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The Detective role at Emerson College primarily involves conducting follow-up investigations as directed by the command staff. This role includes reviewing daily reports to identify cases requiring further examination and setting the investigative strategy while coordinating the efforts of others involved. The detective also supports community members in obtaining protective orders related to domestic and dating violence, among other issues, and works closely with various law enforcement agencies. In addition to acting as the department court officer and managing evidence procedures, the detective conducts background checks for new hires to ensure they meet the moral standards required by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission. This position demands considerable independence and involves extensive collaboration with both the college and the broader community to enhance public safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Respond to significant calls for assistance from the community as directed.
• Identify and/or apprehend crime suspects, making arrests as necessary.
• Oversee activities of other Department members involved in extended criminal investigations.
• Liaison Officer to other police agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses connected to campus incidents.
• Complete both mandated and specialized training assignments.
• Work in partnership with campus stakeholders, and liaise with community groups and individuals.
• Enter and retrieve data from a variety of computer software programs.
• Advise the Chief in establishing procedures by making recommendations regarding changes or improvements in Department operations.
• Represent the Department at meetings as required.
• Act as the Department’s Crime Prevention Officer, assessing crime trends and publishing associated bulletins.
• Provide fingerprint services as necessary.
• Assume patrol function as directed by the Chief of Police.
• Conduct follow-up investigations, gather evidence, and take statements in compliance with legal requirements.
• Maintain all records concerning the collection, storage, and disposal of evidence, property, and contraband.
• Act as the department’s prosecutor and court officer.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform the job.

• Three years of policing experience, preferably in a campus setting.
• Must have graduated from a full-time police recruit training academy accredited by the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council or the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Academy for campus police officers. Graduates from out-of-state academies or the Massachusetts Reserve Intermittent Training Academy with MPTC Basic Training Exemption will also be considered.
• Ability to obtain a valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license and the ability to be insured by the College’s automobile liability insurer.
• Successful completion of annual fitness for duty assessment; including a background investigation, a psychological evaluation, and a medical release.

Must meet the April 1, 2020 State Police requirements for obtaining Special State Police Officer powers as listed in 515 CMR 5.04: “General Standards for Appointment, (1) Applicant. Must not be less than 21 years old, a United States citizen, and an employee of an agency described in M.G.L. c. 22C, s56 through 68.”

Must meet POST Standards for police certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

• Thorough understanding of Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and the Massachusetts court system.
• Possess and demonstrate ethical behavior, integrity, and responsibility.
• Ability to utilize judgment to make decisions and engage in problem-solving.
• Ability to multi-task, be resourceful, and show initiative.
• Possess analytical skills in interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and policies.
• Strong commitment to service and ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent leadership abilities and highly motivated, adaptable, team manager.
• Previous experience collecting evidence from IP Camera systems.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Must be able to remain on feet for extended periods, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, and climb stairs, balance, walk, and run
• Must be able to access all facilities, on foot, to respond to emergency calls for service including the uppermost floors of campus buildings when elevators are not available
• Must be able to conduct visual surveillance of individuals and surroundings
• Must be physically able to operate Department equipment
• Work includes exposure to elements, severe weather/ temperatures, and loud noises
• Work environment can exposure one to hazards and physical risks to personal safety
• Must be physically fit and able to defend community members and one’s self from attack or physical assault
• Must be able to wear the required uniform

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Must be able to work different shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime shifts as required

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Compensation: $31.00 - $38.00 hourly, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23-08NE

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40.00

Division: Division of Administration and Finance

This position will be exclusively represented by the American Coalition of Public Safety (ACOPS) for purposes of wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. 

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.