School Police Officer

**JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY**

The School Police Officer is directly supervised by the Chief of School Security and is responsible for all security services provided by the School Police Unit. This individual may assume all responsibilities of Area Commander when necessary. This individual will also perform duties of Mobile or Resident Security Specialist.

**WORK MONTHS**

12

**ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**

• Operates as school police officer in all matters dealing with violations of the School Discipline Code and/or the criminal code by student and non-student offenders on or around school property or at school functions.
• Comply with and enforce District regulations and uphold state and local laws and ordinances.
• Assists in attempting to prevent disturbances and improper behavior of students.
• Attempts to rectify problems, which threatens the orderly operation of school system facilities.
• Attempts to prevent damage to school property and protect against physical violence.
• Make arrests as appropriate.
• Writes arrest papers, maintains current file on all offender and incidents and submits weekly reports to Chief of School Safety.
• Conduct investigations concerning thefts, burglaries, and vandalism.
• Acts as liaison between principal and school staff.
• Coordinates, organizes, and provides security at special school events and sporting events.
• Acts as training officer in the field.
• Apprehends criminals, disarms individuals carrying various weapons, confiscates drugs and paraphernalia, gathers evidence at crime scenes, questions witnesses, diffuses potentially violent situations, breaks up fights and riots when they occur.
• Talk with students, teachers and parents to identify problems, and offer assistance.
• Surveys school buildings to evaluate needs and recommend safety measures.
• Renders first aid and investigates causes and results of accidents.
• Directs and re-routes traffic around fire or other disruption.
• Issues tickets to traffic violators and parking.
• Prepares cases for court, according to formalized procedure.
• Testify in court or at hearings.
• Other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor in support of the department's or school's goals and objectives and the District's mission and Superintendent's Priority Goals.

**EDUCATION REQUIRED**

High School Diploma or GED (General Education Development)

**CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE REQUIRED**

• The completion of Act 177 (formerly Act 120) training is required.
• Must obtain arrest powers both via school district and courts.

**YEARS OF EXPERIENCE**

Prior Security Experience Preferred.
**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES**

• Valid drivers license required.
• Training or experience in riot control, drug identification, self-defense and juvenile law.
• Must be able to supervise subordinates in crisis and near crisis situations.
• Must have knowledge of police and court procedures.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Performing day to day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Ability and willingness to exhibit competency in the technical areas needed to do a specific job.
• Ability and willingness to organize and utilize resources to achieve results.
• Ability and willingness to perform work within defined specifications and timelines and to manage conflicting priorities.
• Ability and willingness to interact and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Enthusiastic about the fundamental goal of advancing student achievement in an urban public school district.
• Value, demonstrate, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

**WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS**

*The working conditions and physical requirements described here are representative of, but not limited to, those that must be met by an employee to succe sfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made. *

• Varies based on the needs of the supervisor

**APPLICANT ELIGIBILE CRITERIA**

N/A

**CITY OF PITTSBURGH RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT**

This position requires individuals to live in the territorial boundaries of the School District of Pittsburgh. If hired for this position you will be required to establish residence within three calendar months of your hire date with Pittsburgh Public Schools.