Special Police Officer

Job Summary:

Special Police Officers are responsible for the safety of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation community, property, and visitors.  Officers engage in proactive patrol, respond to emergencies and calls for service, assist community members and visitors, enforce policies and laws, and document incidents occurring on the property.  Officers perform general police duties on properties owned, used, and occupied by the Foundation including the National Cathedral School, St. Albans School, the Beauvoir School, and Washington National Cathedral.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs proactive foot, vehicle, and/or bicycle patrol of designated areas/sectors of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation:

• Detects, deters, and/or prevents crime and policy violations. Maintains vigilance for dangerous or suspicious circumstances.  Investigates and responds accordingly.  Patrols parking areas and enforces policies.
• Responds to calls for service including: personal safety escorts, locks and unlock requests for facilities at designated times or as requested by authorized individuals, transports on and within patrol area, traffic and parking assistance, assists with lost and found property and safekeeping valuables in compliance with department procedures.
• Responds to emergency calls including: reports of crime, accidents-motor vehicle, equipment, structural, industrial, etc., medical call, intruder/active assailants, reports of threats, fires and fire alarms, panic and emergency phone activations.
• Assists with public and provide information when requested.
• Provides security at functions and events and as requested.
• Provides fire/life safety services including: provides security watch services when needed, performs checks of fire alarm boxes and fire extinguishers to ensure they are in good working order, perform checks of emergency exits to ensure they are clear of debris.  Performs checks of emergency exit signs to ensure they are illuminated and/or clearly visible.
• Inspects and maintains department equipment including appropriate documentation, including, but not limited to: radios, vehicles, computers, uniforms, weapons, keys, and facilities.
• Enforces access control and other policies of the PECF and respective institutions.
• Documents all activities and incidents in detail in the department records management system in a timely manner.  Makes appropriate notifications for incidents and conducts incident follow-up and investigates when required.
• Engages with the PECF community on incidents and education programs as needed.
• Represents the PECF and the Police Department in a professional and respectful manner while interacting with a diverse community.
• Attends periodic training classes and meetings when required by supervisor.
• Serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO) including: attends and participates in FTO training, trains new officers and/or provides  supplemental training to current officers.  Documents all training for those who received training, provides regular feedback to trainees via daily and weekly observation reports, provides regular feedback to shift supervisor and training coordinator on training progress.
• Serves as communications officer including: answers calls for service, dispatches officers to service and emergency calls via two-way radio, monitors alarm and CCTV systems and dispatches officers as      needed.  Stays alert to developing situations in the local police network and/or local news reporting agencies.  Documents all activity in department records management system via desktop computer.  Makes appropriate notifications for incident and on-call issues in a timely manner.
• Crowd management: directs visitors, establishes restricted areas, and establishes crowd control measures.  Mitigates disorderly conditions which may include removal of unauthorized individuals.
• Performs general police duties in connection with the property of      the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, as prescribed by the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Title 6A, (Chapter 11), Title 17 (Chapter 20 and 21), MPD General Orders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Certifications, Experience):

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one year experience as a police officer offer, school resource officer, special police officer, security guard, or homeland security or emergency management experience at the local, state or federal level, or commensurate experience and education.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), the ability to access and navigate the internet including use of Zoom and capacity to learn other computer applications.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to write effectively and convey detailed information accurately.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a commission from the Metropolitan Police Department to serve as a Special Police Officer.
• Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver's license.  Must pass a background check including criminal history, driving history and reference checks.
• Must be able to qualify with a .9MM caliber handgun as prescribed by Metropolitan Police Department regulations.
• Must pass a physical and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have a current commission from the Metropolitan Police Department to serve as a Special Police Officer or similar transferable commission from another jurisdiction.
• Associate degree or higher
• Two or more years' experience as a police officer, school resource officer, special police officer, security guard, or homeland security or emergency management experience at the local, state or federal level, or commensurate combination of education and experience.
• Current first aid/CPR/AED certification
• Outstanding interpersonal and writing skills. 
• Documented proficiency in computer applications.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Must be familiar with DC Municipal Regulations, Title 6A, Chapter 11, as set forth by the Metropolitan Police Department, and adhere to them.
• Basic knowledge of computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Good interpersonal and communication skills in-person, over the phone, and via email or other electronic communication.
• Must be able to work well within a diverse workforce.
• Must be able to deal tactfully, but firmly with the public, and to enforce traffic laws and established rules and policies.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Must be physically and mentally capable of performing law enforcement duties.
• Must be able to react quickly and calmy in adverse situations

Working Conditions (Schedule, Physical Demands, Environment):

• Must be able to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Work may require running, bending, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, and/or moving, pushing, and pulling various objects, and operating assigned equipment including department motor vehicles.
• Position requires shift work. Regular shift working hours (subject to change) are:  6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.  Shift assignment will be determined at hire.  Shift assignments are subject to change and at the discretion of supervisory officials.
• Be available for overtime duty whenever required.
• Must be able to work in a variety of weather and other conditions, and various interior environmental conditions.  A portion of work is performed within an office environment, primarily behind a desk, and frequently includes the operation of a computer. The employee may move about within the facility to access file cabinets, documents, office machinery, and other equipment.
• Must be willing to adhere to rules and regulations including uniform and grooming rules governing this department as well as  the codes for Special Police Officers established by the Metropolitan Police Department, and the PECF Director of Security.

Work Schedules, Leave, Etc.

• Normal paid duty time for each shift is eight hours (subject to change).
• In case of illness, officers must call in by phone at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled shift.
• Earned paid time off for extended periods will normally be granted during the months of June, July and August.  However,  given unusual circumstances, paid time off may be granted throughout the year.  All leave is approved at the discretion of the  Director of Security.
• Must maintain a working contact telephone number and notify supervisor of any changes within 2 business days.