Patrol Lieutenant - Princeton University

DEPARTMENT 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 162 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 by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (NJLEAC) on March 14, 2019, and subsequently awarded reaccreditation status on March 10, 2022 . 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.

DPS sworn University Police Officers have the authority of commissioned police officers with full power of arrest deriving their law enforcement authority from New Jersey statutes (Title 18A, Sections 6-4.2 and 6-4.5) and the Trustees of Princeton University. Title 18A, Section 6-4.5 provides that sworn University Police Officers “shall possess all the powers of policemen and constables in criminal cases and offenses against the law anywhere in the State of New Jersey [including the powers of arrest], pursuant to any limitations as may be imposed by the governing body of the institution which appointed and commissioned the person.” DPS sworn University Police Officers are licensed law enforcement officers as defined in NJSA 52:17B-67.

University Police Officers are required to complete the same police academies and annual training as their municipal counterparts.  This training has been approved and authorized by the State of New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Police Training Commission.  Our university police officers, who are unarmed on a daily basis, have access to a police service rifle in limited situations. Police officers may access service rifles when there is an in-progress threat with an individual brandishing a firearm, an active shooter, or an individual actively committing serious bodily injury or death with a deadly weapon on or “contiguous” to campus. All police officers have qualified with a firearm while at the police academy and are required to attend mandatory in-service firearms training throughout the year to enable them to perform more efficiently and more safely. DPS has 50 sworn officers including the Assistant Vice President, director of operations, the patrol captain, 5 lieutenants, 7 sergeants, 6 corporals, 3 detectives, 25 police officers, and the communications center manager.

To read the Princeton University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report click here.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Patrol Lieutenant, reporting to the Patrol Captain, is an administrator of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The Lieutenant is responsible for regular reviews of department policies, procedures, rules, regulations, job descriptions, and orders to ensure compliance with existing state and federal laws. Advises the Assistant Vice President (AVP), Director of Operations (DO) or designee of changes needed. They develop and suggest changes to policies, regulations, customs, and practices, which will be done only under the guidance and request of the AVP.  

The Lieutenant may assist the Patrol Captain with the development of policies, procedures, rules and regulations for the Department.  The Lieutenant is required to respond to and staff major incidents and events. The Lieutenant supervises the patrol staff to ensure that the Department preserves the peace, protects persons and property and obeys and enforces University, state and local policies, rules, laws and ordinances; maintains order; prevents crime and makes arrests and performs related work as required.  The Lieutenant promotes the Department’s “Community Caretaking” mission.

Under the supervision of the Patrol Captain issues lawful orders necessary to ensure the effective performance of the department and its personnel and is one of the department authorities in matters of policy, operations, and discipline.

As a patrol supervisor, the Lieutenant:

• Patrols the campus by foot, bicycle and/or vehicle to prevent criminal incidents.
• Documents occurrences and performs services as needed.
• Supervises sergeants in the field and ensures the department daily log is reviewed daily and completed accurately.
• Reviews and approves daily logs, reports and other departmental forms as necessary,
• Ensures department and University policies are being followed.
• Ensures proper notifications are made as necessary.
• Maintains constant contact in the field with the Department by radio and/or cell phone as assigned.
• Must respond to campus for emergencies as needed 24/7, 365.

Lieutenants assigned to patrol will have rotating days off and generally work a schedule that aligns with the Evening shift. DPS is a 24/7, 365-day operation that will require the Lieutenant to be on call and work non-standard hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Patrol – 35%

• Regularly patrol on campus to ensure that calls for service are being answered promptly; answer calls for service; and assist patrol personnel at incidents.
• Responsible for the oversight of department personnel including regular duties in patrol and dispatch, overtime and special details.
• Ensures appropriate patrol and dispatch coverage are maintained at all times.
• Ensures all department patrol options (bicycle, foot and cruiser) are utilized to assure maximum campus coverage of buildings and property.
• Coordinates the supervision of events, including major campus events such as Commencement, Reunions, concerts, and University functions with the Associate Director of Support Services. Applies the appropriate collective bargaining rules and department systems to assure patrol and events are appropriately covered and run well, including locking and unlocking venues.
• Ensures that Department staff inspects and enforces, within the normal course of their patrols, fire and other safety hazards, and parking regulations.
• Supervises shift activity to insure that: all activity is documented; all buildings and campus areas are being checked regularly; university property is adequately patrolled; calls are responded to according to department standards, policies and procedures; and emergency phones and lighting are checked on at least a weekly basis.
• In the absence of the Communication Center Manager, may supervise the dispatch function making sure calls are taken according to department policies and procedures. Ensures that the dispatch area is supplied and has appropriate equipment needed to provide service to the campus.
• Acts as a resource to sergeants and other staff as a problem-solver and mentor.
• Maintains regular communication with the Captain and Director of Operations about operational issues, personnel issues, campus issues and department training and equipment needs.
• Responsible for assigning investigations to the department's investigator when necessary and making sure the investigator has been notified of appropriate incidents. Develops preliminary investigative skills for initial responding officers. Oversees investigations and follow-ups to insure they are completed appropriately.
• Ensures operational communication between and among shifts and between other units in the department.

