Job Summary:
The Public Safety Sergeant – 2nd Shift serves as the shift supervisor for the University's Office of Public Safety (OPS) and is responsible for the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, visitors, and University property during the 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. shift.
The Sergeant provides direct supervision and operational oversight of Public Safety Officers, Corporals, Communications personnel, and other assigned staff during the shift. The Sergeant is responsible for ensuring appropriate staffing and deployment, responding to significant incidents, supervising investigations, enforcing University safety, parking, and traffic regulations, and coordinating public safety operations for evening programs, activities, and special events.
The Sergeant shall direct the day-to-day operations of the assigned shift in accordance with University policies, applicable federal, state, and local laws, Office of Public Safety directives, and special orders issued by the University under the direction of the Director of Public Safety (Chief) or designee.
The Sergeant is expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain a visible and professional presence on campus, respond promptly to emergencies and significant incidents, and promote positive relationships with students, employees, visitors, and members of the University community.
Essential Functions:
- Supervise and direct the day-to-day activities of Public Safety personnel assigned to the 2nd shift.
- Ensure adequate allocation and deployment of personnel and resources throughout the 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. shift.
- Supervise Public Safety Officers, Public Safety Corporals, Communications personnel, and other assigned support staff.
- Conduct shift briefings and ensure personnel are informed of current safety concerns, incidents, special assignments, events, and operational directives.
- Monitor campus conditions during evening hours and proactively identify potential safety, security, traffic, lighting, access-control, and other hazards.
- Respond to and assume command of serious, unusual, or complex incidents occurring during the shift.
- Provide guidance and assistance to Public Safety Officers and Corporals during non-routine incidents, investigations, emergencies, and other complex situations.
- Personally participate in significant or complex investigations and incidents as appropriate.
- Ensure all calls for service are appropriately addressed through the assignment of personnel, response, referral, or other appropriate action.
- Review and approve reports, referrals, incident documentation, and other work products prepared by Public Safety Officers and Corporals.
- Ensure incidents occurring during the shift are properly documented and communicated to appropriate University personnel.
- Maintain effective communication and coordination with the Director of Public Safety and other University leadership regarding significant incidents and emerging safety concerns.
- Oversee enforcement of University parking, traffic, access, and safety regulations.
- Coordinate and supervise public safety operations for evening programs, athletic events, student activities, performances, meetings, and other special events occurring during the assigned shift.
- Ensure appropriate staffing and security coverage for events and activities and make adjustments as circumstances require.
- Monitor building access and campus activity during evening hours and address unauthorized access or suspicious activity.
- Assist with crime prevention, security awareness, and safety initiatives.
- Maintain a visible and professional presence throughout campus and promote positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, visitors, and community members.
- Serve as a source of information and direction for students, employees, visitors, and members of the campus community.
- Make recommendations regarding training needs and professional development for personnel under their supervision.
- Conduct ongoing performance observations and complete required employee evaluations and documentation as directed.
- Address employee performance, attendance, conduct, and operational concerns in accordance with University policies and departmental procedures.
- Ensure appropriate shift-to-shift communication and provide a thorough handoff of significant incidents, outstanding matters, staffing concerns, and operational issues to the incoming supervisor.
- Maintain and respond to a University-issued cell phone in accordance with departmental policy.
- Represent the Director of Public Safety and/or the University at University or community meetings, as assigned.
- Serve in an occasional on-call capacity during scheduled days off, as assigned.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Public Safety or designee.
Required Equipment and Safety Responsibilities:
- Carry and properly use University-issued public safety equipment in accordance with University policy, departmental procedures, and applicable law.
- If authorized and required by the position, carry an approved firearm while on duty and maintain all required licensing, training, and qualifications.
- Carry and properly maintain other department-issued equipment, which may include a Taser, baton, pepper spray, radio, and other public safety equipment, as authorized by departmental policy.
- Maintain all required certifications, licenses, training, and qualifications necessary to perform assigned duties.
- Comply with all University requirements related to firearm authorization, use-of-force training, equipment qualifications, and fitness for duty.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement, public safety, security management, or a closely related field.
- Previous supervisory or lead experience in law enforcement, public safety, security, or a related environment preferred.
- Associate degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, criminology, law enforcement, business administration, public administration, security management, or a related field preferred.
- Bachelor's degree or advanced degree preferred.
- A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, consistent with University requirements.
- Missouri POST certification preferred.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain any required armed security officer license or other applicable credentials within the timeframe established by the University and applicable licensing authority.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must successfully complete all required University background screening and pre-employment requirements.
- Must meet all applicable qualifications and requirements necessary to lawfully perform the duties of an armed public safety position.
Other Required Skills and Abilities:
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Must satisfy all applicable licensing, background-screening, and employment requirements for the position.
- Must demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and timely incident reports and other documentation.
- Ability to use computers, radios, telephones, security systems, and other technology commonly used in public safety operations.
- Ability to type a minimum of 25 words per minute.
- Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment during emergencies, conflicts, and other high-pressure situations.
- Ability to effectively supervise, motivate, coach, and hold employees accountable.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse student, faculty, staff, parent, visitor, and community population.
- Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions within established policies and procedures.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and culturally diverse environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, service, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work the assigned 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. shift, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
- Ability to work overtime or adjust work hours when required to meet University public safety needs.
Work Schedule
Regular Shift: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, special events, and overtime based on University operational and public safety needs. The Sergeant may also be required to serve in an on-call capacity during scheduled days off, as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Requirements:
The Public Safety Sergeant must be able to perform the physical and mental functions necessary to safely and effectively perform public safety duties, including responding to emergencies, conducting patrols, standing and walking for extended periods, and operating public safety equipment.
The position may involve exposure to stressful, unpredictable, or potentially hazardous situations. Employees must be able to perform assigned duties in accordance with University policies, applicable training requirements, and established fitness-for-duty standards.
EOE Statement
Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
