Lateral Public Safety Officer

Job Title: Lateral Public Safety Officer

Location: Syracuse, NY

Campus: Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range $35.577 Per Hour

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level 04

FLSA Status Non-exempt

Hours

Various, to include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type Full-time

Unionized Position Code UX

Job Description

The Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) seeks experienced officers for its Lateral Public Safety Officer (Lateral PSO) entry program. Qualified officers serve a diverse university community, applying their experience to patrol, community policing and initial investigations in a campus setting.

As a Lateral PSO, officers help maintain a safe and welcoming campus through proactive patrol, community policing, emergency response, and initial investigations. Officers apply their professional training and experience to protect life and property, prevent and detect crime, enforce applicable laws and University policies, and provide responsive public safety services.

The Lateral PSO is a bargaining unit position designed for candidates with qualifying law enforcement experience and certification. Newly hired officers complete departmental field training and become familiar with University policies, procedures, and campus operations. Successful candidates demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, strong communication skills, and a commitment to community-oriented public safety. A Lateral Public Safety Officer becomes a Senior Public Safety Officer on July 1 following the date on which the employee completes three complete years of total service in the role of Lateral Public Safety Officer.

Education and Experience

• Associates degree from an accredited college or university and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• An officer with at least five years of experience as a police officer or peace officer with another agency and NYS peace officer or police officer certification may be appointed as a Lateral Public Safety Officer.

• Must be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen.

NYS peace officer or police officer certification at appointment.

Skills and Knowledge

• Possess a valid driver’s license and excellent driving record; must be able to obtain a valid New York State driver’s license upon hire.
• Complete and maintain applicable NYS campus peace officer certification, firearms qualifications and departmental training requirements.
• Successfully complete the applicable probationary period, including the department’s Field Training Program.
• Working knowledge of applicable criminal statutes and ability to learn and apply University and Department of Public Safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to follow lawful commands and written directions, evaluate information, and exercise sound independent judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Maintain physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
• Demonstrated proficiency with personal computers, including Windows-based applications.
• Ability and willingness to work assigned day, evening or night shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Successfully satisfy applicable criminal background, comprehensive background investigation, drug screening and psychological examination requirements.
• Demonstrated customer service and interpersonal skills, with strong verbal and written communication abilities, including the preparation of accurate, clear and thorough reports and records.

Responsibilities

• Supports the University and Department of Public Safety mission through ethical, professional and inclusive service.

• Conducts crime prevention and safety patrols, property checks and responds to calls for service.

• Maintains a visible public safety presence while applying principles of fairness, transparency and impartiality in community interactions and complaint resolutions.

• Prepares accurate activity, incident and investigative reports, including documentation for student code of conduct proceedings and criminal prosecutions.

• Effectively utilizes radio and electronic communications systems to coordinate public safety operations and facilitate timely information sharing.

• Under general supervision, performs patrol, law enforcement, initial investigations and emergency response duties, applying prior experience, departmental training and sound judgment.

• Patrols assigned areas on foot, bicycle or vehicle; investigates violations of University policies and applicable laws, accidents, injuries, alarms and suspicious activity.

• Conducts interviews, makes authorized arrests, provides emergency medical assistance and investigates criminal incidents.

• Secures crime scenes, collects and preserves evidence, and assists with suspect transport, booking, civil disturbances and crowd control.

• May serve as Field Training Officer, Officer in Charge, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor or in other specialized assignments upon completion of required training, qualifications and departmental authorization.

• Provides leadership, training and mentoring as assigned. Lateral appointment does not independently confer supervisory authority or specialized qualifications.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Physical Requirements

• Not Applicable

• Tools/Equipment

• Not Applicable