Patrol Officer

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277-bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027. CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

About the role

These positions will be assigned to a shift of either 10:00 pm to 6:00 am or 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, depending on the needs of the department. Candidates may need to work other shifts as required.

Responsibilities

• Patrols within statutory jurisdiction; properties, buildings, and parking lots by foot, vehicle, or as assigned to establish a visible presence to deter criminal activity and to detect incidents compromising safety and security.
• Responds to calls for service in a timely manner.
• Assists local law enforcement with investigations of vehicle crashes on state-owned property consistent with Department policies.
• Provides crime prevention services to the facility through frequent patrols and safety presentations.
• Ensures that facilities and occupants are secure and safe by following Hospital and Departmental Policy and Procedure.
• Takes appropriate observation and notification actions to support law enforcement authorities in the prevention and investigation of criminal law violations consistent with Department policies and Virginia State Code.
• Performs facility fire drills to maintain compliance with State Fire Marshal and Joint Commission regulations.
• Performs patrols to check doors and windows of buildings on campus.
• Checks out Department cell phone for work business.
• Properly raises, lowers, and stores flags for CSH and HDMC.
• Using a dispatched system, receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service, requesting police, fire protection, and support services; determines the nature, location, priority, and dispatches the appropriate public safety officer or tradesman without delay.
• Conducts inspection of patrol vehicles at the beginning of each shift.
• Responds in a professional manner to various incidents and emergencies.
• Issues keys with proper paperwork and signatures.
• Maintains a positive and professional demeanor when interacting with others.
• Responds to criminal investigations in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
• Investigates, observes, and reports suspected criminal activity to law enforcement authorities.
• Testifies in court when needed.
• Types and sends reports.
• Values the work of others through mutual respect and support.
• Maintains all equipment and uniforms in satisfactory condition.
• Works overtime as needed for Department and Hospital functions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid Virginia Driver's License.
• Ability to become certified as a DCJS Unarmed Security Officer.
• Previous security, law enforcement, or military experience.
• Previous experience working in a mental-health/behavioral-health setting.
• Must be available to work weekends.
• Must be able to work assigned shifts and, as operationally required, any of the three permanent shifts.
• Must be able to successfully complete all required training, certifications, and recertifications.

Pay

$23.05 per hour.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including choice of health plans.
• Paid life insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Annual leave.
• Family personal leave.
• Sick leave.
• Employee discount programs.