Police Officer

Responsibilities

Police Officers' duties include responsibility for the protection and well-being of the students, visitors, staff, and facilities of William Rainey Harper College.

Responsible for the protection of life and property, the prevention of crimes, the preservation of peace, the enforcement of all laws and ordinances, the arrest and prosecution of violators, and other duties as assigned. In accomplishing these tasks, the Police Officer may:

1. Patrol campus by motor vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to prevent, discover, and deter the commission of crime; to enforce criminal and traffic laws, college rules and regulations; and to check the security of buildings, functioning of outdoor lighting and traffic signals, and road conditions.
2. Monitors and directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic as required.
3. Responds to calls for a variety of services including investigation of alarms, animal control, assistance to motorists, building maintenance problems, domestic problems, thefts, and other acts against persons or property.
4. Observes, investigates and reports unusual conditions bearing on the safety and/or security of the College community.
5. Observes college activities and inspects college properties for unsafe conditions that could lead to injury.
6. Takes necessary action to correct unsafe practices or conditions and reports all potential safety hazards.
7. Recommends safety and security procedures for specific problem areas of the College.
8. Investigates, reports, and records traffic violations and accidents by interviewing witnesses, measuring distances, sketching diagrams, taking photographs and conducting field sobriety tests to determine cause and fault.
9. Investigates harm, damage or threats of potential harm or damage to persons or property by interviewing witnesses and conducting visual or audio surveillance or searches; detects and collects evidence.
10. Prepares results of investigations for referral and/or prosecution.
11. Refers appropriate "Student Conduct Code" violators to the attention of the College's student judicial officer.
12. Processes arrestees by taking photographs, obtaining fingerprints, and writing arrest reports; transports arrestees to jail as required.
13. Determines appropriate actions to be taken by weighing evidence and applying knowledge of laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, policies and procedures to solve the problem and administer justice; prepares and processes documents such as citations, complaints, affidavits, and warrants.
14. Records information at scenes of crimes by sketching diagrams, taking photographs, or taking notes.
15. Prepares reports for use by department, college or other agency.
16. Testifies in court or by deposition to present information accumulated at scenes and through investigations.
17. Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering first responder level service; lifting dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations; and securing buildings and evacuating occupants.
18. Responds to fire and ambulance calls to direct traffic, escort fire and ambulance vehicles, establish security perimeters and maintain order.
19. Inspects and maintains law enforcement equipment by observing and cleaning to keep the equipment in reliable operating condition.
20. Determines content for various public safety programs such as crime prevention, personal safety, playground safety, and provides delivery to the college or community.
21. Provides advice and general information to students, staff and campus visitors.
22. Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.

Supervision:
The Police Officer is directly supervised by Deputy Chief and Chief of Police, Harper College Police Department. The incumbent may provide direction to other Police Officers and Community Service Officers.

Qualifications

1. Lateral transfers may be any previously full-time sworn officer who is currently certified and can receive a waiver by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board or within another state so long as the State of Illinois recognizes the certification.
2. Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice or related field, or a combination of college education and experience, or equivalent experience.*
3. Be at least twenty-one years of age.
4. Be a citizen of the United States.
5. Possess a valid Illinois driver's license.
6. Successful completion of background investigation, drug testing, psychological evaluation, and oral interview.

Must have successfully completed the Illinois Basic Law Enforcement Academy and possess certification from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board or be qualified to take the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board "Out of State Reciprocity" requirements, to include: a. Mandatory Firearms Training b. Law for Illinois Police c. Equivalency Exam. Part-time certification as a law enforcement officer, corrections officer certification, or military law enforcement training does not meet this requirement


Desired Qualification:

Specialty assignments in municipal, county, state or college police departments to include experience in accreditation, mobile field force task force, SWAT task force, major crimes task force and/or prior police supervision.


Annual proficiency requirements:

• First Aid

• Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)

• Blood borne Pathogens - refresher

• Hazardous Materials-First Responder Awareness/refresher

• Medical examination

About Us

We are Harper College...the college in your community.

The College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened September 1967. It is named for Dr. William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago.

Harper College is now one of the nation's premier community colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000 students annually in Chicago's northwest suburbs. The College's academic programs prepare students for rewarding careers and for transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers associate degree and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce training, professional development, continuing education classes, accelerated degree options for adults and developmental education programs.

At Harper College, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation for all employees. In compliance with Illinois state law, we prioritize transparency in salary information. Our salary ranges reflect our dedication to attracting and retaining top talent while ensuring equitable pay practices.We encourage open discussions about compensation and invite you to reach out with any questions you may have regarding salary details. Harper College typically offers compensation up to the median market rate for this position. We aim to ensure our pay is competitive while aligning with both the role's requirements and the candidate's experience. To review all benefit information visit us at:

About the Team

The Harper College Police Department provides and environment where all members of the community can safely learn, work and visit. The goals of the department are to reduce crime, create collaborative relationships with campus constituents supporting student success and enhance community and law enforcement partnerships.