Police Captain at Vanderbilt University

The Police Captain is part of the Vanderbilt University Public Safety Department at Vanderbilt University and is a leader responsible for overseeing various areas within the department and provides oversight and leadership to multiple levels of VUPS staff while delivering a high level of service to the Vanderbilt community. This position builds and fosters community relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. The position works diligently to ensure the success of VUPS by providing excellent leadership and serving as a mentor to Officers within the department. Improves the department by reviewing current processes and assisting with the implementation of new policies and procedures.  Reporting directly to the assigned Major, the Police Captain recommends and implements improved policies and procedures. This position works in collaboration with various departments throughout the VU community as well as the Davidson County community.

Please Note: This is a full-time, exempt position. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter with their application to be considered for this role.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Administration

• Manage an assigned area of responsibility.  Supervise personnel assigned to the area; conduct and/or review performance evaluations fairly and impartially utilizing the Vanderbilt Performance Evaluation tool, meet with team leaders to promote team building, resolve issues, and exchange ideas, set goals and follow through with team leaders to ensure direction is appropriate to achieve desired results. 
• Ensure that policies and procedures are applied consistently throughout the precinct or division.  Direct and initiate performance improvement counseling, as necessary. 
• Conducts preliminary investigations of complaints/allegations of employee misconduct; makes recommendations to management when disciplinary action is warranted. May conduct sensitive investigations.
• Conduct crime analysis and identify crime trends through a review of incident reports and statistical data. 
• Prepare and present precinct statistical data and initiatives. 
• Perform and provide, at the administrative level, routine audits of operational functions to ensure accreditation compliance.
• Develop draft policies and procedures and submit them for consideration and approval. 
• Provide guidance and direction for the implementation of policies and procedures.
• Meet with professional and technical personnel from other areas of the institution to identify strategies and resolve problems.
• Keep management informed of significant police-related events or activities; prepare and review periodic activity reports for management. 
• Participate and provide input in management meetings to keep top management informed of problems and concerns.
• May be assigned to manage complex units or multiple units such as records, communications, compliance, accreditation, training, background investigations, emergency preparedness, internal affairs, crime prevention, criminal investigations, and/or victim services.
• Conduct performance conversations with staff fairly and impartially utilizing the designated departmental forms. 

Special Events

• May be responsible for special event oversight and management; provides command presence and direction for events such as athletics, concerts, speakers, visiting dignitaries, commencement, and move-in day.

Community Services

• Maintain a close working relationship with key departments, i.e., General Counsel, Risk Management, VUMC administration, Plant Services, campus administrators, and other departments on security and law enforcement issues. 
• Regularly attend meetings with administrators and faculty to keep current and aware of changing demands relative to security and law enforcement needs on the campus and in the medical center.

Communications

• Frequent communication with VUMC and VU students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors.
• Frequent communication with members of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Serve as the departmental liaison with the internal and external departments and agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution of higher education or experience in lieu of is required. 
• At least 21 years of age is required.
• Possession of the requirements for Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification within the first six (6) months of appointment is required. 
• Successful completion of an annual department-authorized and POST-approved in-service training course consisting of at least forty (40) hours of instruction is required.
• Possession of a special police commission from the Chief Law Enforcement official in Metropolitan Nashville within six (6) months and maintain annual recommissioning is required.
• Specialized training or advanced education, i.e., FBI National Academy or the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command is highly preferred.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. 
  • Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records. 
• In compliance with CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Act) accreditation standards, VUPS will be requiring all Police Officers to undergo pre-employment screenings and post-conditional offer, which includes medical, drug, and psychological evaluations.

Experience and Skills

• At least 2 years at the rank of a Lieutenant or equivalent is required. 
• Minimum of 5 years as a Certified Police Officer is required.
• Previous experience managing a shift is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication, including presentation and training skills is required.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, credibility, and excellent customer service skills when dealing with all contacts, internal, and external is required. 

Physical Requirements

In addition to meeting P.O.S.T. requirements officers must be able to:

• Stand for long periods.
• Walk, climb, and lift.
• Pass a thorough background investigation. 
• Pass a medical examination including vision screening and drug testing; must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required to be able to work in patient care and high-risk areas.
• Pass a Psychological Evaluation and Fingerprint.

Working Environment

• Required to be on call and available to work nights/weekends/holidays as necessary.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather or weather extremes.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, steam, car battery acid, loud noises, smoke, and fire.

#VUCLO