Police Captain

03-Apr-2024

Harvard University Police Department

65491BR

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Chief of the Police, the Captain is responsible for planning, directing, and supervising the operations of his or her division. The Captain ensures the safety and security of the University and supports the operational needs of the Harvard University Police Department. In addition, the Captain guides staff in interpreting and enforcing police principles, practices, and laws. The Captain takes a lead role during the management of major emergencies. The Captain supervises personnel, both sworn and non-sworn, in the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws. S/He also oversees investigations and the documentation of crimes, suspicious activity, and incidents on the University campus and surrounding areas.

Position Description

• Directs and supervises Lieutenants and their respective staff in performing their duties.
• Prepares shift notices and assignments.
• Conducts performance evaluations.
• Makes recommendations in matters concerning employee discipline and retention.
• Review documentation, including incident and accident reports and daily logs, for accuracy and compliance with Massachusetts General Law and university policies.
• Assists shift commander in establishing procedures; makes recommendations regarding improvements or changes in department operations.
• Conducts inspections of police personnel and equipment.
• Serves as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
• May assume the duties of the Assistant Chief at the direction of the Chief of Police and
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• All applicants must have at least eight years of professional experience with at least seven years in law enforcement.
• College education (BA or BS) and/or a combination of both some college-level work and experience. 
• Graduation from an accredited law enforcement academy.
• At least one year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Documented experience and training in investigations, police operations, and tactics.
• Ability to obtain MA POST Commission Certification and SSPO Warrant of Appointment and pass a state and national background check pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, § 4 as a condition of employment. This background check includes a check of Criminal Offender Record Information on all prospective employees.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Two years of experience as a member of the HUPD
• Ten or more years of law enforcement experience preferred.
• Familiarity with the Harvard University campus and community is preferred.
• BA or BS in organizational leadership, criminal justice, or management 
• Law enforcement experience at a municipal police department, sheriff’s department, or federal agency
• Extensive knowledge of standard police practices and techniques and criminal procedure (specifically Massachusetts and applicable US Supreme Court decisions).
• Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain trusting relationships with employees, university officials, and the public.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise subordinates' work and training and command respect. Strong mentoring/coaching skills, initiative, decision-making, and independent judgment.
• Able to manage conflict and facilitate difficult conversations.
• Competence in analyzing situations quickly and objectively and determining the proper course of action on own initiative.
• Seek input from others and use accurate logic and analysis.
• Ability to obtain information from people through interviews and interrogation and deal with the public respectably during stressful conditions.

• Team Leadership
• Initiative/Proactivity
• Change Management
• Sound Judgment and Decision Making
• Analytical Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Effective Communication
• Developing Others
• Contingency Planning

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

• Stand and walk for long periods of time and must be able to walk up ten flights of stairs.
• Move individuals or heavy objects.
• Have physical fitness abilities to conduct arrests effectively, drive police motor vehicles safely, use weapons, and subdue suspects and prisoners. 
• Enter and exit vehicles quickly while wearing approximately 15 to 20 pounds of equipment.
• Use night vision and peripheral vision. 
• Sit while driving for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity is required to use handcuffs, light flares, fire weapons, perform CPR, etc.

Working Conditions

• Work mostly outdoors, but often work indoors while writing reports.
• Always wear uniforms.
• Work in a vehicle, such as a patrol car, when needed.
• May be exposed to contaminants and hazardous equipment.
• Work in close proximity to others, usually within a few feet.
• May work in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions.
• Always wear protective or safety attire, such as bulletproof vests.

Additional Information

Must maintain certification status.
No person convicted of a felony or any offense punishable under Chapter 94C of the Massachusetts General Laws will be considered for employment.
Harvard cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

361059 Administrative Manager

Department

Harvard University Police Department

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, DMV, Education, Identity, License/Cert.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-EP1