RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION
Reporting to the vice president of financial services and operations, the executive director of public safety and chief of college police is the primary leader in establishing best practices for planning, organizing, leading, directing, and controlling security and safety operations of the college and the extension campuses. The executive director of public safety and chief of college police is responsible for leading the department of public safety and establishing, preparing, and maintaining the department and staff to obtain and sustain police department accreditation. Moreover, this critical position is responsible for the emergency management and public safety strategic planning for the current and future needs of the department and ensuring it is consistent with the college’s strategic plan. By promoting and fostering a positive work environment for emergency management and college police, the executive director of public safety and chief of college police ensures that college employees, constituents, and visitors adhere to federal, state, and local rules and regulations, the college code, and policy and procedures; actively plans and responds to emergencies and promotes community-oriented policing to prevent and control safety challenges; and effectively leads, promotes, and delivers collegial and collaborative emergency management and police services. The executive director of public safety and chief of college police is responsible for developing and maintaining a recruitment and selection strategy to hire, train, develop, and manage performance of highly competent emergency management and college police staff including contracted, temporary, or contingent staff.
Additional duties:
Administrative
- Serve as the key leader on all emergency and police issues and collaborate with external agencies, the college president, senior leaders, the vice president of financial services and operations, administrators, faculty, staff, and union representatives to maintain safe and inviting college and extension campuses.
- Responsible for developing, planning, overseeing, and maintaining the emergency management and public safety budget.
- Actively lead, promote, and deliver collegial and collaborative emergency management and police services.
- Establish best practice standards and protocols that provide safety and security for college personnel, visitors, and property.
- Establish, maintain, update, and communicate operational and college policy and procedures for all staff that includes operating standards, work schedule, personnel actions, and training and development.
- Develop, deliver, and maintain safety and prevention training programs for faculty, staff, and students in collaboration with the equity, culture, and talent (ETC) unit as needed.
Emergency Management
- Develop and maintain the recordkeeping and training records, including required certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED for public safety staff and contract guards.
- Attend meetings and conferences to maintain state-of-the-art campus safety practices.
- Coordinate emergency drills on campus with the Prince George’s County Police Department and loaned police for extension centers.
- Design and maintain an effective reporting system for college incidents, including documentation and log maintenance, recordkeeping, and follow-up contact with applicable individuals, federal, state, and local agencies.
- Monitor security violations and inefficiencies by conducting periodic audits.
- Identify safety and security problems by reporting violations according to Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) policy.
- Represent the college at related security programs.
- Work closely with the emergency manager in developing campus response procedures.
- Serve as a core team member of the PGCC Cares committee by reviewing and assisting with student behavioral issues.
- Recommend security improvements by assessing current situations, evaluating trends, and anticipating college safety requirements.
- Coordinate security activities with plant operations.
- Develop, implement, and enforce campus security operational policies and procedures.
- Interact on a day-to-day basis with the college community.
- Conduct crime prevention surveys and programs.
- Oversee the camera surveillance operation on campus and develop policies regarding its implementation and use.
Police and Security
- Serve as a transitional leader who can prepare the department for accreditation to improve overall performance, which includes updating general orders and developing a contemporary, efficient, and effective organization.
- Maintain a department manual of specified guidance/directives that provides for the development of a process for annual distribution, review, and compliance assessments.
- Be responsible for developing and communicating the annual security report that is consistent with the general order regarding the college police jurisdiction.
- Oversee the investigation of criminal and policy violations in conjunction with appropriate offices.
- Supervise and administer the campus security program.
- Establish and maintain jurisdiction rules and regulations and accurately and consistently address the agency’s jurisdiction.
- Return to campus on various security shifts for spot inspections.
- Routinely report on operations to the community, highlighting decision-making and how the department is working to best meet the community’s evolving needs.
- Establish, implement, and manage a memorandum of understanding or mutual aid agreement with other public safety agencies to ensure high-quality relationships that make clear jurisdiction/service areas and partnership engagement.
- Serve as the liaison between the college and local law enforcement.
- Accept the responsibility for federal, state, and local reporting requirements on crime statistics.
- Be accountable for all compliance issues relating to the Clery Act and Title IX, including staff training and compliance.
- Plan, coordinate, and manage security for all events and special activities on campus.
- Oversee the maintenance of records for parking citations used to enforce PGCC rules of safety.
- Oversee the response to calls for assistance, escort requests, and emergency aid.
- Assume other responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, business administration, or related discipline; a master’s degree is preferred. Supplementary coursework in criminal justice or security is desired. The successful candidate must also be certified as a police officer or eligible for a provisional certification. Five years of experience as an officer with a law enforcement agency (federal, state, or local agency) is required. In addition, the successful candidate must possess ten years of demonstrated supervisory experience in a command-level role. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a special police officer certification for the State of Maryland and comply with all Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission requirements. Security experience gained at a college or university campus is preferred.
