Community Service Officer - Patrol

Are you looking for an opportunity to work with a diverse community while gaining law enforcement experience? The University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus is hiring Community Service Officers (CSOs) to support police officers. As a CSO, you will provide uniformed, unarmed public safety services and advise members of the University community regarding safe behaviors, ordinances, rules, and policies to promote a safe and inclusive campus. This position is designed to provide candidates with a career path into the law enforcement agency and is a two-year temporary post.

About the role

• Patrols the campus to provide visible presence and deter criminal activity
• Communicates relevant ordinances, rules, and policies in support of a safe and secure campus
• Takes reports of crimes and incidents from citizens that do not require a police officer
• Responds to incidents on campus at the approval or direction of the on-duty police supervisor
• Assists U Security with escorts or patrol coverage
• Enforces University parking ordinances
• Tows vehicles at the direction of police officer
• Traffic direction at crime scenes or accidents scenes
• Traffic direction at large-scale events
• Perimeter security at crime scenes or large-scale events
• Provides first aid as needed
• Assists with community outreach
• Other miscellaneous duties as assigned

Limitations/Prohibited Tasks

CSOs will not:

• Operate a department vehicle with red lights or siren in operation
• Perform duties which require training typically reserved for licensed police officers
• Process evidence or crime scenes, take statements, or transport arrestees without approval or direction by an on-duty police supervisor
• Investigate state motor vehicle accidents or take reports on these incidents
• Be involved or respond to situations that present danger or risk such as:
  • Making custodial arrests based on probable cause
  • Making custodial arrests for warrants
  • Enforcing State Statute Criminal Violations
  • Stopping traffic violators
  • Checking citizens for driver’s license status or warrants (CJIS)
  • Handling calls of crimes in progress without the direction of or in conjunction with a licensed officer
  • Handling alarm calls
  • Handling calls of a person in crisis without approval or direction by an on-duty police supervisor

These examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed and are not all-inclusive. The job description is subject to change as the needs of the University change.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an Associates or Bachelors program and at least one year of work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years
• Able to pass a background check
• Valid driver’s license
• Must meet and maintain requirements for access to law enforcement sensitive information including CJIS Data Access Terminals
• Regular attendance

Preferred Qualifications

• POST Eligible
• Military, Law Enforcement or Public Safety Experience
• Desire to become a sworn police officer at the University of Minnesota Police Department

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Capable of understanding use of force and defensive tactics policy
• Ability to complete training in baton, chemical aerosol, and handcuffing
• Able to work with diverse populations and to respond with sensitivity to their needs and concerns
• Able to resolve problems and make decisions quickly and effectively to defuse conflicts
• Able to administer first aid, CPR, and AED in accordance with training

Physical/Environmental Demands

• Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• Required to work outside during all weather conditions
• Able to travel (on foot) to all campus locations quickly in all conditions including construction sites
• Able to use stairs during emergencies and during patrols
• Able to patrol or stand post for all or most of assigned shifts

Benefits

• MN State Retirement System (MSRS) pension plan - tax-deferred
• Thirteen paid vacation days per year (starting accrual rate), in addition to 13 paid sick days and 11 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75% - 100% of eligible tuition through the Regents Scholarship
• Excellent and affordable health care benefits
• Wellbeing Program (reduction in annual premiums)
• Yearly merit increase program
• Many professional development opportunities