The University of West Alabama (“UWA”) Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency serving UWA. UWA is currently seeking a full-time Police Officer who will also serve as a University Charter School (“UCS”) School Resource Officer (“SRO”). This Police Officer will predominantly be assigned to UCS and report to UCS administration, unless it is a law enforcement matter. Under those circumstances, acceptable law enforcement action and protocol will be followed. The Police Officer will generally work the hours as required by the UCS administration. During times they are not in session, this Police Officer may be required to follow the schedule as assigned by the UWA Police Department, unless that workload dictates the Police Officer is assigned to a regular shift. Weekend work and shift work may be necessary; and shift adjustments are not uncommon, sometimes with little advance notice. Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Police Officers are the primary representatives of the UWA Police Department, directly responsible for the delivery of public safety and law enforcement services on and near the campus and other properties owned, controlled, or occupied by the University. Police Officers work under the general direction of and report directly to, the Chief of Police. Police Officers must work independently as well as collaboratively, carrying out instructions and self-initiating activity in a manner consistent with law, regulations, department policies, and standard procedures.  UWA is seeking individuals who demonstrate a spirit of service, which includes a genuine commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of the community. 

This position is funded through external sources. No guarantee or commitment is made for future or continued employment once the external funding has ended or been terminated.

Qualifications

Required:

  • High school degree or equivalent.
  • Background check required before employment.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age and have an acceptable motor vehicle operator’s driving record and Alabama Driver’s License.
  • Knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures, and the ability to apply this knowledge to specific situations.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Police Department personnel, other UWA employees, outside law enforcement agencies, and the public.
  • Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.
  • Excellent decision-making capabilities in emergency and non-emergency situations.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
  • Strong reading comprehension skills, with the ability to follow written and oral directions, and thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Basic computer skills including word processing and Microsoft Outlook; ability to learn new programs.

Desired:

  • Certified police officer by Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards Training Commission.
  • Extensive knowledge of public safety activity and methods.
  • Extensive knowledge of law enforcement computer technology and equipment.
  • Extensive knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures.
  • Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries.

Example of Duties and Tasks Performed

  • Patrol the UWA and UCS campus on foot, in police vehicles, or by other means to deter crime, direct traffic, provide service or assistance to employees or visitors to campus, and to enforce traffic and parking regulations.
  • Investigate disturbances, suspicious circumstances, traffic accidents, or violation of UWA and UCS regulations when prompted by phone calls, alarms, citizens’ requests, or officers’ observations. Talk with individuals to determine the causes of disturbances or accidents. Take reports and complete forms to record an incident.
  • Direct traffic at UWA and UCS events using barricades, traffic cones, traffic vests, and flashlights.
  • Assist local police department when called to enforce state laws and city ordinances.
  • Attend and testify in municipal, circuit, district, juvenile court, and before a grand jury; review case file and prepare for testimony.
  • Complete police documents such as daily activity reports, vehicle impound records, traffic accident reports, warning reports, permission to search, advice of rights, incident offense reports, arrest reports, bond forms, complaint forms, fingerprint cards, and warrants of arrest to record activity on shift, complete arrest, investigate traffic accidents or other incidents of law violations.
  • Demonstrate customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
  • Perform related work as assigned.

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, including information obtained from social media and other internet sources. 

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin upon receipt and continue until the position is filled.

To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume to the following address:

Chief Josette White

The University of West Alabama Police Department

Station 50

Livingston, AL 35470

Or you can email your application materials to: jhwhite@uwa.edu

The University of West Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, hearing status, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human rights agencies.

AA/EO Employer.

Minority applications encouraged.