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Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety
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Position Number: 4702206
Location: New Haven, CT
Position Type: Campus Safety and Police

Classification: Manager 3

Search Number:MC23-004

Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) invites applications for the Chief of Police.

About Southern Connecticut State University

SCSU is a diverse and student-centered university dedicated to academic excellence, access, and service for the public good. Southern provides a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of its community through acampus wide commitment tosocial justice. Founded as a teachers' college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive public university of more than 10,000 students, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. It is one of four universities in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. The University is in New Haven, a city rich with arts and culture, and less than 90 miles from New York City and 140 miles from Boston.

SCSU Police Department

Southern's University Police Department (SCSUPD) has a longstanding tradition of providing quality services to the Southern community. The safety and security of the students, faculty and staff is of paramount importance in every aspect of our duties.The department is committed to the fundamental principles of community policing, such as crime prevention, omnipresence, and partnerships, to name a few. Our mission is to provide exceptional police services in partnership with the Southern community. Protect and serve, maintain a safe environment, enhance the quality of life and learning, and promote a culture of respect, trust, and integrity.

The SCSUPD also has a communications center that monitors more than 20,000 Simplex alarm points; 5,000 alarm points; 5,000 campus phone extensions in the 911 phone system; and over 500 security cameras, in addition to daily radio activity of 18 University Assistants, 27 sworn uniformed officers, and nine shuttle buses. The center also monitors and responds to phone activity originating from direct-dial campus extensions and approximately 100 emergency blue-light phones. The five dispatch telecommunications operators are certified by the State of Connecticut in emergency telecommunications and COLLECT training and receive additional periodic training in areas such as Power-phone, Hazmat, emergency preparedness, homeland security issues, and customer service, to name a few.

The Position:

Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Chief of Police will be an innovative and strategic leader who can articulate and realize a vision, in collaboration with the Police Department staff. The position is is responsible for supervising and administering programs pertaining to the sworn policing, public safety and security of students, staff, and property of Southern Connecticut State University. The position oversees a full range of functions such as police, fire and emergency medical dispatching, crime prevention and the shuttle bus system. Services are provided on a 24 hour per day basis, seven days per week. The position also oversees a full-service department that has evolved along with the needs of the university. It began with 24 full-time employees and has increased to the present number of 33, including the director of public safety, associate director of public safety, a lieutenant,four sergeants, a detective, 20 officers, five dispatchers, and an administrative assistant. There are also 18 University Assistants that fill part-time positions, such as parking lot attendants. In addition, the department has a dispatch communication center is the 24/7 liaisonamong the university population, public, administration, and field units of the university police.

Examples of Duties*:

The Director position reports to Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration and is responsible for supervising and administering programs pertaining to the sworn policing, public safety and security of students, staff, and property of Southern Connecticut State University. The following examples of duties illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position, but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned with the general scope of the position.

Establishes policies and procedures to keep pace with changing legislation and Police Officer Standards and Training mandates.

Oversees mandated professional standards for sworn law enforcement officers.

Oversees the selection, development, supervision, evaluation, and training of Southern Connecticut State University's Sworn Police staff and other safety and security personnel.

Preserves the rights of all Southern Connecticut State University constituents.

Works with appropriate individual campus committees on the development and implementation of crime prevention and response strategies.

Coordinates campus traffic and parking policies and regulations.

Oversees Southern Connecticut State University environmental health and safety issues and coordinating with appropriate CSCC administrative staff in this area.

Oversees and coordinates, as appropriate, the enforcement of CT General Statutes related to law enforcement.

Coordinates with Student Affairs regarding community college policies and regulations related to student matters.

Manages department budget.

Coordinatinates the following: lost and found property; parking plan and parking permit programs; mutual aid and emergency assistance with local first responders and Department of the Emergency Services and Protection; emergency medical services with local EMS responders; Uniform Campus Crime and Fire Safety Reports (Clery Report).

Develops and coordinates programs to protect against theft and/or loss of Southern Connecticut State University property.

Coordinates the reporting of all property losses to appropriate officials.

Develops and maintains crisis management programs, emergency respons procedures and crisis management operations.

Compiles, interprets, and distributes statistical and other data related to campus police and public safety services and activities.

Assumes responsibility for affirmative action efforts and adherence to procedures in the recruitment, hiring, and promotion of staff.

Works with the Human Resources Department to ensure adherence to the Southern Connecticut State University Workplace Violence Policy.

Responsible for working with and overseeing contracted security services.

*Incumbents normally would gain these abilities and skills through a combination of experience and training which would typically include direct experience as a law enforcement officer and supervisor of law enforcement officers, together with specialized training in law enforcement in such institutions as police academies. This training would be enhanced by university-level education in criminal justice administration or related field.

The ideal candidate will also be able to lead the department as a cohesive unit, mentoring and supporting officers and other staff to be excellent in their roles and collectively provide the optimal experience. The Chief of Police will maximize visibility for the police department working cooperatively with the entire campus community, as well as alumni and external stakeholders, to develop a safe and inclusive environment for all. The Chief of Police will be a hands-on and accessible administrator with strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to collaborate and actively engage with a broad group of constituencies in the support of the mission and goals of the police department.

For additional information on the position including a more complete list of job responsibilities and a full set of required and preferred qualifications, visit the SCSU employment website at https://www.southernct.edu/faculty-staff/hr/jobs.html.

Qualifications:

Incumbents must possess proven ability to effectively work with a culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students. They are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skillsalong with stronginformation technology literacy skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.) Incumbents are required to have demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in the following:

Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree and FBI Academy training preferred in Criminal Justice or a related field; Currently certified or certifiable as a police officer in the State of Connecticut.

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement (preferably campus law enforcement) with a minimum of six (6) years of successful experience as a supervisory and/or administrative officer holding the rank of lieutenant or above.

Proven leadership skills and a collaborative management approach, including experience with relationship- and team building.

Experience building strategic partnerships and solving complex problems.

Knowledge of public safety budgeting for personnel, equipment, and programming.

Strong experience with community relations, communication, and supervision.

High degree of cultural awareness and competence, and a demonstrated ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable relationships at all levels of the organization.

Commitment to social justice, gender equity, and anti-racism, and a high degree of cultural awareness and competence, demonstrating respect for a diversity of identities and experiences.

The Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety is a commissioned police officer and must meet all standards established by the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council.

Must have the ability to work all shifts (including nights and weekends) as necessary and to respond to and take command of emergency situations when appropriate.

Must be familiar with laws affecting public safety on a college campus and their application to protecting life and property, while preserving individual constitutional rights.

The ability to qualify in the use of a department issued firearms required.

Incumbents in this position must possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity to perform the duties of this position.

Work Environment:

Incumbents may be exposed to unpleasant and/or dangerous situations which could cause injury or loss of life, to uncomfortable weather conditions and/or confinement within a vehicle for a prolonged period.

To Apply

For full consideration, please submit a letter of interest, resume and contact information for three professional references to Cindy Cardozo at cardozoc2@southernct.edu. For full consideration, please submit application materials no later than November 9, 2023. The position will remain open until filled.

Southern Connecticut State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University seeks to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff. People of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.