POLICE OFFICER I

Number of Openings:           1

Institution:                           Cleveland State Community College

Department:                         Campus Police

Reports to:                            Chief of Campus Police

Campus Location:                 Cleveland, Tennessee

Salary Range:                        $42,809 - $51,371

Position Status:                     Non-Exempt / Full-Time

Moving Allowance:                N/A

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleveland State is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Cleveland State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). At Cleveland State, our mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. We wish to hire individuals with similar values who can help us accomplish those goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

To be considered for a position at Cleveland State, you must complete an online application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated solely based on the information provided in your application. Any work experience not included will not be considered for meeting the minimum requirements or determining compensation for the position.

Please note the following: 

• Attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form.
• Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. 

JOB SUMMARY

A Police Officer I will operate under the general supervision of the Chief of Campus Police. The officer will receive advice and guidance from the supervisor as needed, particularly for complex issues or exceptions to policy. Responsibilities include investigating crimes and accidents, as well as protecting property, facilities, citizens, staff, and students through law enforcement activities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICIATIONS

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Meets the requirements of a Certified Police Officer, per TCA 38-8-107, including completion or attendance and completion within one year following employment of a law enforcement academy curriculum approved by the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.
• Meets the requirements of TCA 38-8-106, Qualifications of Police Officers.
• Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances.
• Not have been released or discharged under any other than honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States;
• Have fingerprints on file with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
• Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician.
• Have good moral character as determined by a thorough investigation conducted by the employing agency.
• Have been certified by a Tennessee Licensed Health Care Provider qualified in the psychological fields as being free from any impairment, as set forth in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association at the time of the examination, that would, in the professional judgement of the examiner, affect the person’s ability to perform an essential function of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Possess a valid Tennessee operator license as issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Campus Patrol Duties and Traffic Control (50%)

• Conduct regular patrols throughout the campus, utilizing various modes of transportation to ensure visibility and accessibility. These modes of transportation include foot, bicycle, and motor vehicle.
• Direct and control traffic flow on campus to maintain order and safety of both vehicles and pedestrians. This includes managing intersections, monitoring parking areas, and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.
• Monitor compliance with traffic and parking regulations, issuing citations for violations as appropriate.

Response and Investigation(s) 40%

• Respond to accidents on campus, assessing the scene, gathering information, and determining the probable cause of the incident.
• Document findings thoroughly and pursue appropriate actions, such as filing reports or coordinating with emergency services, to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
• Investigate reported crimes, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed reports of findings.
• When warranted, make arrests in accordance with legal protocols, ensuring that all actions taken are documented accurately to support potential legal proceedings.
• When necessary, provide testimony in court or legal proceedings regarding any investigations conducted. This includes presenting evidence, answering questions, and clarifying details of cases to support the prosecution or defense in legal matters.

Operation and Maintenance of Law Enforcement Equipment (5%)

• Properly operate and maintain all assigned law enforcement equipment, including radios, vehicles, and other tools essential for their duties.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (5%)

• The appointee may be required to achieve additional skill, knowledge, or credential levels currently required or which in the future may be required by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges.
• Provide backup to various functions within the unit.
• Serve on college committees and participate at an appropriate level in administrative decision-making.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Knowledge of the court system and how to present evidence in legal proceedings.
• Familiarity with campus policies, as well as city, county, and state laws.
• Understanding of effective investigative methods.
• Awareness of the geographic areas of the campus.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Proficient in gathering facts through personal contact, observation, and examination of records.
• Ability to explain and interpret relevant provisions of laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Capable of enforcing laws firmly, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
• Willingness to learn how to operate necessary law enforcement equipment.
• Ability to meet local area and institutional requirements related to bonding, arrest authority, and weapon use.
• Strong ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, the public, and other employees.

WORK ACTIVITIES & EQUIPMENT

Knowledge and ability to operate two-way radios, computers, printers, cell phones, and other necessary law enforcement equipment to effectively operate the Campus Safety and Security office. All vehicle patrol tasks are conducted using the college’s police vehicle.

JOB LOCATION

The Campus Police Department, located on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee, is the primary workplace. In addition to travel for trainings and conferences both state-wide and within the United States may be required.  Additionally, occasional travel to off-campus sites within the college’s five (5) county service area may be required.

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Applicants may be subject to a background check and credit check.

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Cleveland State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HAS
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health)
• Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $50 match, 403b, and 457
• Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays/Year
• Sick and Annual Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

If you are interested, click on the link to apply. 

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by November 6, 2025. 

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Human Resources Office
Telephone: 423-478-6203; FAX: 423-478-6257
Email: humanresources@clevelandstatecc.edu

Website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu

The following link will direct you to a reporting section of the college’s website:  How Do I Report