Police Officer

The Pennsylvania State University; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Act 120 Certified Police Officers to join its dynamic team. This role involves protecting and serving a vibrant community of over 100,000 individuals across multiple campuses. Ideal candidates will embody integrity, respect, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Responsibilities include maintaining peace, conducting investigations, and engaging with community members. The position offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth based on service and contract terms. Join a forward-thinking organization that values your contributions and fosters a culture of inclusion.

Qualifications

• Act 120 certification through Pennsylvania MPOETC or enrolled in a police academy.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property, maintain peace and order.
• Engage with the community and enforce laws.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Judgment

Organizational Skills

Respect for Constitutional Rights

Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Information Technology

Surveillance Tools

Communication Tools

Social Media

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Penn State University Police and Public Safety Department is responsible for protecting and serving over 100,000 students, employees, and visitors across 22 campuses in Pennsylvania. We are a centralized department with sworn police officers who have full law enforcement authority, headquartered at University Park. We are seeking Act 120 Certified (*) Police Officers to join our team, embodying values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community.

Our values align with those of Penn State and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to create a cohesive, inclusive, and innovative work environment while providing professional and value-added service to our communities. All employees are expected to embody these values and model Penn State's and the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Interested candidates must apply through this posting to be considered for future opportunities at any Penn State campus. Candidates who advance will have the opportunity to specify their preferred campus locations.

Police officers are responsible for protecting life and property, maintaining peace and order, engaging with the community, enforcing laws and policies, conducting investigations, and other related duties. They aim to prevent illegal or unsafe activities through patrol, education, inspection, and enforcement.

Successful candidates will possess:

• Skills to foster respect for law enforcement and the university through courteous, ethical service
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external agencies
• Effective, honest testimony in court
• Excellent customer service, communication, analytical, judgment, and organizational skills
• Ability to work with diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Respect for constitutional rights
• High standards of conduct, abiding by laws and policies

The position minimally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and up to one year of relevant experience. Candidates must be Act 120 certified through the Pennsylvania MPOETC, currently enrolled in a police academy, or able to obtain certification during the hiring process (including out-of-state applicants).

Knowledge of information technology, surveillance, social media, and communication tools is highly desired.

This position requires:

• Successful background investigation
• Successful BPAD scenario evaluation
• U.S. Citizenship
• At least 21 years old on or before the start date
• Fingerprint background check
• Completion of MPOETC requirements if not currently certified
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprint Check
• Valid driver's license and motor vehicle records check
• Credit history check

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

Starting salary is $65,395.20 annually, with increases based on service and contract terms, expiring June 30, 2028.

Learn more about us:

Campus Information

We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. We foster a culture of inclusion, leverage diversity benefits, and engage all individuals to thrive.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act and Pennsylvania law, Penn State publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, available here.

Employment requires successful background checks in accordance with university policies.

EEO STATEMENT:

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. For accommodations during the application process, contact 814-865-1473.

Additional policies and legal notices are available on our website.