Administrative – 30%

• Evaluates effectiveness of assigned personnel including the completion of annual performance evaluations.
• Ensures roll call occurs at each shift change and that information and training is provided to all staff during these briefings.
• Ensures all evidence and property received by department officers are properly labeled and secured.
• Responsible for report quality control. Reviews all reports in a timely manner prior to submission to the AVP. Ensures all reports are complete, have all the elements needed for  investigation protocol and follow-up. 
• Ensures all reports for court are complete and accurate, contain all elements of the crime, and that all arrest procedures were followed. Confirms personnel are assigned for court dates.
• By the 15th of each month, runs error detection for all reports to ensure all errors have been corrected by entering officers so monthly crime reporting can occur. Assigns any follow-up through the Sergeants or Detective’s Bureau.
• Approves and schedules patrol and sergeant time off.
• Assists to ensure accuracy of time off records for patrol and sergeant staff.  
• Approves payroll for patrol staff/
• Ensures all operational staff receive, read, and sign off on new or revised policies and procedures.
• Under the authority and direction of the AVP, responsible for reporting and investigate complaints against department members and may participate in the discipline of patrol staff.
• Represents the Department at meetings, events and recruiting events.

Community Relations – 15%

• Participates in and provides support for the Community Caretaking and problem-solving initiatives and strategies, including the Community Partnership Initiative Program. Under the direction of the Director of Operations and the Captain, assists with the crime prevention and community education programs.
• Initiates and/or works with members of the Department and the University to define and implement problem solving activities related to quality-of-life disruptions.  The result of this work is to develop department operations that are responsive to community needs, resulting in members of the department and the community feeling confident that their concerns are addressed, and the department meets its overall community policing mission.

Training – 10%

• Ensures staff receive appropriate training.
• Responsible for supervising Field Training and Background Investigations for new employees. May act as the coordinator for new employees’ orientation and new hire training as DPS officer.
• Ensures attendance by operational staff at staff meetings and follows up with personnel whose attendance is below departmental standards.

Emergencies – 5%

• Ensures the Captain, the Director of Operations, and the AVP are notified of campus incidents as appropriate and in accordance with department protocols.
• Assumes command of operations during emergencies or special occasions until relieved by the AVP or their designee.

Additional Duties as Assigned - 5%    

• Valid NJ Police license in good standing and meets all statutory requirements to maintain license.
• Current New Jersey Police Officer certification (PTC).
• Must be able to qualify with the required firearms.
• Must have a valid motor vehicle driver's
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent work
• Minimum of 10 years with at least five years at the supervisory level.
• Knowledge of progressive community-orientated law enforcement, security and safety practices.
• Knowledge of professionally recognized Policies, Procedures, Rules and Regulations standards for a Campus Law Enforcement Agency.
• Knowledge of the Department's policies and procedures.
• Knowledge and experience in risk and safety management.
• Current certification in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Defensive Tactics, and Suicide Prevention.
• Exemplary communication skills including the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of:
  • Principles of leadership and management, project management, and training and development.
  • Operation of modern and complex public safety communications systems and equipment including but not limited to Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) programs and related emergency systems.
  • Relevant rules, regulations and statutes of state, local and University laws, codes and regulations.
  • Basic principles of human resource management principles; techniques of personnel supervision, local, state and/or federal labor practices and training.
  • Principles and practices of office management, budget preparation and administration
• Ability to:
  • Work with considerable independent judgment, analysis and evaluation.
  • Use initiative in coping with unusual situations and circumstances to resolve them.
  • Work variable shifts, be flexible in hours of attendance including nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Respond at any time during as emergency response to critical incidents involving the campus or its staff.
  • Exercise calm, professional behavior when exposed to stressful situations while maintaining a high level of efficiency.
  • Make critical decisions that will affect campus wide response and reaction.
  • Plan, organize, supervise, train and evaluate the activities of the patrol division.
  • Maintain work effectiveness with frequent changes in workload and priority of assignment.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relations with a variety of individuals and groups on and off campus.
  • Interpret and explain policies and procedures.
  • Research, analyze, and evaluate new equipment, program techniques and methods and procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree
• Experience as a Campus Law Enforcement Supervisor.
• Five-year tenure in the Princeton University Department of Public Safety or comparable experience as a Campus Law Enforcement Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS)

• This is not a sedentary position. Must be able to: remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, and run; and to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights.
• Moderate physical activity.  Must be able to exert up to thirty pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including automobile, office equipment, radio, telephone, etc.
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures and loud noises.
• Work environment involves moderate exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety. Must be physically fit and able to defend oneself or others from attack or physical assault.
• Must have 20/20 or 20/30 vision either naturally or with corrective lenses.
• Must be able to wear the required uniform including, but not limited to, protective vests.
• Must be able to meet Post Offer Pre-Employment (POPE) requirements for hire, transfers, promotions and/or lay-basic placement.

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