Preferred qualifications, as listed in the position description, include the following:
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to demonstrate leadership, management, interpersonal and technical skills that can exemplify previous success in building cooperative working relationships.
- Ability to work with a culturally diverse community and student body.
- Proactive problem-solver committed to leadership excellence who soundly modifies policies, procedures, and practices to address ever-changing crime and safety situations.
- Knowledge of special police designations on a college campus.
- Knowledge of surveillance procedures utilizing electronic equipment.
- Knowledge of contract management procedures related to outsourced contract security services.
- Ability to use routine equipment such as a desktop computer, ID camera, and two-way radio.
- Experience with Microsoft Office software applications.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws.
- Knowledge of higher education regulations as they relate to student information and security.
- Appreciation for the sensitive issues involving today’s college age populations.
- Ability to interact in a positive, sensitive, courteous, and understanding way with members of a diverse academic community and the general public.
- Ability to foster a diverse workforce.
- Well-developed decision-making and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge in effective planning for safety and security, management of community expectations, and response to campus emergencies.
- Demonstrated knowledge in assembling and maintaining an effective team with high morale, pride in accountable service delivery, and low turnover.
- Demonstrated ability in complaint management to include transparency in intake and follow-through to investigations and resolution (this may require additional training and is of vital importance with the adoption of the recent Police Accountability Act).
- Proven experience with assisting in Clery Act compliance, threat assessments, and all other regulatory compliance matters (current and future applicable federal, state, and local laws).
In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:
- Strong leadership abilities that inspire staff and promote unity and teamwork, as well as human relations skills to deal effectively with personnel issues when necessary.
- An excellent and transparent communicator who can reach all levels of the department and the college, including the ability to effectively speak to the press, parents, and the campus community.
- Able to listen carefully, ask knowledgeable questions, learn the department and its intricacies, accept input from staff, and then make well-informed decisions.
- Possess strategic vision and ability to motivate all levels of staff to support that vision.
- A student-centered philosophy in which the welfare of students and improvement of the student experience are of the highest priority.
- Possess problem-solving skills, with the ability to determine needs, address issues, and manage change effectively.
- Adaptable to significant changes on the spur of the moment, not reactive, and able to address situations with a cool and collected demeanor.
- A strategic and data-informed decision-maker who is also able to think fast on their feet when necessary.
- Possess strong assessment skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions, set expectations across the department, devise and implement a plan, analyze the results, and propose changes and updates based on these outcomes.
- Ethical, with the utmost integrity, and a good steward of student resources.
- An innovator with a futuristic orientation and willingness to try new opportunities, remain informed on new trends and best practices, and lead significant change processes.
- An ardent delegator who can balance knowing when to actively participate and when tasks can be delegated to others who are empowered.
- Willing to be visible on campus, to participate in the life of the campus, and to work with the administration to provide information and news to the campus community in a timely and appropriate fashion.
- Politically savvy and tactful, with the ability to fight diplomatically for the needs of the staff and the department.
- Possess a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.
HISTORY OF THE POSITION
Immediately following the departure of the previous executive director of public safety and chief of college police, Prince George’s Community College utilized the services of Healy+ to identify an interim executive director of public safety and chief of college police to sustain campus safety programs, services, and initiatives. Robert Casey was appointed to this critical role in May 2023. Interim Chief Casey will continue to serve on a temporary basis while Prince George’s Community College conducts a national search for a permanent leader.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF THE ROLE
In transitioning to Prince George’s Community College, the executive director of public safety and chief of police (executive director/chief) will encounter the following opportunities, priorities, and challenges, as shared by key campus stakeholders:
- Campus stakeholders were genuinely interested in participating in discussions about this position, and there was a unanimous support for identifying a competent and visionary individual who can promote and develop the public safety department, set departmental priorities, and continue to boldly lead successful public safety initiatives into the future.
- The executive director/chief and the other officers should be visible, accessible, and proactive with the student body, consistently networking with the faculty and administration, interactively involving the campus in safety and security endeavors, and generally positively represent the department. The new executive director/chief should identify best practices, innovative trends, and other professional networks with regard to staff development, further development of community engagement, and implementation of a strong community policing philosophy.
- The executive director/chief should be an experienced leader capable of developing extensive collaborative partnerships, managing crises and complex situations in a professional manner, prioritizing education and professional development both within and external to the department, and proactively contributing at both a strategic and tactical level to a vibrant and dynamic higher-education environment.
- The executive director/chief will want to establish themselves as a strategic, innovative, and decisive leader who quickly builds rapport with students, faculty, staff, partners, colleagues throughout campus, and external collaborators. The executive director/chief should conduct a “listening tour” to foster open communication, increase transparency and opportunities for feedback, strengthen stakeholder involvement, and serve as a “connector” in all instances. These connections are essential in order to assess real needs, design student-centered programs, and provide high-end customer service at all times.
