Public Safety Officer

Posting Details

Posting Number C00099P Quick Link for Position https://jobs.uafs.edu/postings/1720 Working Title Public Safety Officer Position Number Department University Police About the University

For more than 6,000 students each semester, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers a dynamic and diverse learning community with a student-centered approach focused on the success of the individual. Small class sizes combine with innovative, hands-on learning and research experiences alongside expert faculty to ensure students receive a future-focused education at the most affordable tuition rate in the state. The University has undergone significant changes since its founding in 1928 and now offers 51 bachelor’s and associate degrees, two master’s degrees, and 36 certificate programs, all aimed at preparing students for success in the global workforce. UAFS is one of 21 academic institutions and affiliates governed by the University of Arkansas System.

The second-largest city in the state, Fort Smith is located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley. Established in 1817 as a frontier military post, Fort Smith is now a vibrant and growing city featuring a variety of cultural activities and entertainment options, including a thriving downtown arts and entertainment district. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Natural State’s plentiful trails, mountains, forests, parks, and waterways, both within the city limits and throughout the surrounding area. The city is also within easy driving distance of Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, and Memphis.

The UAFS campus is comprised of 77 buildings and facilities located on 170 beautifully-manicured acres and crowned with the Donald W. Reynolds Campus Plaza, Tower, and Campus Green. Students who choose to live on campus may do so in one of two residence hall complexes, complete with a full-service dining center, or the on-campus apartment complex for married students and upperclassmen. Campus involvement is encouraged by participation in more than 100 registered student organizations, which includes academic societies, a dynamic Greek life system, intramural sports, and cultural/special interest groups. The UAFS Lions compete in the NCAA Division II Lonestar Conference in men’s baseball, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball, golf, cross country, and tennis.

About the College / Department

The UAFS Police Department is the law enforcement agency with primary jurisdiction on all university owned, controlled, or leased properties. All UAFS Police Officers are trained law enforcement professionals and certified by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.

All police officers are armed and have full powers of arrest. Each officer is required to meet the same physical and educational standards as any other police officer in the state of Arkansas. These standards are set forth by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. All full-time officers must attend an Arkansas approved police academy within one year of their hire date.

All of the officers of the UAFS Police Department are dedicated to a high level of excellence in their service to students, faculty, and staff at UAFS .

Position Summary

Works under general supervision in a team-oriented setting; is responsible for the enforcement of traffic and criminal laws, institutional policies, and parking regulations at an institution of higher education. This position is governed by law enforcement standards, and departmental and institutional policy. The position reports to department chain-of-command consisting of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Chief.

Summary of Job Duties

• Patrols University properties to detect and prevent violations of laws and regulations; arrest and detain offenders and issue citations as necessary; assist in providing traffic and/or crowd control during periods of high volume and density.
• Operate emergency and non-emergency vehicles and communications equipment; investigate traffic accidents, reports of criminal offenses, violations of institutional policy and other incidents; complete accurate and detailed reports; and defuse disturbances.
• Provide emergency first-aid and assist other law enforcement agencies and emergency personnel; respond to alarms; conduct interviews and searches as necessary; monitor roadways and parking areas for motorist and pedestrian safety.
• Use tactics, including force as trained and equipped, in preserving the safety of citizens, oneself, and fellow officers; testify in court.
• Provide assistance as requested or needed by locking or unlocking buildings and offices; assist stranded motorists; communicate general and public safety information to students, staff, faculty, and the general public.
• Detect, investigate, and report breaches of facilities, property damage, missing property, and hazardous conditions; maintain uniforms and equipment; attend practical training.
• Maintain professional appearance and attitude; assist in safety and security planning and implementation for special events.
• Assist in planning and implementing public service programs and training.
• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork. Requires consistent on-time attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The qualified candidate must:
• Be a United States citizen.
• Be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• Be free of any felony conviction(s).
• Be free of conviction(s) involving cases of domestic abuse.
• Be of good character as determined by thorough background investigation.
• Possess the formal equivalent of a high school diploma.
• Possess a valid, state-issued motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Have a safe driving record.
• Have a steady work history.
• Be certified as a police officer in Arkansas within 12 months of employment.

License(s)/Certifications Preferred Qualifications

Be certified as a police officer in Arkansas or a state with reciprocity agreement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:
• Knowledge of general law enforcement methods and techniques; knowledge of traffic and criminal laws, and parking regulations; ability to enforce laws and regulations, direct traffic, and maintain order.
• Ability to operate vehicles used in patrol duties.
• General knowledge of computers.
• Skilled in the operation of firearms. Ability to demonstrate safety and accuracy in use of firearms, and pass annual state requirement for fire arms certification, as well as departmental requirements.
• Problem solving: Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully.
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to maintain confidential information with absolute discretion in all matters. Ability to remain open to others ideas and try new things.
• Communication Skills: Ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; read and interpret written information. Ability to prepare written reports and logs and to edit work for accuracy and thoroughness, and to monitor own work to ensure quality. Requires STRONG attention to detail.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changes in work environment, manage competing demands, and deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability: Ability to arrive at work on time consistently; follow instructions; respond to management direction; and solicit feedback to improve performance.
• Knowledge of University policy as it relates to the position.

Special Job Dimensions

• Occasional exposure to hazardous and/or stressful situations.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time in indoor settings, outdoor settings, and in all weather conditions at all times of day.
• Ability to give chase on foot and apprehend and detain subjects as permitted by law.
• Must be able to perform all job-related duties while wearing required uniform and duty equipment to include a body armor vest.
• Must be able to be recalled for duty at all times in case of emergency.

Work Schedule

Shift work to include all weekends and all holidays.

Salary $30,713 - $35,000, Salary commensurate with education and experience Benefits

Competitive benefits package. Uniforms are provided.

Background Check / Pre-Employment Screening

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non- discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Does this position require a background check? Criminal background check, financial history background check, sex offender registry check, motor vehicle registry (MVR) check, drug screening, physical examination, and psychological examination.
Open Date 05/04/2021 Close Date Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Anticipated start date EEO Statement

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, dedicated to attracting and supporting diverse student, faculty, and staff populations. The University welcomes applications without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Law Enforcement Certification
2. Unofficial College Transcripts
3. Related Certifications
4. Proof of Veteran Status

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you 21 years of age or older?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Are you a United States citizen?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Do you hold ALETA Law Enforcement Officer certification or are you a certified law enforcement officer from another state with reciprocity agreement with Arkansas?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Do you understand that failure to complete the Employment History section of the application will result in automatic elimination?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * Did you complete the Employment History section of the application?
   • Yes
   • No
7. * Have you ever been fired or asked to resign from a job?
   • Yes
   • No
8. If yes, please describe.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
9. * How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
   
   (Open Ended Question)