Police Officer - Detective

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff, all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Community-Oriented Policing & Patrol

• Proactively patrol assigned areas to deter crime, enhance safety, and identify potential security risks through active community engagement.

• Collaborate with zone contacts and community members to implement effective crime prevention strategies.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with university personnel, students, patients, and surrounding community members.

• Participate in community outreach initiatives and deliver educational presentations on topics such as personal safety and crime prevention.

• Support university-wide safety efforts by working closely with departmental and campus community relations teams.

• Provide guidance and assistance to individuals navigating the criminal justice system.

Emergency & Non-Emergency Response

• Serve as the first responder to all emergency calls, including criminal activity in progress, alarms, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, and medical emergencies.

• Respond to non-emergency calls for service, addressing general security concerns and coordinating with internal departments or external agencies as needed.

• Perform protective services such as money/personnel escorts and secure transportation or detention of psychiatric patients in compliance with legal requirements.

• Provide mutual aid and backup support to fellow officers and assist other law enforcement agencies when necessary.

Investigation and Enforcement

• Conduct preliminary investigations of reported crimes, accidents, and incidents, ensuring proper identification, collection, and preservation of evidence.

• Lead and execute complex criminal and administrative investigations as a dedicated investigator, maintaining flexibility to perform general enforcement, patrol, or special operational duties as dictated by the needs of the department. 

• Secure crime scenes and maintain integrity throughout investigative processes.

• Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; advise individuals on available resources and legal procedures.

• Perform field stops, interviews, and enforce laws through arrests, citations, or warnings in accordance with departmental policy and state regulations.

• Process and maintain custody of arrested individuals during booking procedures.

• Prepare and submit accurate and thorough offense reports, follow-up documentation, and administrative forms.

Judicial and Administrative Proceedings

• Appear in court as a prosecuting officer or witness, providing accurate and professional testimony.

• Prepare detailed reports and documentation for judicial and administrative purposes.

• Testify at university administrative or disciplinary hearings as required.

Special Events and Assignments 

• Provide essential security, crowd control, and order maintenance for special events, including athletic competitions, concerts, commencement, and visiting dignitaries.

• Coordinate security operations and logistics with other agencies as necessary.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the assigned shift Sergeant and the chain of command. 

Qualifications: 

Education

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) equivalent is required.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

   

• Certifications & Licensing

• Ability to obtain a special police commission from the Chief Law Enforcement Official in Metropolitan Nashville within nine (9) months and maintain annual recommissioning.

• Ability to meet requirements for Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification within the first nine (9) months of appointment.

• Successful completion of an annual department-authorized and POST-approved in-service training course (minimum 40 hours).

• Must successfully complete the department Field Training Program (FTP) within the designated timeframe.

   

• Experience

• One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a police officer is required.
   

• Background & Health Requirements

• Must pass a thorough background investigation and drug test demonstrating good moral character, a good driving record, and no prior criminal convictions that would prohibit certification under the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services Act.

• Must pass a medical and psychological evaluation.

• Must obtain required immunizations and medical tests for work in patient care and high-risk areas.
   

• Skills

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, communication, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

• Ability to maintain harmonious relationships within the department.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for long periods, walk, climb, and lift; meet departmental standards for appearance and grooming.

• Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and in inclement or extreme weather conditions.

• Must be able to use precautionary equipment (e.g., TB mask) and may encounter hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, loud noises, and potential physical danger from violent individuals.

• May be confined to a patrol car for an entire shift.