Princeton University

Overview

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the primary department charged with creating a safe and secure environment at Princeton University. DPS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of 111 staff members. The department consists of professional University police, security officers, dispatchers, and administrators dedicated to providing best-in-class service to the community.

DPS was originally recognized and awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in July 2015 and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status in July 2018 and July 25, 2022. CALEA serves as the “International Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies” and oversees a rigorous accreditation process. In addition, DPS was awarded accreditation status on March 14, 2019, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status on March 10, 2022, by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (NJLEAC). These awards are a mark of professional excellence and signify that we have earned these distinguished honors through continued compliance with CALEA/NJLEAC Standards. Throughout these processes, we established and implemented policies and practices that meet or exceed the National and State standards, to serve both the Department and the community well in the future.

Non-sworn security officers work in several different areas including the main campus, the James Forrestal campus, Firestone Library, the Princeton University Art Museum, and their off-site storage facility.

Responsibilities

As part of an assigned team, security officers provide general security, personal safety, and customer services to the University community as well as specialized security preserving and protecting University property from theft and vandalism.

Officers patrol campus, conduct security inspections, building lockups, and staff the two access kiosks and serve as the first point of contact for vehicular traffic coming onto the main campus.

Officers understand access control systems, circulation, and safety systems, and known locations of emergency exits in event of an emergency. 

Officers staff the control rooms at Firestone and the Art Museum. They actively monitor security access, CCTV, fire, and environmental systems.

Officers maintain constant standing and active walking patrol to assist University guests with information and assistance.

Officers maintain effective working relationships with all members of the campus community including students, faculty, staff, alumni, docents, and visitors.

Officers are aware of and understand all special and general orders about the job. 

Officers inspect and ensure security and safety and report all deficiencies to their supervisor. 

Officers are knowledgeable of pedestrian traffic flow, recognize unusual incidents or unwarranted intrusions, and effect prompt and proper requests for assistance when required. 

They utilize communication means available for reporting purposes, emergency requests, and normal business.

They operate departmental vehicles as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Officers respond to incidents, accidents, and other emergencies and are responsible for administering CPR and First Aid.

Officers are required to engage in various community-oriented public safety activities.

Officers report to a sergeant or supervisor as appropriate to the assigned location.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work on all shifts (standard work week is 40 hours, standard shifts are 8, 10, or 12 hours), during various hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Overtime is mandatory.
• Successfully complete various fitness for duty assessments including:
• Post offer pre-employment (POPES) medical exam for hire, transfers, promotions, and/or layoff placements
• N-95 mask fitting
• Background check.
• Physical demands are more than those for sedentary or medium heavy work; must be able to remain on feet for a minimum of eight hours at a time with scheduled breaks.
• Position requires moderate physical activity.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, and run.
• Must be able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights.
• Must be able to exert up to thirty pounds of force frequently or constantly lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must operate a variety of machines and equipment including, but not limited to automobile, office equipment, radio, telephone, etc.
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperature and loud noises.
• Work involves moderate exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety.
• Must be physically fit and able to defend one’s self or others from attack or physical assault.
• Must have 20-20 or 20-30 vision either naturally or with corrective lenses.
• This is a unionized position: International Union, Security, Police, and Fire Professional of America (SPFPA).
• Per the SPFPA contact the starting salary is $19.16/hour = $39, 852.80. Will increase to $21.00/hour = $43,681 as of 05/29/23.
• Per the SPFPA contract this position has a 12-month probationary period.
• The final candidate must successfully complete a background check.
• This is a year-round full-time position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree.
• Previous security experience.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours

40.00

Work Schedule, If Other Than Standard Hours

Ability to work on all shifts (standard work week is 40 hours, standard shifts are 8, 10, or 12 hours), during various hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Overtime is mandatory.

Eligible for Overtime

Yes

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

Per union contract

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

Yes

Physical Capacity Exam Required

Yes

Union Code

FSO-Security, Police, & Fire Profs

Valid Driver’s License Required

Yes

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