Skip to content
UW Police

Campus Safety Responder Description

Job Description

Payroll Title: Campus Security Officer (NE S SEIU 925 Non Supv)

The new Division of Campus Community Safety (DCCS) unifies front-line public safety units across the University for a holistic approach to campus community safety, innovation in approaches, and clarity in leadership responsibility and accountability. Key units include UW Emergency Management, SafeCampus and the UW Police Department Seattle campus. Division staff work daily in partnership with units across and outside the UW system to both create safer, welcoming campus environments; prepare for potential natural or human-made disasters; and respond appropriately to incidents.

The University of Washington Police Department Overview
The University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) operates under the fundamental principles of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence (PRIDE) in all that we do. UWPD has the exclusive responsibility to act upon law-enforcement matters and perform safety, security and police services for the main campus of the University of Washington, Seattle, 24 hours a day.

Position Purpose

Campus Safety Responders at the University of Washington respond to public calls for service within a very diverse community, providing various services to our community, providing support to our law enforcement officers, interface with other campus stakeholders and constituencies on all safety matters, the campus and nearby areas, acting as an ambassador for safety, and advocating for University regulations. Campus Safety Responders conduct criminal and traffic investigations, make arrests, prepare necessary documentation and testify in court. Responders also provide for the safety and security of persons and property at University events and attend community meetings.

The Campus Safety Responder will perform general duty security work to protect life and property; promote and preserve safety and order, encourage voluntary compliance with state laws and University regulations and enforce as necessary; respond to crimes and accidents occurring on campus, maintain order, prevent and investigate crime, and be safety ambassador for the University of Washington.

Campus Safety Responders have responsibility for enforcing campus regulations and local, state, and federal laws. Incumbents may be required to successfully complete a law enforcement course approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and other job specific courses of instruction.

Position Duties

  • The Campus Safety Responder communicates and interacts effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty and staff and student groups to promote an inclusive campus community culture and participates in outreach and communication efforts.
  • Patrol and inspect university buildings and grounds for trespassers, prowlers, fire, property damage, or other irregularities at all times (when not performing other work-related duties) by foot, bicycle, or vehicle ensuring that exterior and perimeter security doors are closed and locked, respond to alarms.
  • Direct and regulate traffic, investigate accidents or crimes; administer first aid; issue citations for violations; gather evidence; locate witnesses; appear in court as required;
  • Operate department communication equipment; answer telephone inquiries; receive reports of criminal activity; monitor camera and alarm systems; prepare, type, and distribute reports;
  • Maintain observation or surveillance of an area suspect for criminal activity;
  • Admit staff, faculty, and students to classrooms, offices, etc.
  • Conduct safety escorts on and around campus;
  • Assist university, city or county law enforcement and state patrol in cases of emergency;
  • Provide excellent customer service in a friendly, courteous and professional manner with strong focus on customer satisfaction.
  • Exhibit professionalism and good judgment in daily interactions with students, faculty, staff and visitors, and be a positive representative and ambassador of the campus administration.
  • Initiate and complete reports using a computerized reporting system when assigned; maintain logs of activities, communicate with departmental supervisors via email.
  • Promote safety and act as a safety ambassador for the university.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

The University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) is very proud to be the only campus law enforcement agency in the State of Washington that is Triple Accredited: 1) Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA); 2) International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA); and, 3) Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC). The UWPD is one of only fifteen (15) police agencies in the State of Washington that has achieved national accreditation.

We are looking for dedicated professionals to join our ranks. We have so much to offer; including a pleasant atmosphere maintaining safety and security for a large student population, potential for working Pac-12 sporting events, and an opportunity to interface with our students, staff and visitors to share the department’s values and provide an excellent customer experience. We are committed to on-going professional development and training for our employees.

All qualified candidates are invited to participate in the selection process. An Oral Board (panel interview), a background investigation, polygraph, medical and psychological examination are required of all Safety Responder candidates.