- In terms of their role and visibility, campus stakeholders indicated there is no clear delineation between college public safety officers and college police officers. It will be important for the executive director/chief to clearly market and communicate differences through a variety of communication platforms.
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
The items listed below will define the new executive director of public safety and chief of college police’s success throughout the first year of employment:
- The executive director/chief will have developed and maintained a proactive, highly visible, well-respected, and established leadership presence on and off campus that is credible, collegial, and highly effective.
- The executive director/chief will have demonstrated clear and effective communication, good rapport, trust, and strong relationships with key stakeholders across campus to elevate the collaborative work around public safety.
- The executive director/chief will have established clear goals and objectives centered on best practices, monitored progress, and demonstrated measurable outcomes regarding campus public safety.
- The executive director/chief will have developed a leadership team defined as a strong, highly functioning, well-regarded, valued, and resilient team that works with synergy and shared purpose, readily collaborating across departmental and division lines with a demonstrated commitment to service.
- Students and the campus community will have responded favorably to the new executive director/chief and reported an increased level of satisfaction with an array of streamlined and well-branded resources that are easier to navigate.
OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC SAFETY AT PRINCE GEORGE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Prince George’s Community College is committed to a secure and safe campus. From threat assessments to emergency plans, ongoing efforts are positive and proactive. They work to keep the campus community secure. The department of public safety reports to the vice president for financial services and operations.
Public Safety Leadership
Terri K. Bacote-Charles, Vice President for Financial Services and Operations
Terri K. Bacote-Charles serves as the vice president of financial services and operations at Prince George’s Community College, where she functions as the college’s chief financial officer for an operating budget of more than $100 million. Bacote-Charles also provides the college with leadership and oversight in the areas of organizational development, facilities planning and management, campus police, and auxiliary services and events management.
Before joining the staff at Prince George’s Community College, Bacote-Charles served as the director of the Prince George’s County Government Office of Management and Budget following time as its deputy director. She managed an annual budget portfolio of $3.7 billion in operating expenses and a six-year capital budget program of $4.7 billion.
INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW
Founded in 1958, Prince George’s Community College provides higher education to Prince George County and the Washington, D.C. metro area. The college is based in Largo, Maryland, with an enrollment of over 11,000 students. PGCC offers over 100 fields of study through its academic, workforce development, continuing education, and personal enrichment programs. The college was the first educational institution to integrate in the county, and today serves more African-American students than any other post-secondary institution in the state of Maryland.
Strategic Plan 2022-2025—Dare to Be Extraordinary
The Student Body
Total enrollment (2021 data): 10,577
Male: 35%
Female: 65%
African American: 64%
Asian: 4%
Hispanic: 17%
Two or more races: 4%
Race unknown: 5%
Non-resident: 2%
White: 4%
Diversity Statement
Prince George’s Community College has long recognized the importance of equal opportunity and diversity in education and includes diversity as one of its core values.
Prince George’s Community College supports and embraces cultural diversity, understood as the creation and promotion of an inclusive, non-discriminatory environment for everyone through accepting and valuing differences, including differences in age, race, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic background, and ability/disability. Prince George’s Community College strives for growth and success for all of its students, employees, business partners, and the community.
Institutional Leadership
Falecia D. Williams, President
Dr. Falecia D. Williams is the ninth president of Prince George’s Community College. A proven transformational servant leader, she values learning as much as leading and understands the power of inspiring others to invest in their own positive outcomes.
Dr. Williams is active in numerous professional, business, and civic endeavors and board service, including: Visit Orlando; Central Florida Regional Housing Trust; Coalition for the Homeless; Lifework Leadership Orlando; Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan Development Team; Florida High Tech Corridor Workforce Development Team; Florida Department of Education Next Generation Curriculum Standards Committee and Subcommittee for Post-secondary Transition; the American Council on Education Post-secondary Transition Committee; and the Florida Association of Community Colleges.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW
For information on the benefits offered at Prince George’s Community College, see here.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter.
Nominations for this position and questions about the status of the search may be emailed to Quincy Martin III at qm3@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
The salary range is $99,665-$142,000.
Visit the Prince George’s Community College website at https://www.pgcc.edu
Prince George’s Community College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons to the end that no person, on the grounds of sex, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, qualified disabled veteran, or Vietnam-era veteran, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of this institution. Under this policy, this institution will not discriminate against any person on the grounds of sex, race, age, color, religion, veteran’s status, disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin in its admission policies and practices or any other policies or practices of the institution relating to the treatment of students and other individuals, including employment, the provision of services, financial aid, and other benefits, and including the use of any building, structure, room space, materials, equipment, facility, or any other property. One who believes oneself or any specific class of individual to be subject to prohibited discrimination may, by oneself or through a representative, file a written complaint with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Education or with the college president, or both.