Special Police Officer (Sworn) - Internal Posting Only

About Us:

Founded in 1968 to meet the post-secondary and continuing education needs of Cecil County residents, Cecil College has been serving the community and shaping its future for more than 50 years. The College is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the governor. The College’s fifth president, Dr. Mary Way Bolt, reports directly to the Board of Trustees.

Cecil College is centrally located in Maryland’s most northeastern county, just one half mile from Interstate 95. It is easily accessible from Philadelphia and Baltimore, as well as from Wilmington, Delaware.

With a diverse student population, Cecil College enrolls approximately 2,500 credit students and 3,400 non-credit students. Cecil offers associate degrees, certificate programs and non-credit classes. Cecil offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs.

Through its open admissions policy, Cecil College provides learning opportunities for all who have the desire and ability to benefit from its courses and programs, regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status.

Employees of Cecil College, including instructors for online and virtual courses, must be residents of Maryland or the contiguous states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US, as the College does not offer Visa sponsorships.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under indirect supervision, provide personal, equipment, and real property security for faculty, staff, students and visitors on Campus. Provide escort services and other basic public assistance services as needed. Perform routine security and public safety patrol duties. Remain alert to emergency situations and provide first line response, emergency management and/or referral if required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patrol campus facilities and grounds to observe and ensure the safety and security of persons, buildings, and property. Assignments can include foot and vehicle patrols. As the facility is secured at all times, the majority of the shift will be in a stationary position inside the lobby at the parking lot main entry door, controlling access to those individuals authorized to access the facility. Patrols are carried out under all types of weather conditions. 

Exercise the same powers as peace officers and law-enforcement officers, in order to protect life and property, while in the performance of the lawful duties at Cecil College. Execute all lawful orders, warrants and other processes directed to the special police officer by any court or judge of this State; however, a special police officer shall only have such power and duty as determined by the office of the Governor of Maryland upon review and they determine that the special police officer may exercise such duty or power.

As part of your duty, and in the exercise of the special police officer’s lawful authority, notify the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office or Elkton Police, which have primary law-enforcement jurisdiction in every instance in which the special police officer makes a custodial detention, an arrest, a search of a person or place, or when the occurrence of a criminal act is reported to the special police officer. It shall be the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office or Elkton Police to undertake any necessary investigation and to comply with the reporting requirements.

Investigate crimes and other complaints by: Obtaining all initial data through personal questioning of complainants, witnesses, and others and/or by examining the area where the incident occurred; gathering evidence; checking relevant documents, identity of complainants and witnesses and record of suspects; recording pertinent information for reference purposes; writing comprehensive reports concerning the investigations conducted, and giving testimony and introducing evidence in judicial proceedings, and maintain confidentiality.

Handle complaints, desk telephone duties, receiving complaints by telephone or in person; receiving and disposing of lost and found articles; monitoring alarm systems; radio dispatch and continuous communications with other public safety officers on patrol; provide general assistance to the public; compiles relevant reports, records, and memoranda.

Assist members of the college community, providing information and guidance on matters of concern, including maintenance of security and protection from theft and vandalism.

Respond to fire alarms to assist with locating the source of alarm, evacuating the building when necessary, and resetting of alarm system. Administer first aid, coordinate emergency response, and provide initial support to victims in traumatic situations.

Collaborate with the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, Elkton Police and other law enforcement agencies with regard to investigations relating to college matters. Perform enforcement duties relating to college policies and procedures in a fair and consistent manner. Patrol parking lots and enforce the college's parking policy, issuing parking violations as warranted.

Respond to security alarms to allow access for the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office or Elkton Police, detain unlawful intruders, and/or determine reason for false alarms. Assist the general public by giving advice and information relating to the campus and consistent with college objectives, guidelines, policies and practices in a helpful and professional manner.

When off-duty - Scheduled on a rotating basis for on-call status and will be required to respond to the North East, and Elkton Station campuses during closed hours when an alarm is received and dispacthed from our alarm monitoring contractor, Vigiles Alarm Company.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED. Associates Degree preferred.
• Prior experience as a Public Safety Officer, Police Officer or military
• Successful completion of courses in law enforcement/criminal justice required. Courses include - laws of arrest, cultural diversity, community relations, defensive tactics, search and seizure, sex crimes, criminal law and criminal investigations.

Ability to qualify for a Maryland Weapons Carry Permit.

Ability to qualify and be certified/appointed as a Maryland Special Police Officer.

Ability to pass Maryland First Responder course and obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the first year.

Ability to operate college owned/leased vehicles.

Knowledge of policies and regulations.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:

Job responsibilities are performed primarily in the school environment where noise levels are usually moderate. The special police officer must operate under stressful conditions and respond to emergency situations.

Standing: Special police officers are required to stand approximately 75 to 85% of the work shift on a variety of surfaces including low pile carpet, tile, linoleum flooring and concrete. Periods of continual standing are for no more than 3.5 hours at a time and would be at the special police officer's discretion. While standing, special police officers perform a variety of duties.

Walking: The special police officers are required to walk approximately 55 to 75% of the workday. On occasions, special police officers may walk distances of up to 500 yards at one time from one end of the campus to another. Periods of continual walking are typically performed.

Lifting: Occasional lifting of equipment weighing up to 50 pounds may be required.

Hazards: This job addresses functions where numerous problems can be encountered. The work involves the evaluation of an issue or issues and requires selecting a course of action from several alternatives. Decisions regarding what needs to be done include the assessment of unusual circumstances, variations in approach, and interpretation of data.

Some of the problems encountered can be life threatening. Decisions made by the special police officer affect the reputation and standing of the college.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel.
• Ability to complete routine paperwork.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Ability to successfully conduct security patrols without direct supervision.
• Skill in performing building security and lock procedures.
• Skill in providing protection services to individuals on campus.
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility and customer service orientation.
• Ability to understand, follow and enforce safety codes, regulations and procedures.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to use Window-based computer systems and programs in preparing and presenting periodic reports

WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:

• Work schedule may vary during critical periods requiring evening, Saturday, or Sunday work hours depending on the needs of the College.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Possession of a valid Driver’s license is a requirement for this job
• Satisfactory Criminal, Credit and Motor Vehicle background checks
• Requires physical fitness level to perform actions in emergency situations
• Must remain drug free and have no felony convictions.

General Benefits:

Cecil College offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefit package offering medical, dental and vision coverage for employee and eligible dependents; generous annual, sick and personal leave; 19 paid holidays; tuition assistance and tuition waiver based on eligibility guidelines; opportunity to enroll in retirement accounts (403B or Maryland State Retirement System based on eligibility guidelines); voluntary retirement account with TIAA or Fidelity, employee paid short term disability, employer provided basic life insurance and accidental death insurance, and employee paid voluntary life insurance, access to Fitness Center, and library. For more information Employee Benefits | Cecil College

This is a non-exempt (hourly), overtime eligible position; Grade 109 (pay scale:$20.72-$33.15/hr). The budgeted range for the position is $20.72-$25.64 Applicants initial salary placement is based on internal equity and relevant candidate experience.

Based upon the budgeted hours of a position, contribution to the Maryland State Retirement Pension System may be required.

*We are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all hiring and employment practices. Cecil College will not discriminate against any individual by reason of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic status, genetic information, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

Last updated on Oct 17, 2024