Armed Public Safety Officer

About the Role

This position ensures the safety and security of Emory Healthcare facilities, staff, patients, and visitors through proactive patrols, incident response, and access control.

Responsibilities

• Patrol facilities and property to detect unauthorized persons, activities, unsafe conditions, and ensure life safety standards are maintained.
• Maintain communication with supervisors, fellow officers, Security Operations Center, and law enforcement to report crimes, incidents, and safety irregularities.
• Intervene in disputes using verbal de-escalation techniques to diffuse potentially violent situations involving patients, employees, or visitors.
• Investigate and document incidents, safety hazards, and criminal activities in both written and electronic formats for Public Safety Leadership.
• Control access to restricted properties, verify admittance of authorized individuals, and escort people/property as needed for safety.
• Assist with parking, security during special events, and provide visitors with directions and security information.
• Perform security services and dispatcher duties when assigned.
• Participate in approved non-security activities such as transport and release of bodies from the morgue, patient escort, elevator recall checks, fire extinguisher/panic alarm/intercom checks, and special event setups.
• Interview and investigate individuals involved in suspicious or illegal activities.
• Detain unauthorized individuals in compliance with state and federal law, using force when appropriate to protect patients, staff, and visitors.

Requirements

• External candidates: Minimum of two (2) consecutive years of armed security, military, or law enforcement experience within the last 7 years.
• Internal candidates: Minimum of eight (8) consecutive months as an Emory Public Safety Officer (PSO).
• Must possess one of the following:
  • POST certification; OR
  • Military registration (DD214 or current Military ID); OR
  • Federal, state, or local firearms certification (e.g., Department of Homeland Security, NASA, NRA, GBI, or Secretary of State).
• Successfully complete the Basic Security Officer and Firearms course mandated by the Secretary of State within 3 months post-hire.
• Complete training to carry non-lethal weapons (e.g., Taser or baton) within 3 months post-hire.
• Valid Driver’s License (no recent history of serious traffic violations).
• Pass a psychological exam.
• Obtain IAHSS Basic certification within 12 months.
• Obtain BLS Certification within 12 months.
• Complete FEMA IS 100, 200, 700, and 800 within six (6) months.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting: 75 lbs max; carrying objects up to 35 lbs.
• Occasional to frequent standing and walking; occasional sitting.
• Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing).
• Physical demands may vary by assigned work area and tasks.
• Weight distribution:
  • 36–75 lbs, 0–33% of the workday (occasionally);
  • 20–35 lbs, 34–66% of the workday (frequently);
  • 10–20 lbs, 67–100% of the workday (constantly).

Environmental Factors

• Exposures may include but are not limited to:
  • Blood-borne pathogens and bio-hazardous waste;
  • Chemicals, gases, fumes, or vapors;
  • Communicable diseases;
  • Electrical shock;
  • Floor surfaces;
  • Hot/cold temperatures;
  • Indoor/outdoor conditions;
  • Latex;
  • Lighting;
  • Patient care/handling injuries;
  • Radiation;
  • Shift work;
  • Travel (may be required);
  • Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators.
• Environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and tasks.