Campus Security Officer

About the Role

The Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Campus Police Officer to join our team. As a key member of our public safety department, you will play a vital role in maintaining a safe and secure living and learning environment for our community.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol campus properties by vehicle and foot to deter and investigate crimes, ensuring compliance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 22C Section 63.
• Detain suspects and make lawful arrests when necessary, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
• Respond to administrative and emergency calls for service within the campus patrol area, providing timely and effective support to our community.
• Provide first-responder medical assistance and direct advanced medical personnel as necessary, ensuring the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.
• Rend assistance to those in need and make referrals to available campus resources as applicable, promoting a culture of care and support.
• Author well-written and highly detailed incident reports, maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of all incidents.
• Perform traffic control and parking enforcement, ensuring the safe and efficient flow of traffic on campus.
• Analyze emergency situations and develop incident action plans to mitigate such incidents, exercising sound judgment and critical thinking.
• Maintain compliance with department policies, procedures, and regulations, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
• Work with the Dean of Student's office when incidents are referred for judicial consideration, ensuring a fair and just process.
• Provide information to the general public and community members while promoting positive police-community relations, fostering a culture of trust and respect.
• Collaborate with municipal police and fire agencies, as well as local public and private businesses, to foster a cooperative and coordinated effort in matters of campus safety and security.
• Work with all WPI community members to enhance public safety at WPI, with a focus on crime prevention and awareness, promoting a culture of safety and responsibility.
• Conduct training and orientation programs for students, faculty, and staff on campus safety and security programs, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
• Testify before the Commonwealth Judicial and WPI Judicial Systems, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
• Participate in ongoing personal development programs, including on-the-job and in-service training initiatives, staying up-to-date with the latest best practices and technologies.

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervise sworn or civilian subordinates assigned to their shift, including dispatchers or traffic enforcement officers, providing guidance and support to ensure the effective delivery of public safety services.

Candidate Selection and Certification Overview

The WPI Police Department considers both entry-level and academy-trained officers, providing opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. Entry-level candidates will be required to attend a full-time academy authorized by the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC). Academy-trained officers may be required to attend a bridge or full-time academy authorized by the MPTC.

All candidates must obtain certification as a law-enforcement officer by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission. In addition to POST certification, all candidates must obtain their warrant of appointment as a Special State Police Officer (SSPO).

The WPI Police Department will work collaboratively with candidates to facilitate any necessary MPTC academy training, POST certification, and SSPO appointment, ensuring a smooth and successful transition into the role.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Highly efficient oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of application, with a valid Massachusetts Class D operator's license at the time of appointment.
• Must possess and maintain a Massachusetts Class A Large Capacity License to Carry Firearms, with a strong commitment to firearms safety and responsible use.
• Must possess and maintain First Responder and CPR certifications, with a strong commitment to providing high-quality medical care and support.
• Must provide three written letters of reference, with a strong commitment to professional development and growth.
• Must possess the ability to work in all types of weather conditions, shift assignments, and holidays, with a strong commitment to flexibility and adaptability.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions, with a strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a criminal justice or related field, with a strong commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
• Currently employed as a POST-certified law enforcement officer in Massachusetts, with a strong commitment to career advancement and professional growth.
• Graduate of a full-time Massachusetts Municipal, Special State Police Officer, or State Police Academy, with a strong commitment to excellence and professionalism.

Hiring Process

Candidate applications will be screened to ensure minimum qualifications have been met, with a thorough and comprehensive review of all applications.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be notified of eligibility and provided information on the initial interview and hiring process, with a clear and transparent communication of the next steps.

Candidates who accept an initial interview and who achieve a favorable assessment will advance to a second interview conducted by the Chief and/or Deputy Chief of Police, with a thorough and comprehensive review of all candidates.

Candidates who achieve a favorable assessment will advance to the next process, which is a thorough and complete background investigation as required by POST, in consultation with the MPTC and Massachusetts State Police Certification Unit, to determine the candidate's good moral character.

Candidates who successfully complete the background investigation process may receive a conditional offer of employment contingent on participation and successful completion of:

• Medical Examination
• Psychological Evaluation
• Physical Abilities Test (required for full-time academy enrollment only)
• Completion of MPTC-authorized full-time or bridge-academy
• Completion of WPI Police Field Training and Performance Appraisal Program

Benefits and Compensation

Starting pay: $31.03 per hour, with a comprehensive benefits package that includes robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance, and more.

WPI Police officers receive an annual uniform allowance of $1,025 and have the opportunity to take advantage of the following financial incentives:

• Evening shift differential ($1.95 hr.)
• Midnight shift differential ($3.00 hr.)
• Weekend shift differential ($1.00 hr.)
• Officer-in-charge differential (8% of hourly rate)
• Yearly higher education stipend (maximum benefit $3,000 year)
• Yearly specialized training stipend (maximum benefit $3,000 year)
• Holiday pay (double time and half)
• Seventh day worked pay (double time and a half)
• Inclement weather pay (double time and a half)
• Shift overtime opportunity
• Privately paid detail opportunity

About WPI

The Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university located in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a strong commitment to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination and is an equal opportunity employer.

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