Campus Police Officer

Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Tuition reduction for employee/family

Job summary

Portland State University is seeking a Campus Police Officer to maintain safety and security on the campus. The role involves enforcing state laws, controlling traffic, and delivering emergency services to the PSU community.

Candidates must hold DPSST Oregon certification or higher, be US citizens, and meet medical and educational requirements. The position offers full-time hours with a strong emphasis on integrity, service, and collaboration with students and staff.

Qualifications

• DPSST certification and Oregon basic police eligibility required.
• US citizenship within 18 months of hire and 21+ years old.
• High School Diploma/GED required; ability to pass proficiency exam.
• Four-year degree or higher preferred or required for the role.
• Must meet medical requirements as identified by state rules.

Responsibilities

• Maintain peace and public safety on campus and enforce laws.
• Perform traffic control and provide emergency services on campus.
• Interact with students, staff, and the community with professionalism and integrity.
• Complete reports and paperwork under supervision and follow university policies.
• Adhere to DPSST and PSU policies and participate in required trainings.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Public safety

Legal knowledge

Report writing

Education

DPSST Oregon Certified as Basic Police or higher

US Citizenship within 18 months of employment

High School Diploma/GED

Four-year degree or higher

Medical requirements per OAR 259-008-0010

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Portland State University

Position Details

• Proposed Start Date: 11/02/2026
• Classification Title: Police Officer
• Working Title: Campus Police Officer
• Department: 600200 - CSS Campus Security
• Position Number: D92144
• Representation: OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503
• Position FTE: 1.0

Position Summary

Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to "let knowledge serve the city" reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action - in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.

More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

The Campus Public Safety Office ensures PSU is a safe, respectful, positive environment to learn, live, and work.

Portland State University Campus Police Officers are responsible for maintaining peace and public safety through enforcement of laws, performing traffic control, and providing emergency services on the Portland State University campus, to include the adjacent community. Campus Police Officer must at all times support the Portland State University mission, provide essential law-enforcement functions, and respect the right and dignity of all individuals. Campus Police Officers must interact effectively with the campus and surrounding community (student, faculty, staff, administrators, visitors, and members of the public), demonstrating trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, communication, justice, fairness, caring, civic virtue, impartiality, and citizenship, while maintaining integrity, ethical values, pride, and professionalism.

The Campus Police Officer is trained in accordance with applicable DPSST (Department of Public Safety Standards & Training) requirements, applicable state law, and PSU Campus Public Safety departmental policy to exercise the authorities of a police officer.

The Campus Police Officer will act at all times in support of the University’s mission and goals, and is expected to exercise his/her authorities in support of the University, and in a manner consistent with the University’s strategic plans, University policies, departmental policies, and in a manner supportive of the University’s unique culture.

The Campus Police Officer will follow the established chain of command by bringing information, requests, concerns, etc. first to his/her immediate supervisor whenever possible before moving to senior management and/or higher levels PSU management.

The Campus Police Officer is expected to adhere to the following:

• Be a role model for all PSU core competencies required of all PSU members, including providing excellent customer service.
• Attend all mandatory meetings, training, and to keep all required certifications, proficiencies, and immunizations current at all times.
• Exercise the authorities and jurisdiction, per the applicable ORS, in accordance with all other applicable laws, and always within the limits of University policy and at the discretion of management.
• Follow all appropriate safety guidelines when performing all duties.
• Be knowledgeable of and accountable for all applicable departmental policies and directives related to their job duties.
• Perform additional and/or modified duties as assigned by a supervisor.
• Successfully complete any proficiency evaluations (written, verbal, or practical), which may be required to demonstrate the minimum accepted competency for this position, and to satisfy the requirements of OSHA and other regulatory or accreditation agencies and Portland State University (PSU) requirements.
• Maintain any and all qualifications required by PSU and the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).
• Complete all reports and paperwork as required and/or as requested by Director/Chief of Public Safety or Campus Public Safety management, as required to support proper Public Safety services.
• Exceptional ability to conduct effective and sensitive interviews from witnesses, suspects and all relevant parties with a high level of professionalism and excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Maintain a personal notebook of all on-duty activities consistent with law enforcement best practices.

The Campus Police Officer is subject to recall at any time to assist in any emergency that may be critical to the full time operation of the university, response to a hazard or emergency, or in relief of other PSU Public Safety staff.

Minimum Qualifications from Classification

NA

Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position

Lateral Officers:

• DPSST Oregon Certified as Basic Police or higher.
• US Citizenship within 18 months of employment
• 21 years of age
• Valid driver’s license from state of residence
• No felony convictions in Oregon or any other jurisdiction
• No violation of any law involving controlled substances
• No violation of any law subject to denial as identified in OAR 259-008-0070
• High School Diploma/GED Abilities to pass law enforcement proficiency exam
• Meet minimum medical requirements as identified in OAR 259-008-0010
• Successful completion of Field Training and Evaluation Program

Entry-level officers: Meet DPSST Minimum Qualifications to be eligible for Certification as Basic Police within on year of employment (requirements are subject to change at the discretion of DPSST):

• US Citizenship within 18 months of employment 21 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license from state of residence.
• No felony convictions in Oregon or any other jurisdiction.
• No violation of any law involving controlled substances.
• No violation of any law subject to denial as identified in OAR 259-008-0070.
• High School Diploma/GED.
• Abilities to pass law enforcement proficiency exam.
• Abilities to pass the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) within 5:30 or less.
• Meet minimum medical requirements as identified in OAR 259-008-0010.

Both: Successful completion of the Field Training and Evaluation Program within program guidelines, to include:

Strong interpersonal communication skills for dealing professionally and courteously with all customers and fellow staff members, regardless of the situation.

Cultural competency and ability to accept and relate to other cultures, histories and traditions. Includes the ability to interact effectively with people of diverse cultures/ethnic backgrounds. Cultural competence includes the awareness of one’s own cultural worldview, attitude towards cultural differences, knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and cross-cultural skills. Must have the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures. Ability to exercise independent judgment and make quick, sound decisions.

Ability to develop a sound understanding of Oregon Revised Statutes and Federal Law.

Ability to learn and follow PSU Administrative Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines.

Ability to learn and follow The Department of Public Safety Policies and Procedures.

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks within specific time and resource constraints.

Ability to recognize critical security, safety, and maintenance items and report them immediately. Ability to relay detailed information calmly, quickly, accurately, and efficiently at all times. Ability to give and follow direction. Basic computer Microsoft knowledge Good written communication skills and ability to write detailed, accurate incident reports.

Preferred Qualifications

Lateral Officers:

• Field Training Officer qualified (FTO).
• 4 years of experience as a police officer

Both Entry and Lateral:

• Four-year academic degree or higher from an accredited institution, four years of experience in a similar role, such as a police officer or military police, or a combination of both.
• Current law enforcement employment in another state, subject to DPSST reciprocity.
• Certified bilingual proficiency in one of the following languages: Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin, sign language, or any additional language as determined by the sole discretion of the University.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Work Days/Hours

Sunday to Saturday, 40 hours per week, schedule varies

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

The starting salary rate for this position will be between $32.42 and $35.74 per hour. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

PSU’s excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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