Minimum Requirements
High School graduation or equivalent; possession of a valid driver’s license; no previous felony convictions; AND two years of full-time college in police science or allied field;
OR
Two years of police or campus security experience

Desired:

  • Experience as a police officer or security officer, preferably in a college setting.
  • Training/experience with fire, burglar and door key card access systems, computerized security systems, emergency phone systems, radio communication systems, and CCTV systems.
  • Customer relations and/or public speaking experience.
  • Familiarity and understanding of modern security technology applications and operations.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work well with, and be sensitive to, people from diverse backgrounds and people of all ages.
  • The ability to remain courteous and considerate while working in demanding and stressful situations; a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and to maintain strong collaborative relationships with other offices on campus.
  • Strong problem-solving ability and resourcefulness; must be able to confront others and defuse situations in a polite and professional manner and counsel those in crisis situations.
  • Ability to access and respond to email messages using Outlook and written documents using Microsoft Word.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Conditions of Employment:

  • Must maintain a valid WA state driver’s license at all times.
  • Campus Safety Responders are on duty 24 hours a day, most days of the year. Must be flexible for scheduling.
  • Work shift to include nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be able to quickly respond to emergency situations – including some running, biking, and climbing of several flights of stairs.
  • Must maintain physical stamina and preparedness to satisfactorily and expeditiously respond to emergency situations throughout duration of employment.
  • Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications (including use of AED) within six months of hire.
  • Frequent walking: approximately 5.5 hours per shift.
  • Occasionally standing in place: up to 2.5 hours per shift.
  • Regular climbing: climb stairs as part of patrol duties particularly if an elevator is out of service or to clear a building during an emergency.
  • Frequent reaching out, while driving vehicle, riding bicycle, and locking and unlocking doors.
  • Frequently lift / move 10 lbs., including wearing required equipment belt weighing approximately 6 lbs.
  • May occasionally lift /move up to 25 lbs. when conducting rescue assistance.
  • This position is designated as one that performs an essential function. This means that the position’s incumbent must continue to report to work as directed in the event that the University suspends operations because of severe weather, natural disaster, or other emergency condition; must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • U.S. citizenship at time of examination or a lawful permanent resident who can read and write the English language.
  • No convictions for domestic violence.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Reapplication is permitted at any time, except for candidates disqualified for reasons of prior felony convictions or non-correctable selection.

Please note: It may take 2 to 4 months to successfully complete all phases of the selection process from Oral Boards to Official Offer of Employment.

Apply online at UWHIRES.

Helpful tips for locating open positions at the UWPD:

  1. Select “Seattle Campus” in the Location textbox.
  2. In the Keywords textbox, type “Police Dept” to find openings.
  3. A complete application includes:
    • Copying/pasting an updated resume into your candidate profile.
    • Completing the Criminal History Disclosure assessment.
    • Completing the US Work Authorization Assessment. Part of the application process for this position includes completing the US Work Authorization Assessment to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. The assessment will appear on your screen for you to complete as soon as you select “Apply to this Position” on this job announcement. Once you begin the assessment, it must be completed at that time. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until the assessment is complete.

All information submitted will be considered to determine the applicant’s qualifications for this position. Please ensure that your current email address is listed in your online candidate profile as well as in your resume. A Personal History Statement may be emailed to you early for completion.  A completed Personal History Statement will be required for those who progress to the Background Investigation Process.  Detailed information requested includes:

  • Addresses of all residences.
  • Personal and Professional References.
  • Names and addresses of family members.
  • Arrests and criminal history.
  • Traffic driving record.
  • Military service.
  • Employment history.
  • Drug use.
  • Education history.
  • Memberships in professional organizations.
  • Financial information.
  • Copies of the following documents:
  • High school diploma/GED certificate.
  • Social Security card.
  • Driver’s License.
  • Birth Certificate (Certified copy).
  • Any other documents, certificates, resumes, performance evaluation reports, etc., which show your abilities and training for the position.

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.