Deputy Director of Public Safety (54792)

The Deputy Director of Public Safety is a key member of the leadership team for Claflin University’s Department of Public Safety. This position serves as second-in-command to the Executive Director/Chief of Police and provides administrative, operational, and compliance oversight. In addition to managing day-to-day public safety operations, the Deputy Director is responsible for internal affairs, professional standards, Clery Act compliance, officer recruitment, and training coordination.

This role holds the rank of Captain and requires strategic leadership, supervisory ability, policy development experience, and the capacity to coordinate cross-functional regulatory and operational efforts with both internal stakeholders and external law enforcement partners.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership and Strategic Support

• Assist in the daily management and strategic planning of all public safety functions including patrol, investigations, dispatch, emergency response, and special event security.
• Supervise public safety personnel, including sworn and non-sworn officers, ensuring operational effectiveness and adherence to departmental goals.
• Coordinate with Facilities, Student Affairs, and external agencies to support campus-wide safety initiatives.

Professional Standards & Internal Investigations

• Conduct and oversee investigations into officer conduct, citizen complaints, and personnel-related incidents.
• Serve as lead investigator for Title IX-related public safety incidents, as assigned.
• Maintain records and documentation related to internal affairs and disciplinary matters.
• Develop and maintain the Department of Public Safety's Standard Operating Procedures.

Compliance and Clery Act Program Management

• Serve as the university’s Clery Compliance Coordinator and Campus Safety Survey Administrator.
• Lead the collection, analysis, and publication of crime statistics; oversee preparation of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
• Maintain campus security authority (CSA) records and ensure CSA training and outreach.
• Ensure compliance with Clery Act mandates including timely warnings, emergency notifications, and crime log maintenance.

Training and Recruitment

• Act as Training Officer for the department, coordinating in-service training and certification requirements for security and police personnel.
• Liaise with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for officer certifications and training.
• Lead the recruitment, background investigations, and onboarding for new officers.
• Oversee the Field Training Program (FTO) for new hires.

Technology and Criminal Justice Information Systems

• Serve as Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) and oversee compliance with FBI CJIS policies.
• Coordinate audits, training, and security measures related to criminal justice databases.
• Supervise the Local Agency Security Officer (LASO) to ensure integrity of information systems and security protocols.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement or public safety experience, with 3 years in a supervisory or command role.
• Certified Class 1 Police Officer in South Carolina, or able to obtain certification within 6 months.
• Strong working knowledge of Clery Act, Title IX, and FBI CJIS security standards.
• Experience in higher education or campus law enforcement preferred.
• Valid South Carolina driver's license or ability to obtain one within 60 days.
• No felony convictions; U.S. citizen or legal resident.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and written/verbal communication skills.
• High proficiency in policy development, investigative procedures, and personnel management.
• Familiarity with records management systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and emergency communication platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external agencies.

Claflin University is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.