Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Public Safety Lieutenant

  • Title: Public Safety Lieutenant
  • Class: Manager
  • FLSA: Exempt
  • Grade: J

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Public Safety, the Lieutenant supports public safety efforts and the daily functions of the Public Safety Department in the areas of support services, operations, and administrative services. Areas of accountability include supervision of staff, prioritizing and assigning work; the development and implementation of a comprehensive training program for public safety staff; maintenance of records, reports and files; and coordination of preliminary investigations. Supports the development and implementation of comprehensive policies and procedures relating to department operations and ensure effective, efficient, and professional delivery of services to the College.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Supports the development and implementation of district-wide Public Safety policies and procedures, plans and contingencies for dealing with emergencies, disasters and other critical incidents.
  2. In the absence of the Director, assumes full responsibility for the daily operation of the department including allocating staff district-wide in response to field activity, conducting staff meetings and reviews, inspecting operations, and providing guidance and leadership.
  3. Implements and manages a comprehensive training and development program for Public Safety personnel in collaboration with the Director, by identifying training needs, reviewing applicable training opportunities, and scheduling and tracking attendance.
  4. Ensures department members maintain compliance with certification requirements from the State of Oregon, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and Occupational Safety & Health Administration OSHA.
  5. Oversees department vehicle fleet. Ensures optimal performance of fleet and equipment and identifies and meets future needs.
  6. Supervises academic professionals, paraprofessionals, technical/support, and/or classified staff. Hires, evaluates, disciplines and recommends dismissal of staff as necessary.
  7. Reviews, corrects, and approves reports of Public Safety personnel to include Officers and Sergeants.
  8. Responds to emergencies and critical incidents, deploying appropriate resources.
  9. Compiles statistics and other reports regarding department activities and incidents within the district as assigned. In collaboration with the Director, identifies problems and develop a response with the goal to eliminate or reduce further incidents of crimes.
  10. Manages the department’s record keeping systems in collaboration with the Director and ensures compliance with internal and external regulations.
  11. Assists with identifying departmental policy needs for frontline staff; develops and implements policy and procedures with a focus on standardizing public safety services, maintaining accountability, and maximizing services to the College.
  12. Works to support the continuation of IACLEA accreditation; implements required standards and core competencies, ensures alignment with policies, and maintains records as required.
  13. Assists in the development of the department strategic plan in collaboration with the director and implements assigned areas, with a focus on enhancing provided services and meeting projected needs of the College in regards to public safety services and organizational advancement in response to recognized industry best practices.
  14. Assists with the development and administration of the department budget.
  15. Ensures and promotes a healthy and safe work environment for staff.
  16. Participates in a variety of meetings, committees, taskforces, and/or related groups both internally and externally to communicate pertinent information regarding public safety.
  17. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is generally performed in an office environment with frequent interruptions and outside exposure occurs during training and critical incident response.  Extended work hours are frequently required and incumbent is on-call 24 hours/day, seven days per week. A basic level of learned physical skill in defense tactics and intervention is required. Generally, minimal physical exertion is required although physical force may be required to intercede in altercations or to protect life.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in police science, criminology, public administration or related field; relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Six years of progressively responsible public safety or law enforcement experience including three years in a lead or supervisory capacity. Certification in Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700 and 800.

Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Supervisory Manager certification from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Public safety, law enforcement and security methods;
  • National Incident Managements Systems (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) philosophy;
  • Leadership and managerial principles;
  • Crowd control techniques pertaining to a campus environment;
  • Applicable local, state and federal laws, codes, rules and regulations;
  • Training methodology;
  • Policy and procedure development and administration principles and practices;
  • Conflict mediation principles and practices;
  • Public relations principles;
  • Campus communities and their surrounding communities;
  • Understanding of the student conduct and care processes;
  • Title IX investigations and institutional requirements, along with FERPA and Clery Act compliance.
Skills in:
  • Planning, developing and administering a sound public safety and enforcement program;
  • Planning, implementing, improving and evaluating programs, policies and procedures;
  • Planning and implementing security and safety surveys;
  • Assessing complex and hazardous situation and determining an appropriate course of action;
  • Conducting highly sensitive investigations;
  • Responding to difficult, stressful or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers;
  • Gaining the confidence and cooperation of local community members;
  • Providing leadership to subordinate staff;
  • Monitoring and evaluating employees;
  • Prioritizing and assigning work;
  • Preparing clear and concise reports;
  • Maintaining accurate and up to date records and appropriate documentation;
  • Communicating effectively through oral and written mediums;
  • Evaluating research to identify potential solutions, resolve problems, or provide information;
  • Utilizing computer technology for communication, data gathering and reporting activities.
Ability to:
  • Work effectively with diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff and the community;
  • Effectively handle highly stressful or adverse situations;
  • Use sound judgement;
  • Work calmly and accurately to arrive at a satisfactory resolution.

Revised: 6/28/2022; 6/2019; 3/2019

  • Reviewed: 12/2018
  • New: 11/2007