Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Performs a wide variety of law enforcement functions, including but not limited to: patrol, security, investigations, criminal gang activity, crime prevention, surveillance, and other law enforcement related duties. Utilizes proper skills to ensure the safety and security of people, property, and equipment throughout the University community. Officers work a variety of hours which may require overtime or on-call assignments.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Utah Post LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) or willing to attend Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Course (POST)
• United States citizen on the date of appointment
• A valid Utah Driver's License to be obtained upon date of hire.
• Considerable human relation and communication skills
• Qualified applicants must successfully complete the department approved physical fitness test, a thorough background investigation, and must be willing to submit to a drug screening test
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Police Science, or a related area is preferred

DISQUALIFIERS INCLUDE:

FELONY CONVICTION - Applicants may not have been convicted of a crime which could have been punished by imprisonment in a federal penitentiary or by imprisonment in the penitentiary of this or another state. Felony convictions as a minor (under 18 years of age) may not automatically disqualify an individual, and will be individually reviewed. 

MISDEMEANOR CONVICTION - Misdemeanor crimes involving violence, sexual conduct, or dishonesty require a minimum two year waiting period from date of conviction or involvement. Conviction of misdemeanor crimes not listed above may require a one (1) year wait depending upon the crime and severity. 

MORAL CHARACTER – Applicants shall demonstrate good moral character, as determined by a department conducted background investigation including criminal history records as well as expunged records. Conviction of any criminal offense is an indication that the applicant may not be of good moral character and may be grounds for disqualification.  Applicants may be required to take a truth verification examination which will be used as part of the background investigation. 

MILITARY SERVICE - Applicants will be disqualified for any discharge less than honorable. 

PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL CONDITION - Applicants must pass a psychological evaluation with a passing suitability rating. Specific questions as to the suitability of a candidate's physical and mental condition will be determined during this examination. 

TATTOOS – Tattoos, brands, and decals cannot be obscene, offensive, distract from professional appearance, or interfere with on-duty actions and responsibilities. 

ILLEGAL DRUGS - Applicants may not have used any illegal drug while employed in any law enforcement or prosecutorial position, or while employed in a position which carries a high level of public trust.  Applicants may not have sold, manufactured, cultivated, or distributed any illegal drug. Any use of LSD or PCP will automatically exclude the applicant from the process. Applicants may not have used hard drugs or their derivatives and synthetic equivalents within five (5) years prior to the application closing date.

OUT OF STATE LATERAL APPLICANTS –
- Must have the State of Utah Post Certification.
- All out of state lateral applicants must complete and pass the Utah POST waiver test prior to hire.
- Utah POST standards: https://post.utah.gov/law-enforcement-officer-leo-exit-physical-fitness-requirements/
- Utah POST waiver test: https://utahpost.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/5000804150-post-application-for-training-and-certification-instructions

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls, i.e., thefts, accidents, assaults. Gives assistance, assesses, and remedies the situation as appropriate; files a written report.
2. Conducts or assists in criminal, narcotics, traffic, and gang related investigations by applying specialized skills, gathering evidence, and protecting the crime scene.
3. Assists the criminal intelligence operation by gathering information from other law enforcement agencies, confidential informants, or the general public to provide substantiated facts.
4. Takes initial reports/complaints, prepares written reports, and maintains detailed and accurate records for files, follow-up investigations, and court purposes.
5. Performs surveillance in high risk or known crime areas in order to apprehend suspects involved in criminal activity.
6. Obtains and serves search/arrest warrants as well as apprehends suspects; performs warrantless searches and seizures as necessary.
7. Interviews and interrogates witnesses/suspects to acquire relevant information.
8. Prepares cases for the Office of the Attorney General; testifies and gives evidence in court.
9. Participates in the motorist assist program to promote a positive public image, i.e., helping people who are locked out of their cars, have dead car batteries, flat tires, etc.
10. Maintains issued equipment and supplies.
11. Assists in the classroom and field training of new officers; instructs classes; gives presentations to various public groups.
12. Uses logic and reasoning to independently make critical decisions, and uses initiative and common sense in a variety of police functions.
13. Officers must safely effect forcible arrest(s), pursue suspects on foot, safely control combatant(s), respond to emergencies, accept rotating shift and 24 hour on-call shifts, protecting and ensuring the safety of University students, staff, faculty and visitors while working extended hours in demanding and stressful environments. Therefore, Officers must annually pass a physical fitness assessment as a condition of employment.

Problem Solving

The Police Officer has the authority to enforce State law and University regulations within the jurisdiction of the University or as directed by the Chief. The incumbent may make arrests and may be required to use physical and/or lethal force in the line of duty. 

The incumbent is faced with high stress situations and split-second decision making on a daily basis. Crisis situations frequently arise and the officer must reason clearly to solve the problems inherent in crisis situations. In all encounters, the incumbent is expected to exhibit professional behavior.

Comments

Certification requirements must be maintained by completing 40 hours of in-service training each year.

This position involves working rotating shifts, 24 hour on-call shifts, and the ability to respond to emergency situations with no notice or short notice. Officers may also be required to work frequent planned or unplanned overtime assignments.

Within the jurisdiction, an Officer will respond for service to banks, credit union offices, hospitals, psychiatric wards, residential living areas, hotels, military installation, sports facilities, etc.

Officers with two or more years of experience may also serve as detectives. The detective is responsible for surveillance, in-depth criminal investigations, and may function as an undercover operative, or handle controlled substance cases and gang related crimes, etc.