledge of the methods and practices used in a modern security program.
• Knowledge of first aid principles.
• Some knowledge of applicable laws and ordinances.
• Skill in the use and care of firearms.
• Skill in operating Department vehicles.
• Ability to remain alert at all times and to detect suspicious or unusual occurrences.
• Ability to use good judgment, discretion and tact and to act quickly in situations.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to enforce rules and regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to wear and effectively utilize all Department issued items of uniforms and equipment as specified in the Department General Order, Uniforms and Appearance, regardless of assignment.
• Ability to work regular and irregular shift work and shift rotations necessary to provide security services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year (weekends and holidays included).Work shifts are normally eight (8) or ten (10) hours in duration but may be extended in the event of emergency, disaster, manpower shortage, workload or work-in-progress.

Additional Information

COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS Under the regulations of the Police Department, all appointments to the St. Louis County Police Department are made on the basis of a continuously open, competitive hiring process conducted under the supervision of the Personnel Services Unit. Each applicant must successfully complete each stage of the selection process before becoming eligible to proceed to the next step. The selection steps, in their order, take up to six months to complete:

PRELIMINARY BACKGROUND REVIEW : A review and detailed evaluation of Personal History Questionnaire and supporting documents to determine if applicant meets the minimum requirements for the position.

PISTOL TRIGGER PULL TEST : Applicants will be required to complete a trigger pull test of 25 pulls of the pistol trigger with their dominant hand in 1 minute and 13 pulls of the pistol trigger with their non-dominant hand in 1 minute. A Department issued empty weapon will be used to administer the test with a barrel plug in place.

WRITTEN TEST : Administration of a Personnel Evaluation Profile questionnaire, will be given to assist in the initiation of the background investigation.

RECORD CHECK : A police record check will be conducted and applicants will be fingerprinted. SIT ALONG: Applicants will be required to complete a four hour Sit Along with the Bureau of Security Services. Sit Alongs are conducted at the St. Louis County Courts Building, Monday through Friday, from 7am-11am.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION : Applicants will be provided with a Personal History Questionnaire and supporting documents to determine if the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the position. A thorough background investigation will be conducted on all police applicants in the areas of past employment record and reputation, personal references, neighborhood reputation, police record check, credit history and military record (when applicable). The background investigation is concluded with a polygraph examination in an attempt to verify information received from and about the applicant. Results of the polygraph examination are confidential and will be considered with the applicant's total file.

COMMANDER'S INTERVIEW : A further evaluation to determine the candidate's overall fitness for the position, including self-expression, mental alertness and suitability for police duties will be conducted by the Personnel Services Commander or a