Police Officer

Job Description

The Public Safety Division at Virginia Tech is comprised of the Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, and the Office of Emergency Management and has a critical role in supporting the well‑being of our community. We are essential in planning for and responding to emergency events, and in creating a culture of preparedness where employees and students are safe in their work and living environments.

Police Officers at Virginia Tech protect and serve a diverse University community.

Responsibilities include:

• Investigating motor vehicle accidents, personal injuries, and criminal matters
• Enforcement of state and federal laws and University policies
• Preparation of reports
• Courtroom testimony
• Traffic direction and crowd control
• Response to emergency situations
• Extended foot patrol
• Working a rotating shift that includes weekends, nights, and holidays
• Reporting for duty in adverse weather conditions and/or when the university is otherwise closed ("Emergency Personnel")
• Adhering to all criteria established for a Nationally Accredited Police Department

Police Officers also perform other duties as requested by supervisor, take initiative to support the best interests of the department and a healthy work environment, strive to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct, Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community, and support the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Experience:

• Experience with writing reports or similar documents
• Experience working with the public
• Demonstrated computer experience

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse department and the university community
• Ability to give credible court testimony and comprehend legal documents
• Ability to use independent judgment and exercise considerable restraint under stressful situations
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle at high speeds in adverse conditions
• Ability to ascertain facts through personal contact, observation, and examination of records
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations
• Ability to recognize safety and security hazards on campus and take appropriate corrective action

Physical Fitness:

• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities
• Ability to run, jump, climb stairs, bend, lift, and physically restrain an individual as needed
• Ability to perform duties on bicycle, vehicle, or foot
• Must pass a physical abilities test by running 1.5 miles within 20 minutes
• Must be able to use a respirator
• Following a conditional offer, one must pass a medical exam, including vision testing

Pre-Employment and Ongoing Employee Screening:

• Candidates for employment are required to successfully complete an extensive background check and credit history check, with satisfactory results. This includes, but is not limited to, a driving records check, criminal history check (including fingerprinting), and a pre-employment drug screening
• Incumbents are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol screening in accordance with department policy
• Successful completion of a psychological assessment is required

Federal, State, Local Government, and Other Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen as required by Virginia Code Section 15.2‑1705
• Must qualify under federal and state guidelines to carry a firearm. Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from carrying a firearm
• Must be a high school graduate or able to furnish documentary evidence of equivalency degree
• Must currently possess a valid Virginia Operator's License or be able to obtain it within 30 days of employment
• Must meet vision requirements: no worse than 20/200 uncorrected, must correct to 20/20; color blindness, including pronounced shade deficiencies, will be disqualifying
• Must be at least 20 years of age on the date of hire
• Must meet all other standards by law (15.2‑1705: 9‑169 Code of Virginia) and by the policy of the Criminal Justice Services Board

Visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for details on the above employment conditions.

Pursuant to Virginia Tech policy 4260, Probationary Period for Salaried University Staff…