Campus Police Officer

Western Washington University; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking dedicated individuals to join its police department as entry-level officers. This role involves enforcing laws and campus regulations while fostering a safe and inclusive environment for a diverse community. Officers will engage with students and faculty, ensuring a secure atmosphere on campus. With extensive training and opportunities for specialization, this position offers a rewarding career path in law enforcement. The university is committed to diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a positive impact.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years old and legally authorized to work in the US.
• Ability to pass physical tests and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Enforce campus regulations and applicable laws.
• Engage with students, faculty, and staff in a community-oriented manner.

Skills

Law Enforcement

Community Engagement

Physical Fitness

Emotional Intelligence

Education

High School Diploma

Law Enforcement Certification

Job description

Position Title: Campus Police Officer

About the University

Western Washington University, with over 14,000 students across seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students, and faculty. Located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 95,000, the campus overlooks Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the North Cascades Mountain range. The university has additional sites in Anacortes, Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, and Poulsbo. Western has been named one of the top public master's-granting institutions in the Pacific Northwest for 25 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report.

Institutional Commitment

Western Washington University is dedicated to excellence through inclusive success, increasing our impact in Washington, and providing transformational education grounded in liberal arts and sciences. We support an inclusive governance structure and strive to create a learning and working environment where everyone can thrive. Employees are expected to foster productive, effective relationships across diverse populations and incorporate sustainability into their job duties.

About the Department

The Police Department supports Western's mission to make a positive impact through academic excellence and inclusive achievement. We encourage applications from women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

Position Overview

The Western Washington University Police Department (WWUPD) is a fully commissioned law enforcement agency responsible for campus law enforcement 24/7. Officers enforce campus regulations and applicable laws, possess arrest powers, and must be commissioned law enforcement officers under state regulations. Our department emphasizes community engagement, accountability, emotional intelligence, morale, and quality service.

WWUPD has 14 commissioned officers patrolling a 220-acre campus with a student body of 14,747 and faculty/staff of 3,660. The department's officers are peace officers licensed through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), completing the Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

Career Opportunities

We seek individuals interested in serving a diverse university community as entry-level police officers. Opportunities include working with students, faculty, staff, and visitors, as well as specialized roles such as SWAT, Evidence Room, Field Training Officer, and instructors in firearms, tactics, Taser, defensive tactics, and EVOC.

Salary and Union

Salary ranges from $6,420 to $8,636 per month, depending on qualifications and experience. The position is covered by the WWU Police Guild union.

Minimum Qualifications

• 21 years of age
• Legally authorized to work in the US
• Ability to pass physical ability tests before and during the Basic Law Enforcement Academy
• Valid driver's license
• No felony convictions

Additional Requirements for Lateral Officers

• Experience as a fully commissioned law enforcement officer in WA State or ability to obtain WA State certification through the Washington State Equivalency Academy

Employment Conditions

Employment is contingent upon passing background checks, polygraph, psychological, and medical evaluations. New hires must complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's Police Academy or meet equivalency requirements. All employees must comply with immunization policies, including proof of Rubeola Measles immunity within 60 days of hire. For exemptions, contact [e-mail].

Application Process

Entry-level applicants must complete the application process through Public Safety Testing at https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/.

Additional Information

Position is open until filled. Western Washington University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. For more information, see WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance at [e-mail].

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations or alternative formats, contact Human Resources Disability Services at 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available upon request and at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

All new employees must verify employment eligibility and undergo a comprehensive background check, including a sexual misconduct background check.