Police Officer

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.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

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

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.

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.
• Completion of a Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) certified basic Police Recruit Academy.
• Active motor vehicle operator’s license
• 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 as a condition of their employment

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.  

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): Please refer to the union contract: Harvard University Police Association Contract
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record,, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties
• Other Information: This is a fully onsite position, located in Cambridge, MA

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Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.