Certified Police Officer

Tuskegee University; Tuskegee (AL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Tuskegee University invites applications for a Certified Police Officer in the University Police Department. The role entails patrolling campus, responding to emergencies, enforcing laws, and promoting safety and community engagement.

Candidates must be 21+, hold Alabama APOST certification, possess a valid driver's license, and be able to work flexible hours. The position offers full-time hours with benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws.
• The use and care of vehicles, firearms, and specialized equipment.

Responsibilities

• Patrol the campus by mobile unit or foot patrol to deter crime and respond to emergencies.
• Investigate suspicious persons and safety hazards; perform checks and engage the public.
• Conduct traffic crash investigations; prepare reports and coordinate traffic for events.
• Assist other agencies; locate suspects and execute warrants.
• Maintain proficiency with police software and complete reports on time.
• Inspect equipment and vehicles; ensure PPE and weapons are in order.
• Stay current with policies and laws; pursue professional development.
• Testify in court and administrative proceedings as required.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Deescalation

Education

High school diploma or GED

APOST certification

Job description

Certified Police Officer

Full Time

Job Summary

In the Tuskegee University Police Department, officers provide excellent police services to the university community, fostering inclusion and community engagement while enhancing campus safety. They maintain order, respond to emergencies, protect people and property, enforce laws, and promote positive community relations.

Responsibilities

• Patrol the university via mobile unit or foot patrol to prevent and reduce criminal activity, respond to emergencies, conduct preliminary investigations, perform searches and seizures, locate and preserve evidence, prepare reports, and execute arrests when necessary. Additionally, patrol for fire or flooding property loss and provide first aid. (50%)
• Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons, situations, safety hazards, and illegal activity. Engage the public to build confidence and enhance crime prevention while performing building and vehicle checks. (20%)
• Conduct traffic crash investigations, prepare reports, photograph or draw crime/accident scenes, interview principals and eyewitnesses. Monitor traffic, issue citations, control congestion, and coordinate traffic and parking for campus events. (5%)
• Assist other law‑enforcement agencies by locating suspects, executing warrants, recovering stolen property, etc. (5%)
• Maintain proficiency in police software and daily operations, ensuring complete, properly documented reports submitted before end of duty. (5%)
• Inspect and maintain departmental equipment (weapons, vehicles, uniforms, handcuffs, badges, PPE). (5%)
• Stay current with university policies, laws, updates, SOPs, and general orders to promote efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance. Seek professional development opportunities. (5%)
• Testify in court, administrative hearings, and other criminal proceedings as required by law. (3%)
• Perform other related duties as required. (2%)

Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Specialized Training)

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must possess Alabama certified law‑enforcement officer certification (APOST).
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Physical Demands

Law enforcement duties involve intermittent, physically demanding work including reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling heavy objects or people. The role also exposes officers to heat, humidity, inclement weather, loud noises, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, violent behavior, weapons, explosives, traffic, and animals. Officers must maintain awareness of moving parts, vehicles, equipment, and safety gear.

Skills and Attributes

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws.
• The use and care of vehicles, firearms, and specialized equipment.

Skills

• Problem solving and critical thinking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong negotiation and adjudicating skills.
• Analytical skills for researching and investigating.

Abilities

• Adjust work schedule/shift with or without advance notice.
• Remain calm in stressful or high‑risk situations.
• Deescalate situations and prevent harm.
• Attend and understand police‑officer training courses.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers and the public.
• Read and comprehend procedure manuals, reports, memos, laws, statutes, and ordinances.
• Write accurate and coherent reports.
• Perform basic math for speeding violations, elapsed time, accident reconstruction, etc.
• Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, reasonable course of action.
• Maintain necessary certification and driver’s license applicable to responsibilities.