University Police Sergeant

General Summary of Position :

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 253 of the Acts of 2020 ( An Act Relative to Justice, Equity and Accountability in Law Enforcement in the Commonwealth ), the position of : The University Police Sergeant position is a regulated by the Massachusetts Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

University Police Sergeants are appointed as sworn police officers pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws chapter 75, section 32A and chapter 90C which grants University Police Sergeants the same authority, immunities and privileges as a duly appointed and qualified sworn police officer acting elsewhere in the Commonwealth.

Under the general supervision of the University Police Lieutenant, a Sergeant patrols assigned areas of property used, owned or occupied by the University of Massachusetts and areas adjacent to the university to provide a safe and secure environment for all members of the University community by means of an alert and vigilant preventive patrol.

Patrol Sergeants provide first- line supervision of the activities of sworn and / or non-sworn personnel on a shift, who are engaged in patrol duty, bike patrol, criminal investigations, community relations, crime prevention activities, and in-service training activities.

An employee in this class frequently participates in the work performed by subordinate officers and is responsible for performing related duties as required.

The Patrol Sergeant’s primary responsibility is to ensure the effective performance of duty by patrol personnel. Patrol Sergeants work independently in performing regularly assigned duties and assumes complete charge in the event of the absence of a superior officer.

Work is performed in accordance with federal, state, and local laws as well as university and departmental policies, procedures, and general orders.

Work is reviewed by inspection, through verbal and written reports, and by results achieved.

Essential Functions :

A Patrol Sergeant may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties :

• Supports the University of Massachusetts Boston Police Department mission and the policies and procedures in support of that mission, which is aligned with the University and the Division of Student Affairs’ mission.
• Exercises police powers under M.G.L. Ch. 75 s. 32A in the detection and apprehension of law violators; investigates crimes, accidents, and complaints.

Identifies criminal offenders, makes apprehensions when necessary, and participates in subsequent court proceedings as required.

• Patrols buildings and lands of the University ensuring the protection of persons and property, being observant for criminal activity, or anything which might endanger life, health and safety or result in theft or damage to property and reports same for the appropriate action to be taken.
• Creates and maintains a sense of safety and security within the University and adjacent areas enhancing public interest of law enforcement and for the University by constant example of courteous and ethical service.

Aids and assists all persons in danger of physical harm or victims of crime, accidents, or illness.

• Assists in the maintenance of traffic control on lands of the University; enforces State motor vehicle laws, as well as University by-laws, rules and regulations regarding traffic and parking.
• Maintains order at the scene of special events, whether scheduled or unscheduled, upon the lands of the University. Conducts investigations and submits necessary accurate reports as related to the enforcement of State, Local and University by-laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Ensure that all evidence gathered, i.e., drugs and other controlled substances, blood, gun evidence, etc. are meeting chain of custody standards, comply with accreditation standards, adhere to legal requirements, and are properly audited and safely maintained.
• Be fully cognizant of current departmental rules, regulations, orders, policies and procedures, particularly those that affect their area of responsibility, and instruct and guide patrol personnel in their compliance.
• Assists superior officers in supervision of all police and security personnel; reviews subordinates’ work for proper performance and conformance with laws, rules, regulations, instructions, and procedures;
• manages scheduling and time off request, prepares shift notices and assignments; conducts performance evaluations; conduct initial investigations on citizen complaints;

makes recommendations in matters concerning employee discipline and retention.

• Reviews police documentation including incident and accident reports and daily logs for accuracy and compliance with criminal, motor vehicle, and traffic laws and with university regulations.
• Ensures that all prisoners in their care and custody are safely transported and processed in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Assists command staff in establishing procedures; makes recommendations regarding improvements or changes in department operations.
• Conducts accident and crime investigations and prepares detailed reports, including State Motor Vehicle Accident Reports and State Uniform Incident Reports.
• Provides public assistance, including lockout services, escorts, first aid, and vehicle jump-starts.
• Conducts inspections of police personnel and their equipment to ensure high standards of personal appearance and safety.
• Represents the department at community engagement events and meetings.
• Demonstrates or acquires specialized law enforcement skills; may participate in various community crime prevention programs, departmental out-reach programs and serve on various University committees / specialized programs.
• Assumes charge of police and security in the absence of the command staff. Takes personal command of the police organization in the absence of the command staff in times of emergency until the arrival of the superior officer;

calls off-duty personnel to duty in order to deal with emergency conditions or incidents.

• Serves as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act and is familiar with other federal mandates 2008 Higher Education and Opportunity Act (HEOA), 2013 Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Save Act), 2013 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
• Maintain an effective relationship with members of other law enforcement agencies and other University departments, furnishing cooperation as required.
• Reports punctually to all assignments and responds immediately to all emergencies. Performs emergency first aid, CPR, Narcan, Epi-pen and AED therapy within established medical guidelines and department policies.
• May authorize the incurring of overtime for assigned personnel, within the prescribed University and Department policies and procedures.
• Performs related work as required in various specialized aspects of law enforcement and police operations as assigned.

Other Functions :

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area / Division, and University goals and objectives.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Works collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of the University and the Division of Student Affairs.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university department policy.
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
• Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.
• Uses access to sensitive and / or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.
• Other duties assigned

Minimum Qualifications :

• Internal and lateral candidates must possess a minimum of three (3) years of progressive law enforcement experience as a full-time sworn police officer in good standing as a University of Massachusetts Boston Police Officer and / or with another law enforcement agency; And
• Must have successfully completed a Massachusetts Basic Police Training Program from an accredited police academy, approved by the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC) or have successfully completed training that is substantially equivalent to or greater than that of a Massachusetts police officer at a comparable level of experience to obtain an academy exemption through the MPTC.
• Any candidate who has sustained disciplinary action during the previous twelve (12) months and / or on any form of disciplinary probation shall be considered ineligible to apply.

Special Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must possess valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a valid MA driver license.
• Must possess valid MA license to carry.
• Ability to re-qualify with departmentally issued firearm and all departmentally issued non-lethal weapons.
• Be able to successfully complete a background check.
• Be able to successfully complete and pass psychological evaluation.
• Be able to successfully complete and pass drug screening.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work at any hour and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and acceptable personal demeanor under periods of stress, verbal and physical abuse, danger, and emotional tension.
• Ability to physically perform the essential functions of a job.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of police and security personnel of lower grade while maintaining good working relationships.
• Training and experience in criminal investigations.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of state laws, rules, and regulations, and ability to interpret new laws, rules and regulations correctly and accurately.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), 2008 Higher Education and Opportunity Act (HEOA), 2013 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
• Working knowledge of personnel management.
• Ability to make sound decisions and awareness of their consequences.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of authority and the public.
• Ability to stand, walk and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to maintain good order and acceptable personal demeanor under periods of stress, verbal and physical abuse, danger, and emotional tension.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong commitment to the University’s mission and customer service.
• Normal visual acuity and manual dexterity.

Preferred Qualifications :

Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Supervision Received :

The incumbent receives direct supervision from the rank of Lieutenant or higher and acts under the general supervision of the Chief of Police / Director of Public Safety.

Exercises considerable discretion, guided by the goals, objectives, policies, and procedures established by the Police Chief and the University.

Supervision Exercised :

• Number of non-student employees directly supervised : 6
• Number of non-student employees indirectly supervised : 2
• Average number of student employees supervised at any given time : 0
30+ days ago