City of Boston

Protective Services Officer

Req ID
2025-30477
Dept
Property Management
Position
Regular Full-Time
Location
Prm Property Management
Salary Min
43,607.83
Salary Max
58,272.27
Union
MPP
Openings
3
Posting End Date
12/25/2025
Contact Email
ashley.vassall2@boston.gov

Overview:

Reporting to a Security Supervisor (Sergeant), the Protective Services Officer is responsible for enforcing security and safety procedures at various locations serviced by the Municipal Protective Services, conducting vehicular and foot patrols, monitoring alarms and surveillance systems, and coordinating with Public Safety and emergency services as necessary.

 

Municipal Protective Services, a division of the Property Management Department, is charged with ensuring the physical security and safety of City of Boston buildings and facilities and of the employees and constituents who visit them.

 

The mission of the City of Boston Property Management Department (PMD) is to manage, maintain, repair, and provide security for the City's municipal buildings, including City Hall and Faneuil Hall; to preserve the valuable life of City facilities and reduce operating costs through effective preventative maintenance measures.

Responsibilities:

  • As assigned by a supervisor, conducts patrols of City of Boston property or staff fixed security posts as necessary to ensure safety and compliance with applicable rules, ordinances, and laws. 
  • Using X-ray and other screening and detection equipment, screens visitors to City Hall and other properties, ensuring that those with prohibited items have them confiscated or are refused entry. 
  • Provides a visible and public uniformed presence and acts as a deterrent to criminal activity, property damage, and/or rule violations.
  • Responds to emergencies as necessary or as directed to deter, prevent, deescalate, render aid, make reports, and provide assistance in accordance with training, policy, and procedure. Coordinates with law enforcement officials and first responders regarding theft, property damage, bodily harm, injuries, and disruptive conduct. 
  • Limits access to people and vehicles as necessary on the City of Boston Property, verifying their authorization to be on the premises, confirming with a supervisor that they are expected, and screening them for prohibited items. 
  • Scans incoming packages, deliveries, and vehicles for dangerous items, materials, and substances and ensures the City Hall Loading Dock is appropriately secured. 
  • Conducts crowd control in areas where large groups of people have gathered in a manner consistent with training, policy, and procedure.
  • Places barriers, fencing, ropes, signs, etc., to maintain public order at various City of Boston property events.
  • When necessary, control vehicular and pedestrian traffic to avoid congestion and promote public safety.
  • Comes to the aid of fellow Officers, first responders, city employees, and the public, offering assistance when necessary, including first aid and/or CPR. 
  • Detects and responds to suspicious or unusual activity that may threaten patrons using security surveillance technology and active patrolling; reports suspicious activity and potential threats to supervisors and law enforcement officials according to policy and procedure.
  • Reports all incidents, accidents, and/or emergencies immediately to supervisors and proper authorities according to policy and procedure. Writes and submits clear and concise reports detailing incidents and completes other relevant paperwork.
  • Issues non-criminal and parking citations on all roads and property within appropriate jurisdiction. 
  • Interacts with the public, gives directions and information, and responds to inquiries politely and professionally.
  • May appear in court concerning involvement in or witnessing of incidents. 
  • Secures and maintains all department-issued equipment and necessary supplies of report forms, log books, and access control sheets for their shift. 
  • Prepares incident reports, monitors security cameras, accesses controls, and requires visitors to register in or out in log books. 
  • Responds to alarms or other calls for assistance and report all safety and security violations to their immediate supervisor. 
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

  • High School graduate or equivalent.
  • Must have and maintain a current Massachusetts driver’s license.
  • Must be willing to work outdoors in inclement weather typical to the region, including snow, rain, heat, cold, etc.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods as required.
  • Must be available to work any shift and tour as assigned.
  • Availability to work mandatory overtime shifts, including nights and weekends, as needed.
  • Must be able to perform under changing and stressful situations.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in writing and speech.
  • The ability to communicate verbally in multiple languages is a plus.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
  • Must be able to pass a background and CORI check.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

 

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: MPP/MP2-5

Hours per week: 40

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