This is the supervisory level class in the Security Officer Series. Positions in this class perform compliance enforcement, crime prevention, security, traffic control, and safety work for the security department of a state facility, educational institution, or line agency. Positions in this class supervise and engage in a variety of security officer duties in order to protect facility property and provide a safe, secure environment for employees, visitors, students, and clients. Positions in this class function as first-line supervisors of Security Officers and/or Officer Senior with general police powers as authorized by Code of Virginia with limited jurisdiction, as conferred by the circuit court or sheriff and may carry restraint devices or weapons. This class is distinguished from the Security Officer Senior class by the responsibility for shift supervision. This class is distinguished from the Security Manager class by its focus on the responsibility for supervising the day-to-day duties of the security force rather than focusing on managing and monitoring various program areas of the security and protective services operation.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty requiring the exercise of independent judgment in the interpretation and application of policies, rules and regulations. Duties include supervising, evaluating, training and advising Security Officers. Reviews workload, determines priorities, and applies employee and public relations principles. Positions supervise and engage in Security Officer duties which include patrolling facility controlled property, buildings, or grounds on foot or in a vehicles to enforce rules and regulations, prevent crime, and assist clients and visitors; monitoring a variety of systems and equipment for malfunctioning or inoperative conditions; monitoring building and facility security; and operating a variety of communications equipment. Directs and controls traffic and issues tickets/citations to traffic and parking violators. Reports traffic accidents and may conduct accident investigations; responds to emergencies and requests for assistance; gives first aid; assists in the control/restraint/seclusion of combative/resistive clients; notes suspicious persons or unusual events; reports hazards which may endanger employee, client or public safety; and prepares and updates a variety of logs, records, and reports. Conducts investigations and secures evidence; apprehends suspects; and detains suspects within jurisdictional boundaries. Confers with other agency security supervisors to share information related to incidents of the supervised shift. May serve legal papers as required. Testifies in court and at administrative hearings.

Supervision Given: Supervises Security Officers and other subordinate staff assigned to the work unit.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from a Security Manager or higher level administrative position.

Scope: Positions in this class perform work which affects the safety and security of assigned areas, property, employees, students, clients, and visitors.

Impact of Actions: Actions affect the compliance with rules, policies, and regulations by employees, clients, visitors, and the general public. Inadequate enforcement negatively impacts on safety and security, and may result in significant costs in terms of time, money, or public goodwill. Loss of, or damage to facility property and injury of persons using the facilities may occur if assigned areas are not adequately safeguarded, if employees are not properly trained, or if the policies, rules, and regulations are not enforced.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contacts with employees, clients, visitors, and the general public in order to ensure compliance with policies and regulations, and to provide information and assistance. Frequent contact with state and local law enforcement officers to request or provide assistance.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of statute enforcement; and of security and safety concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques. Working knowledge of the principles of supervision; and of employee and public relations.

Skills: Working skill in the use of security vehicles and equipment related to this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions; to react appropriately in routine and emergency situations; and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a diverse population. Demonstrated ability to gather information and write factual reports; to supervise and train subordinates; and to explain and ensure compliance with policies, rules, and regulations.

Licenses or Certification: Valid Virginia driver’s license.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in a supervisory position related to law enforcement, security, or safety.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in June 1988 as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update program. It replaces the Institutional Police Chief A class.

Last updated: 7/1/88