University Police - Master Police Officer
University Police – Master Police Officer
(lateral entry – certified Virginia police officer)
This position is for individuals who are currently Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)-certified as a police officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, or are eligible for recertification under DCJS guidelines with 40 hours of Mandatory In-Service Retraining.
The George Mason University Police Department, an accredited agency, invites applications for the position of Master Police Officer (lateral entry). The department is actively seeking a depth of experience and abilities. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.
Responsibilities:
Candidates must be able to perform law enforcement and security functions within the University Police Department. Duties, responsibilities and requisite skills include but are not limited to: providing vehicle, bicycle or foot patrol of the campus; responding to calls for service and on-view suspicious activities; resolving complaints; investigating criminal and traffic incidents; providing first responder aid when required; and other duties as assigned. The George Mason University Police Department subscribes to a robust community-oriented policing philosophy in order to fulfill its mission.
Required Qualifications:
To be considered as a lateral entry candidate, applicants must meet the following qualifications at the time of application:
- Must currently be certified as a police officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia by DCJS, or eligible for recertification under DCJS guidelines with 40 hours of Mandatory In-Service Retraining;
- Possesses substantial law enforcement experience that qualifies the candidate to operate at the Master Police Officer-level; to include certification as a Field Training Officer and/or DCJS Law Enforcement Instructor or able to obtain such certification;
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
- Be at least 21 years of age;
- Have U.S. citizenship as set out by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS);
- Have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license;
- Ability to perform law enforcement and security functions within the Department of Police and Public Safety;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Exceptional customer service skills;
- Ability to exercise good judgement and decision making skills;
- Ability to work independently and as member of a team;
- Successfully complete a polygraph, and medical, and psychological assessment;
- Successfully pass an in-depth background investigation;
- Successfully complete a mandated Field Training Program administered by the department;
- Must live within 75 miles of the Fairfax campus;
- No conviction of Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI), Refusal to take Blood or Breath Test, Eluding Police, or Racing in the past two years;
- No illegal or illicit drug use within the past two years;
- No felony convictions or convictions of misdemeanors involving crimes of moral turpitude or gross misconduct;
- Must not have been found guilty by reason of mental illness for any crime;
- No convictions or restraining orders for domestic violence, or other disability to carrying firearms;
- No criminal or unethical behavior unsuitable or inappropriate for a Police Officer as determined by the appointing authority;
- Must not have been de-certified of law enforcement or jailor status by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, according to the Code of Virginia 15.2-1707, or similar status in other states; and
- Must not have any record of untruthfulness, falsification, or the intentional withholding of any information on any application, certificate, credential, interview, test, or documents/records associated with a position of trust.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Three years of law enforcement experience is preferred; 10 or more years is strongly desired;
- Currently certified and experienced as a Field Training Officer or DCJS Law Enforcement Instructor;
- Supervisory experience;
- Trained/certified in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training;
- Certified and experienced trainer or subject matter expert: firearms, control tactics, Emergency Vehicle Operators Course, SFST, CIT, or similar area;
- Experience in investigations/detective work;
- Experience in community-oriented policing; and
- College degree.
Salary:
The current salary for police officers upon graduation from academy training is in the upper 50,000s. Lateral officers may be eligible for a higher pay rate upon hire; this is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and is commensurate with experience, training and education.
Hiring Process:
As openings occur, the initial steps of the hiring process include a successful review of the application/Personal History Statement, and an assessment of body art/piercings. The best qualified candidates will be invited to an oral interview panel. Post Conditional Offer requirements include an in-depth background investigation including recent polygraph; and satisfactory completion of a medical examination and a psychological assessment.
All lateral officers will be required to complete a one-year probationary period. Mason offers a comprehensive and attractive state benefits plan, including a tuition benefit. Lateral officers may be eligible to continue in their existing retirement plan or begin a new retirement plan under the Virginia Retirement System/Virginia Law Officers’ Retirement System.
This online application is equivalent to the Commonwealth of Virginia state employment application and is required. It must be fully completed.
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number 00344z at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.