Police Officer - Harvard University

The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) is a full-service police agency dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment that supports Harvard’s mission of teaching, research, and learning. Serving a diverse community of more than 22,000 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and over 700 buildings across an open and accessible campus, HUPD provides professional policing grounded in partnership, respect, and constitutional values. With a Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, and Dignitary Protection Unit, HUPD delivers comprehensive law enforcement and public safety services, responding to a wide variety of incidents, conducting investigations, supporting crime prevention initiatives, and assisting community members with services ranging from safety escorts to wellness checks. HUPD officers are Massachusetts POST-certified police officers who are trained and held to the same standards and expectations as any other sworn member of law enforcement within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They work closely with state, local, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure a coordinated public safety response on and around campus. Joining HUPD means contributing to a mission-driven department that honors free expression, diversity, and individual rights while working collaboratively to protect life, safeguard property, and reduce fear of crime within the Harvard community.

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard’s world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Job Description

Under the supervision of a sergeant or higher-ranking officer, patrols are assigned to areas of Harvard University to protect life and property and maintain a secure campus environment by assuring compliance with laws, rules, and regulations. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Patrols campus buildings and adjacent areas on foot, on bicycle, and/or in cruisers.
• Investigates crimes or other incidents.
• When required, retains or arrests suspects and assists courts and district attorneys in prosecuting cases.
• Guards against trespass, theft, damage to property, or injury to individuals by diligent observation during patrol.
• Controls crowds.
• Provides personal protection when required.
• Investigate complaints and suspicious activity.
• Mediates disputes.
• Inspects grounds, buildings, and fire lanes for compliance with safety standards.
• Exercises police powers by making arrests, searching prisoners, restraining violent persons, and transporting persons under arrest or restraints.
• Preserves crime scenes and fire sites.
• Administers first aid.
• Must work with University community members and develop relationships and partnerships to accomplish team and organizational goals.
• Applies problem-solving skills to address issues in the community.
• Prepares thorough and accurate incident reports, investigative reports, and follow-ups when warranted.
• Overtime work, on occasion, shall be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:
• Stand and walk for long periods and must be able to walk up 10 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.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High School graduate/GED certificate required.
• Must be a US citizen, obtain and retain a Massachusetts Class A license to carry a firearm, and successfully complete firearms qualifications per Department standards.
• Completed a Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) approved basic Police Recruit Academy.
• Active motor vehicle operator’s license
• Candidates must have ability to work any and all shifts. HUPD is a 24/7 operation and candidates should have the ability to work nights, weekends, holidays.
• Successful completion of pre-employment screening psychological test and physical agility test.
• Ability to obtain MA POST Commission Certification and SSPO Warrant of Appointment and pass a state and national background check under M.G.L. c. 6E, § 4 as a condition of employment. This background check includes a check of criminal offender record information for all prospective employees.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• An Associate Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field is preferred. The candidate must be able to perform duties under stressful conditions and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.