Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff, all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Community-Oriented Policing & Patrol
Build and maintain positive relationships with university personnel, students, patients, and surrounding community members.
Emergency & Non-Emergency Response
Serve as the first responder to all emergency calls, including criminal activity in progress, alarms, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, and medical emergencies.
Investigation and Enforcement
Conduct preliminary investigations of reported crimes, accidents, and incidents, ensuring proper identification, collection, and preservation of evidence.
Perform field stops, interviews, and enforce laws through arrests, citations, or warnings in accordance with departmental policy and state regulations.
Judicial and Administrative Proceedings
Special Events and Assignments
Provide essential security, crowd control, and order maintenance for special events, including athletic competitions, concerts, commencement, and visiting dignitaries.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the assigned shift Sergeant and the chain of command.
Qualifications:
Education
Must pass a thorough background investigation and drug test demonstrating good moral character, a good driving record, and no prior criminal convictions that would prohibit certification under the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services Act.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, communication, and presentation skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Must be able to stand for long periods, walk, climb, and lift; meet departmental standards for appearance and grooming.
Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and in inclement or extreme weather conditions.
Must be able to use precautionary equipment (e.g., TB mask) and may encounter hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, loud noises, and potential physical danger from violent individuals.
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
