Sergeant - Drug Detection Canine Handler

The Sergeant – Canine Drug Detection Handler position will perform law enforcement, crime prevention duties, and other general police/security services; and enforce state and local laws as well as Vanderbilt University policies and procedures. The handler will perform patrol functions and canine duties, including being proactive in community-oriented policing, traffic, area checks, etc. Provides field supervision, support, and backup of officers while working a post, zone, or watch in an assigned area. May train new police officers and evaluate as outlined in the Field Training Program. This handler will be required to work a flexible work schedule to ensure maximum attendance at mandatory maintenance training. Shift times and days off will be assigned accordingly. This role will involve participating in demonstrations and other speaking engagements related to the police canine unit.

The pay rate for this position is $33.65 per hour plus a shift differential of up to $1.75 per hour.

Please Note: Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter with their application to be considered for this role. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Administrative Services

•   Performs and provides, at the shift level, direct field supervision of police, master police, and security officers in routine patrol, directed patrol, community policing, and special event activities. 
• Reviews and assists officers as necessary on incident reports, accident reports, and any other such reports prepared by officers daily. Ensures the accuracy of all information on reports including case number, report number, and classification.  Prepares routine and special reports as necessary. Submits reports to the appropriate supervisor for final review and approval. 
• May train new police officers and evaluate as outlined in the Field Training Program.
• Monitor and coach others for improved work performance and participate in counseling sessions as necessary.
• Conducts performance evaluations fairly and impartially.

Calls for Service

• First responder for all emergency calls to include but not be limited to the following: alarms (fire, panic, holdup), hazardous material spills and leaks, traffic crashes, criminal activity in progress, assistance for injured/sick, and crimes in progress.
• Responder for non-emergency calls to include but not be limited to the following law enforcement or safety and security concerns: Situations that indicate potential for violence or potential volatility and Situations that require coordination between VUPD and other VU departments including members of the VU community who have orders of protection on file, no directory or alias patients, sensitive student, staff, or faculty issues.
• Responds to general calls for service such as accessing and/or locking buildings, assisting motorist, or providing personal safety.
• Provides escorts of money and persons for protection of such.
• Assists other agencies as requested.
• Provide backup for other officers as necessary.
• Assists medical personnel in the detention of psychiatric patients.
• Provides protection and secure transportation services for psychiatric patients to other facilities or courts.

Community Oriented Policing

• Serves the community through proactive patrol of assigned areas working with zone contacts to identify potential security-related situations and develop crime prevention strategies.
• Identifies potential security-related conditions and takes the lead in problem-solving through partnerships to develop prevention strategies.
• Provides safety, crime prevention, and community policing information to contacts over the course of patrol duties.
• Coordinates with VPD Community Relations personnel regarding physical security, safety information, and other related crime prevention issues within their area.
• Develops rapport with members of the university community as well as surrounding areas; participates in community relations activities.
• Assists community members as necessary when dealing with the criminal justice system and other related matters.
• Conducts personal safety classes, crime prevention presentations, and orientation sessions for new employees and students.

Investigations

• Provides initial investigation for all calls of criminal activity and accidents.
• Protects and maintains crime scene as necessary.
• Coordinates with detectives regarding cases that require the additional expertise or involvement of CIU.
• Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects and inform them of options available and additional processes to follow.
• Photographs and processes crime scenes or coordinates resources for required processing.
• May conduct photo lineups and additional investigative duties as needed.
• Provide crime prevention information to victims to reduce re-victimization.
• Performs field stops and interviews.
• Makes arrests, issues citations, and gives warnings.
• Prepares and submits applicable offense reports, follow-up reports, and other documentation as needed.

Judicial Proceedings

• Appears in court as a prosecuting officer or witness and presents testimony.
• Searches prisoners and provides custody of prisoners throughout the booking process.
• May be required to appear at university administrative hearings to provide testimony.
• Prepares and submits applicable follow-up reports.

Special Events and Assignments

• Provides security for events such as athletic events, concerts, speakers, visiting dignitaries, commencement, and numerous other social activities where security personnel may be required to provide crowd control and maintain order.
• Coordinates with other agencies as necessary.
• May be assigned or assume police supervisory or command responsibilities during special events on campus, visiting dignitary details, and other assignments as necessary.

Qualifications

• High School Education or G.E.D required.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. 
  • Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.
• Graduate of an accredited, approved Police Academy required.
• Certified police officer meeting all of the requirements for P.O.S.T. certification in Tennessee or be eligible for certification immediately upon hire required.
• Meet standards to receive a commission from the Metropolitan Police Department necessary.

Experience

• Two years of experience in a law enforcement capacity is required. 
• Certified as a detection canine at least twice with either the United States Police Canine Association or the North American Police Work Dog Association is required.
• Completion of the initial dog handler course of a minimum of 50 training days, under the direction of a United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) certified trainer. 
• Complete an initial training session and challenge a local street certification trial, followed by weekly training as directed by the Lieutenant of the police K-9 unit. 
• Completion of the USPCA regional certification is required. 
• Will obtain membership in a nationally recognized drug suppression organization.   
• Pass a yearly drug detection canine team certification is required.   
• Handler will be paid for 30 minutes daily, to groom and maintain the animal and equipment.   
• Handler is expected to have a flexible work schedule to ensure maximum attendance at mandatory maintenance training.  Shift times and days off will be assigned accordingly. 
• The canine will reside with the handler at their home.
• All additional equipment, dog food, supplies, and veterinarian costs will be provided by the department.   
• The handler will keep the assigned kennel and vehicle in a sanitary condition at all times. 
• The handler will perform patrol functions along with canine duties, including being proactive in community-oriented policing, traffic, area checks, etc. 

Physical Requirements

In addition to meeting P.O.S.T. requirements officers must be able to: 

• Stand for long periods.
• Walk, climb, and lift.
• Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming.
• Pass a thorough background investigation 
• Pass a medical examination including vision screening and drug testing; must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required to be able to work in patient care and high-risk areas.
• Pass a Psychological Evaluation 

 Working Requirements

• Required to work nights/weekends/holidays.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather or weather extremes.
• May be confined to a patrol car for an entire shift. 
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, steam, car battery acid, loud noises, smoke, and fire.
• Required to be knowledgeable and able to correctly use a TB Mask and other precautionary equipment.

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Salary : $34