Description

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the primary department charged with creating a safe and secure environment at Princeton University. DPS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of 159 staff members. The department consists of professional University police, security officers, dispatchers, and administrators dedicated to providing best-in-class service to the community.

DPS was originally recognized and awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in July 2015, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status in July 2018 and July 25, 2022. CALEA serves as the "International Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies" and oversees a rigorous accreditation process. In addition, DPS was awarded accreditation status by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (NJLEAC) on March 14, 2019, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status in March 2022, and March 2025. These awards are a mark of professional excellence and signify that we have earned these distinguished honors through continued compliance with CALEA/NJLEAC Standards. Throughout these processes, we established and implemented policies and practices that meet or exceed the National and State standards, to serve both the Department and the community well in the future.

DPS sworn University Police Officers have the authority of commissioned police officers with full power of arrest deriving their law enforcement authority from New Jersey statutes (Title 18A, Sections 6-4.2 and 6-4.5) and the Trustees of Princeton University. Title 18A, Section 6-4.5 provides that sworn University Police Officers "shall possess all the powers of policemen and constables in criminal cases and offenses against the law anywhere in the State of New Jersey [including the powers of arrest], pursuant to any limitations as may be imposed by the governing body of the institution which appointed and commissioned the person." DPS sworn University Police Officers are licensed law enforcement officers as defined in NJSA 52:17B-67.

University Police Officers must complete the same police academies and annual training as their municipal counterparts. This training has been approved and authorized by the State of New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Police Training Commission. Our university police officers, who are unarmed daily, have access to a police service rifle in limited situations. Police officers may access service rifles when there is an in-progress threat with an individual brandishing a firearm, an active shooter, or an individual actively committing serious bodily injury or death with a deadly weapon on or "contiguous" to campus. All police officers have qualified with a firearm while at the police academy and must attend mandatory in-service firearms training throughout the year to enable them to perform more efficiently and more safely. DPS has 50 sworn officers, including the assistant vice president, director of operations, the patrol captain, 5 lieutenants, 6 sergeants, 4 corporals, 2 detectives, and 26 police officers.

To read the Princeton University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report click here.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Patrol Sergeant is responsible for the supervision of a specific shift as assigned by the Patrol Captain or their designee (e.g. Patrol Lieutenant).

As part of the management team the sergeant assists in planning, directing, coordinating, staff, and organizing operational resources to accomplish University goals and the department's mission of Community Caretaking.

PATROL (45%)

• Patrols the campus by foot, bicycle and/or vehicle to maintain order, prevents crime and makes arrests as needed to ensure the prompt delivery of professional law enforcement and other services to the campus community (e.g. students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors).
• Responds to incidents within the campus jurisdiction along with officers and assumes control and protects the crime scene as needed.
• Assigns an officer(s) to respond to, investigate, and follow-up on incidents.
• Follows, enforces, and reports violations of all University, state and local policies, rules, laws and ordinances through the chain of command by reports, memos and verbal communications.
• Ensure notifications to the Chain of Command as policy indicates (e.g. Lieutenant, Captain, Director of Operations, and Assistant Vice President) on all personnel matters, any major incidents, etc.
• In accordance with departmental policy, may assume temporary command of operations during emergencies until a higher-ranking officer arrives.
• Supervises events and other situations that occur on the assigned shift. This may include such tasks as crowd control, fire safety and ensuring proper security staffing.
• Reviews and evaluates quality and quantity of work performed.
• Prepares review and corrects criminal incident reports and logs on the assigned shift.
• Assesses incidents and requests back-up aid from the local police, fire department, and Princeton First Aid and Rescue (PFARS) as necessary according to established protocols
• Carries department issued radio at all times and supervisor's cell phone when serving as the Officer in Charge (OIC).
• Identifies safety, lighting and other hazards in the Department's patrol areas. Ensures a prompt response and takes corrective action as needed to address health and safety hazards.
• Administers first aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to injured people; transports ill/injured people to University Health Services, Princeton Medical Center (PMC), Helene Fuld, etc. as needed.
• Works closely with the Communications Center Manager to ensure strong dispatcher-officer collaboration.
• Monitors officer compliance with Departmental policies and procedures for incident and alarm response and all calls for service.
• Responsible for ensuring that subjects under arrest and protective custody are handled properly under the applicable laws and DPS policy.

Administration (30%)

• Attends and participates in supervisor and command staff meetings
• Provide support and resources to expand department investigative services to best handle all investigations.
• Ensures proper prompt documentation, investigation and follow-up of incidents according to professional law enforcement standards.
• Calls in staff to meet the needs of emergencies or other situations on campus.
• Evaluates staff, provides field training, coaches, and counsels, and provides oral feedback on an ongoing basis as well as written evaluation and career path planning on an annual basis.
• Works closely with the Administrative Lieutenant and/or Training Coordinator to ensure all staff (including Sergeant) maintain required certifications (e.g. criminal justice cert, CPR, etc.) and attend mandatory training as needed by Attorney General Guidelines and Department policy.
• Ensures that staffing levels are kept in accordance with established procedures and policies.
• Replaces officer on sick leave, Short-term Disability (STD) or Worker's Compensation (W/C) to meet established staffing levels.
• Monitors staff time balances in Police Officer Scheduling System (POSS) and inputs data into time collection as needed as well as approving and submitting overtime slips and time out of the workplace approval (vacation, sick, personal time).
• Review and become familiar with both the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and International Union, Security, Police & Fire Professional of America (SPFPA) union contracts
• Represents management's interests in any dispute resolution or step 1 grievance procedure in collaboration with Patrol Captain.
• Testifies at court or other hearings on behalf of the Department. Coordinates with Administrative Lieutenant on court appearances for officers.

Community Relations (10%)

• Supports and assists in the implementation of community caretaking on campus.
• Maintain a trustful and cooperative relationship with members of the division and University community to ensure work is completed efficiently and with a spirit of cooperation. Maintain a high level of morale on their assigned shift and within the division.

Training (10%)

• Develop staff with proper training to successfully complete Department investigations.
• Show positive leadership by encouraging others to learn and develop, giving clear and direct guidance and feedback on their performance. Encourage and support staff, making sure they are motivated to achieve results.

Other duties as assigned by the Lieutenant or above (5%)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid NJ Police license in good standing and meets all statutory requirements to maintain license.
• Current New Jersey Police Officer certification (PTC).
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of four years of public safety officer (sworn) on a university campus or four years of service to the department or equivalent service to a New Jersey municipal Department as a sworn officer with a minimum of four years post academy experience
• Must be able to qualify with the required firearms.
• Must be able to work ALL shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime shifts as required. Overtime is mandatory. Must have the flexibility to alter schedule based on department and operational need
• Must have intermediate computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, POSS, and IMC among other programs.
• Must have knowledge of New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice and Criminal Procedure Laws
• Must have demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, written communication skills, verbal skills and problem-solving skills
• Must have demonstrated ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
• Current valid motor vehicle operator's license
• Current certification in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Defensive Tactics
• Must successfully undergo the following examinations:
• Selection and screening process (written and oral)
• Comprehensive background investigation
• Psychological evaluation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate or bachelor's degree.
• Experience in public/private campus environment.
• Training in investigations, sexual assault, and crime scene management.
• Current certification in suicide prevention

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

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