1st Class Officer - Valparaiso University

Performs a variety of routine, and complex, police/public safety work consisting of: preventative patrol, community policing activities, criminal investigations, vehicle crash investigations, enforcement of Federal and State Statutes, enforcement of Valparaiso University Rules & Regulations, traffic control activities, safety checks, event and site security, responding to medical and fire calls, providing emergency response to community member requests, as well as performing all other police/public safety functions within the Valparaiso University Campus.

Major Responsibilities:

• To patrol the Valparaiso University Campus, and nearby city streets, on foot, bicycle, ATV, or in a police vehicle to preserve law and order, to prevent and/or discover the commission of a crime, to lend assistance to citizens in need, to note and report situations which endanger the health, safety and convenience of the campus community.
• To answer calls for service, and impartially, investigate complaints.
• To investigate crimes, and campus rules and regulation violations, legally arrest persons, or issue state and campus citations. To participate in prosecutions or campus judicial processes, and to work with the campus community in an effort to reduce crime in the community.
• To provide campus policing services to the campus community, as needed. (including, but not limited to: safety programming, bank details, Clery reporting, funeral escorts, animal control, medical and fire assists, motorist assists, and other services.)
• To perform security protection and traffic control for various events/activities on and near campus. (Including uniform and undercover details)
• Completes all required reports accurately and in a timely manner.

Type and Years of Prior Work Experience:

• Hold a Indiana Law Enforcement Academy certification or equivalent law enforcement academy/experience. Must be able to adapt to changes and perform duties under life-threatening or high stress environments. Minimum of a high school education. Maintain a current driver's license.
• Major Logical and/or Critical thinking to solve problems and interpret instructions. Ability to communicate effectively, in English, both verbally and/or in writing, with the police department, campus community and the general public. Operation of tools and equipment.
• Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, campus policies, rules and regulations, and department procedures (SOPs), ability to perform work requiring good physical condition, ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with subordinates, peers and supervisors; ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to learn the campus and nearby geography.

Other Qualifications:

Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, campus policies, rules and regulations, and department procedures (SOPs), ability to perform work requiring good physical condition, ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with subordinates, peers and supervisors; ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to learn the campus and nearby geography.

Major Challenges:

Ability to maintain a mental capacity to continue ongoing training and expand one's skill level, allowing the capability to exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under stressful and/or dangerous circumstances. Ability to evaluate various options, which could include life and death decisions. Ability to effectively deal with personal danger, which may include exposure to armed and/or dangerous persons, dangerous animals, communicable diseases, hazards of emergency driving, hazardous materials, natural and man-made disasters. Must be capable of working holidays, weekends and shift work.

Authority and Responsibility:

To protect life and property; the patrol officer will enforce Federal Law, Indiana State Statutes, and the Valparaiso University Policy, Rules and Regulations. This could include one or more of the following: performing investigations, detaining, restraining and/or arresting subjects, temporarily committing a person to a health facility, and/or making life or death decisions in the line of duty.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 2 professional references
• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Lt. Keith Thompson, Lieutenant

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana

Required Skills


Required Experience