The Police Corporal is part of the Vanderbilt University Public Safety Department at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for performing law enforcement, crime prevention duties, and other general police/security services.  This position will enforce state and local laws as well as Vanderbilt University policies and procedures. This position will be responsible for proactive patrol using foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or vehicle. 

Please Note: Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter with their application to be considered for this role. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Community Oriented Policing

Serves the community through proactive patrol of assigned areas working with zone contacts to identify potential security-related situations and develop crime prevention strategies. Identifies potential security-related conditions and takes the lead in problem-solving through partnerships to develop prevention strategies. Provides safety, crime prevention, and community policing information to contacts throughout patrol duties. Coordinates with VUPD Community Relations personnel on physical security, safety information, and other related crime prevention issues within their area. Develops rapport with members of the university community as well as surrounding areas; participates in community relations activities. Assists community members as necessary when dealing with the criminal justice system and other related matters. Conducts personal safety classes, crime prevention presentations, and orientation sessions for new employees and students.

Calls for Service

First responder for all emergency calls to include but not be limited to the following: alarms (fire, panic, holdup), hazardous material spills and leaks, traffic crashes, criminal activity in progress, assistance for injured/sick, and crimes in progress. Responder for non-emergency calls to include but not be limited to the following law enforcement or safety and security concerns: Situations that indicate potential for violence or potential volatility and Situations that require coordination between VUPD and other VU departments including members of the VU community who have orders of protection on file, no directory or alias patients, sensitive student, staff, or faculty issues. Responds to general calls for service such as access and/or lock buildings, assisting motorists, or providing personal safety. Provides escorts of money and persons for protection of such. Assists other agencies as requested. Provide backup for other officers as necessary. Assists medical personnel in the detention of psychiatric patients. Provides protection and secure transportation services for psychiatric patients to other facilities or courts.

Investigations

Provides initial investigation for all calls of criminal activity and accidents. Protects and maintains crime scene as necessary. Coordinates with detectives regarding cases that require the additional expertise or involvement of CIU. Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects and inform them of options available and additional processes to follow. Photographs and processes crime scenes or coordinates resources for required processing. May conduct photo lineups and additional investigative duties as needed. Provide crime prevention information to victims to reduce re-victimization. Performs field stops and interviews. Makes arrests, issues citations, and gives warnings. Prepares and submits applicable offense reports, follow-up reports, and other documentation as needed.

Judicial Proceedings

Appears in court as a prosecuting officer or witness and presents testimony. Searches prisoners and provides custody of prisoners throughout the booking process. May be required to appear at university administrative hearings to provide testimony. Prepares and submits applicable follow-up reports.

Special Events and Assignments

Provides security for events such as athletic events, concerts, speakers, visiting dignitaries, commencement, and numerous other social activities where security personnel may be required to provide crowd control and maintain order. Coordinates with other agencies as necessary.

 

 Qualifications

High School diploma or G.E.D. is required. At least 21 years of age is required. Graduate from an accredited, approved Police Academy is required. Possession of a valid driver’s license in the State of Tennessee or being eligible to obtain one within sixty (60) days of appointment is required.  Three (3) years’ experience as a Police Officer is required. In compliance with CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Act) accreditation standards, VUPS will be requiring all Police Officers to undergo pre-employment screenings, post conditional offer, which includes medical, drug, and psychological evaluation.

Physical Requirements

In addition to meeting P.O.S.T. requirements officers must be able to: 

Stand for long periods. Walk, climb, and lift. Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming Pass a thorough background investigation  Pass a medical examination including vision screening and drug testing; must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required to be able to work in patient care and high-risk areas. Pass a Psychological Evaluation. 

Working Environment 

Required to work nights/weekends/holidays. Must be able to work in inclement weather or weather extremes. May be confined to a patrol car for an entire shift.

 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. 

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.