Weapons Detection Supervisor

The Weapons Detection Supervisor is part of the Vanderbilt University Public Safety Department at Vanderbilt University and is a supervisor responsible for managing a unit or shift under general direction from a higher-ranking officer. This position provides field supervision, support, and backup of non-sworn officers while working a post, zone, or watch in an assigned area. May train new officers and evaluate as outlined in the Field Training Program. The Supervisor will coordinate with Vanderbilt University Medical Center stakeholders and support services for the weapons detection and security program.

Please note that updated, current resumes are preferred and upon hire VUPS cannot guarantee a specific shift’s availability, as hires will be placed based on the needs of the department.

• Available shifts: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift
• Shift Differential:  2nd shift - $1.50; 3rd shift $1.75
• Pay rate: $30 per hour

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages a unit or shift; ensures adequate resources for an area of responsibility; may supervise employees. 
• Train/retrain and educate Weapons Detection Specialists and Community Service Officers during field and/or classroom training, regarding weapons detection systems and the required equipment and devices.
• Serve as back up for Weapons Detection Specialists and Community Service Officers. 
• Maintain and update shift schedule.
• Review and approve time off requests as appropriate and manage time off for leaves of absences.
• Review and approve time sheets.
• Review and approve all appropriate reports and documents submitted by Community Service Officers and Weapons Detection Specialists. 
• Perform quarterly evaluations for direct reports.
• Perform and provide routine audits of operational processes and functions as well as inspections of personnel and equipment to ensure compliance.
• Conduct performance conversations with staff in a fair and impartial manner utilizing the designated departmental forms. 
• Conduct preliminary investigations of complaints/allegations of employee misconduct; make recommendations to management when disciplinary action is warranted.
• Monitor and coach others for improved work performance and participate in counseling sessions as necessary.
• Keeps management informed of significant security related events or activities; prepares and reviews periodic activity reports for management.      Participates and provides input in periodic management meetings to keep top management informed of problems and concerns.
• Participates and attends regular meetings with key stakeholders across the institution to keep current and aware of changing demands relative to security needs within a designated area of responsibility. Compiles and presents reports as required for committees and meetings. Prepares and submits reports/data/records for local and/or state compliance.
• Actively participates in interview process for new Weapons Detection Specialist and Community Service Officer candidates 
• Maintains data, files and information related to unit; conducts research; prepares proposals and plans for strategic and contingency needs.
• Leads and implements accountability measures to ensure that services are delivered fairly and impartially.

Calls for Service 

• Conduct individual building security checks and directed patrols when tasked.
• Assist with emergency response to fire/medical as needed.
• Conduct bi-weekly Emergency Phone Test for zone.
• Conduct Vehicle Access, Jump Starts or assist motorist calls within patrol zone.
• Provide walking or driving escorts when tasked.
• Responds to general calls for service such as accessing and/or locking buildings, assisting motorists, or providing personal safety.
• Provide backup for other officers as necessary.
• Assists medical personnel in the detention of psychiatric patients.
• Assists with secure transportation services for psychiatric patients to the Vanderbilt Behavioral Health Hospital.

Community Oriented Policing

• Identifies potential security-related conditions through proactive patrol of assigned areas and takes the lead in problem-solving through partnerships to develop prevention strategies.
• Coordinates with VUPD Community Relations personnel regarding physical security, safety information, and other related crime prevention issues within their area.
• Develops rapport with members of the university and medical center community as well as surrounding areas; participates in community relations activities.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility

The Safety and Security Supervisor will have responsibility of assigned Community Service Officers and Weapons Detection Specialists during shift operations. This position reports administratively and functionally to the assigned Precinct Captain and/or designee.

Qualifications

• High School Education or G.E.D required.
• At least three years of proven experience as a security officer or similar position is required. 
• At least one year of experience as a supervisor is required. 
• Successful completion of the department field training program within the designated time frame necessary.
• 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.
• Completion of VUPS training within 30 days of hire is required*. This includes:
  • De-escalation, Pressure Point Control Tactics, pepper spray, or similar training
  • CPR and AED certification
  • Community Service Officer training
  • Knowledge of university and police department rules, regulations and other written directives

*Note: this training is completed within the first 2 weeks of training. In some cases, if someone missed a few days of training they must have it completed within 30 days.

Experience and Skills

• Ability to remain calm and objective throughout stressful and unpleasant situations is required.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, credibility and good customer service skills when dealing with internal and external contacts is required.
• Willingness and ability to make timely, sound decisions and accept responsibility is required.
• Ability to develop the skills of staff and prepare personnel for increased responsibility is required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and enforcement officials, and members of the university is required.
• Ability to work with people of various ages and backgrounds and with diverse constituencies, including students, parents, faculty, and staff in the University and the Medical Center is required.
• Ability and willingness to evaluate job performance of employees through behavioral observation, reviews, or work productivity measures is required.
• Ability to handle a wide range of assignments with relative independence and limited direction is required.
• Demonstrated public speaking skills are necessary.
• Demonstrated self-restraint in challenging and/or difficult situations is necessary.
• Experience working with MS Word and Excel, and other computer programs is preferred.
• Effective written and oral communication skills is necessary.
• Ability and skill to give performance feedback to subordinates is necessary.
• Ability and skill to handle disciplinary and performance issues is necessary.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations is necessary.
• Ability to remain flexible in the face of constantly changing needs is necessary.
• Ability to supervise and guide individuals or a group of individuals is necessary.
• Ability and willingness to make sound decisions quickly based on the facts presented is necessary.

Physical Requirements

The Weapons Detection Supervisor must be able to:

• Stand for long periods of time
• Walk, climb, and lift
• Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming
• Pass a thorough background investigation 
• Must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required to be able to work in patient care and high-risk areas

 Working Environment

• Required to work nights/weekends/holidays
• Must be able to work in inclement weather and various weather extremes
• May encounter such things as hazardous materials, infectious disease, blood borne pathogens, steam, car battery acid, loud noises, smoke and fire
• Must be able to correctly use a TB Mask and other precautionary equipment 
• May encounter physical danger from violent patients, suspects and others.