Job Description:
The Public Safety Officer (PSO) is a non-sworn uniformed, civilian employee of the Brown University Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management. The PSO is responsible for performing security patrols of a given post on campus. In addition, the PSO will provide support for various department outreach events on campus, for example laptop and bicycle registration tables.
Patrol-related responsibilities include:
- Prevention patrol of the post. External patrol and internal inspection of all University property and development of a working knowledge of the activity and community on the post.
- Enforcement of all University rules and regulations.
- Providing non-criminal services to the Brown University community.
- Must be able to provide rescue functions.
- Writing non-criminal reports and witness statements as dictated by their responsibilities.
- Testifying in any University hearing or criminal court necessitated by performance.
- Assisting the Campus Police Officer when called upon.
- Initiate and enhance communication between the Department and the community.
- Assist with identifying problems to community awareness and communications.
Illustrative examples of patrol-related work
- The Public Safety Officer will patrol and take action only on University property and in University buildings.
- They will be responsible for their post assignment and will handle all non-criminal situations in that area.
- Report hazardous conditions and physical security problems; admit authorized people to University buildings; perform lock-up responsibilities; conduct building patrols and provide information to guests and members of the Brown University campus and respond to complaints of violations of University rules and regulations.
- Perform rescue functions in emergencies, such as fires.
- Will be held responsible for completing all paperwork as required by their actions.
Public Safety Officer Qualifications/Job Functions
- Must have a high school diploma/GED.
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Must pass a background investigation. Candidates must not have any felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions.
- Must pass a psychological examination administered by the University of Rhode Island, and a physical examination administered by the department’s provider.
- Must be able to engage in security functions that include such things as working various shifts, walking on foot patrol, climbing stairs and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure that they are secure.
- Must be able to perform and directly assist in rescue operations which may involve lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects, climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles, jumping down from elevated surfaces, climbing through openings, jumping over obstacles, crawling in confined areas, balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
- Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain mutually cooperative relationships with students, staff, faculty and the neighboring community. Must be able to communicate with sensitivity and tact and maintain confidentiality. Must be able to effectively give information and directions.
- Must be able to prepare reports, including sketches and using appropriate grammar.
- Must have basic computer skills.
- Must be capable of prioritizing tasks and handling a multiphasic position.
- Must successfully pass this Department’s Public Safety Officer training program, including receiving instruction on Use of Force policy as it applies to Public Safety Officers.
- Must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period (six months if promoted into this position) An employee transferred or promoted from a part-time to a full-time position, or an employee transferred or promoted during the first twelve months of employment with the Department, shall serve a twelve (12) month probation in the new position.
All offers of employment are contingent upon consent to criminal background screening and education verification with results satisfactory to Brown.
Benefits of Working at Brown:
Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-10-21
Job Posting Title:
Public Safety Officer
Department:
Public Safety and Emergency Management
Grade:
Department of Public Safety
Worker Type:
Employee
Worker Sub-Type:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Position Work Location:
Onsite
Submission Guidelines:
The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.
Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.
Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.
Brown is an E-Verify Employer.
EEO Statement:
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.
