Special Police Officer

JOB SUMMARY


This position is located in the DC Public Library, Public Safety Division. This position serves as a Special Police Officer (SPO) and is within the Office of Public Safety (OPS). The role of SPO is responsible for safeguarding the lives and property of DCPL by providing a safe/secure environment for the employees and the public while on DCPL properties and its 26 branches and locations. The DC Public Library is seeking full-time Special Police Officers.


A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF PUBLIC SERVICES

Chief T. Alston | Public Service Announcement

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


The selected candidate's duties and assignments involve the application of law enforcement principles and techniques including the following:

• Patrols and maintains law and order by observing, reporting, and responding to illegal and unauthorized activity occurring on DCPL-owned and controlled premises.
• Observes conditions and activity, taking appropriate action, where there appears to be potential for or are actual violations of the laws or guidelines.
• Responds to calls from citizens, library patrons, and employees in cases of criminal activity and violations of the DCPL behavioral guidelines.
• Investigates circumstances of the call, and determines if arrest or other action is warranted.
• Completes appropriate reports and exercises full count presentment authority as arresting officer.
• Participates actively in prosecutions.
• Participates in short-term investigations under the guidance of a higher-ranking official of OPS.
• Investigates thefts and other crimes from persons on library premises.
• Routinely patrols and inspects the building and grounds to prevent crimes and violations of DCPL Code of Conduct.
• Monitors/operates two-way radio system and phone system and acts as communication dispatcher as needed or assigned.
• Assists MPD, Federal law agencies, the other enforcement agencies as needed.
• Checks, inspects and secures the exterior of the building, entrances, and windows.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications:

• Must possess at least a high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED)
• Must possess a valid unrestricted vehicle driver license from the state of residence, and must maintain the license in good standing during the duration of employment
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must have reached the age of twenty-one (21) years by the time of appointment
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
• Must be certified by a licensed physician as physically and psychologically fit to perform the duties of a Special Police Offer

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior security, law enforcement, military, or public safety experience (including prior Special Police Officer experience)
• Firearms proficiency
• Experience working in a public-facing environment such as libraries, schools, hospitals, or municipal facilities
• Demonstrated experience managing difficult or de-escalation-prone situations
• Experience writing incident reports, conducting security checks, or monitoring security systems.
• Current or prior completion of security-related training (ex: defensive tactics, de-escalation, first aid/CPR/AED, crisis intervention).
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, especially in diverse community environments
• Ability to assess risks, maintain situational awareness, and respond appropriately to security incidents

Character and Background:

Proof of good character and satisfactory background will be absolute prerequisites to appointment. The following are among the factors which would ordinarily be cause for disqualification: (a) arrest record or conviction of an offense, the nature of which indicates lack of good moral character or disposition towards violence or disorder; (b) repeated arrests or convictions of an offense, where such convictions or arrests indicate a disrespect for the law; (c) discharge from employment, where such discharge indicates poor behavior or an inability to adjust to discipline; (d) dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces; and (e) conviction of petit larceny. In accordance with provisions of law, persons convicted of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor are not eligible for appointment to the title of Special Police Officer.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS


Upon appointment, the incumbent must obtain and maintain a Special Police Officer (SPO) commission through the District of Columbia license issuance process and maintain all the prescribed requirements and qualifications associated with SPO status. Must be able to successfully complete firearms qualification with the agency. Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle license issued by the State of residence.


WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

The work requires constant mental attention as well as physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces, up and down stairways, and lifting heavy items as needed or required. It also requires agility and dexterity with strength to pursue, apprehend, and detain/arrest uncooperative suspects or to defend oneself or others against physical attack.

DISTRICT REFERENCE CHECK

All applicants who are current or former District of Columbia Government employees will be subject to a background examination prior to the issuance of a conditional offer of employment. This review will include coordination with District agencies where the applicant is currently or was previously employed. The purpose of this examination is to verify the applicant's employment standing and determine eligibility for rehire, reassignment, or promotion within the District government. Applicants found not to be in good standing may be deemed ineligible for further consideration.

By applying to this vacancy announcement, you hereby authorize the District of Columbia Public Library to conduct a background examination and reference check, including coordination with any District agencies where you are currently or was previously employed, to verify your employment standing and assess your eligibility for continued employment consideration.

GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING

This position is subject to general suitability screening; verification of employment history, reference checks and degree/license, as applicable. The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory general suitability screening.

ENHANCED SUITABILITY SCREENING

The position for which the individual is applying has been identified and designated as requiring enhanced suitability screening; If tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test will be conducted (as appropriate); and the appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory enhanced suitability screening.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

Type of Appointment : Career Service Regular Appointment


Emergency Designation: This position is designated as Essential. The incumbent is required to work weekends, nights, and a variety of shifts and double shifts, when circumstances warrant. The incumbent must be available for phone calls and emergency recall after hours.

Tour of Duty/Schedule : The position does not have a designated primary shift. The selected candidate will be expected to work a rotating schedule, which may include weekends as well as day, evening, and midnight shifts in support of a 24/7/365 operation.

Department : Public Services | Public Safety

Collective Bargaining Unit : This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

Promotion Potential: None


Appointed Salary: The selected incumbent will be appointed at the appropriate salary rate of CS 7

Budgeted Salary This position is budgeted for the minimum salary of $ 58,763 to a maximum salary of $65, 386.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and be a U.S. Citizen

IMPORTANT NOTE : We appreciate every applicant's interest. However, only those who meet the qualifications and are considered by the hiring committee or interview panel will be contacted for the next steps in the recruitment process.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT


Applicants claiming residency preference will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan. However, if selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.