Police Officer

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University Police and Public Safety is seeking Act 120 Certified Police Officers to join our team across Penn State campuses. All applicants must apply to this posting and indicate which campus locations they are interested in during the hiring process.

Officers protect life and property, enforce laws and university policies, conduct investigations, patrol campuses, and engage with the community.

Qualifications

• Act 120 MPOETC certification required or in process during hiring.
• Ability to provide effective, honest, and credible testimony in court hearings.
• Outstanding customer service orientation; strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property and preserve peace on campus.
• Enforce laws and university policies; conduct investigations and patrols.
• Engage with the campus community and coordinate with outside agencies as needed.

Skills

Act 120 Certification

Testimony skills

Communication skills

Customer service orientation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

IT knowledge

Surveillance equipment

Job description

Position Specifics

Penn State University Police and Public Safety is responsible for protecting and serving more than 100,000 students, employees, and visitors at campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We are a cohesive and centralized department with sworn police officers who have full law enforcement authority serving our campuses with our headquarters being located at University Park. We are searching for Act 120 Certified • Police Officers to join our team who hold the values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community. All interested candidates must apply to this posting to be considered for an opportunity when a position becomes available at one of the Penn State campuses. During the application process, candidates will be provided an opportunity to select which campus location(s) they have interest in obtaining employment.

Police officers are responsible for carrying out the functions of protection of life and property, preservation of peace and good order of the community, enhancement of positive community engagement initiatives, enforcement of laws and University policies/procedures, public safety, investigative work, and other related duties.

Successful candidates are responsible for the prevention of illegal, unsafe, or undesirable activity and regulatory violations through patrol, education, inspection, and the deterrent effect of enforcement. Police officers are also be expected to enforce national, federal, state, and local laws, as well as University policies and regulations, through investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of violators.

Successful candidates will possess:

• Skills necessary to enhance public respect for law enforcement and the University with courteous, devoted, and ethical service
• Capacity to work cooperatively with various levels of faculty, staff, students, and outside agencies
• Ability to provide effective, honest, and credible testimony at court hearings
• Outstanding customer service orientation; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent analytical, judgment, ethical decision‑making, and organizational skills
• Ability to work with a wide variety of diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Respect for the constitutional rights of all people to liberty, equality, and justice
• Ability to uphold an excellent standard of conduct at all times, abiding by laws, regulations and policies

The position of police officer minimally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and up to one year of relevant experience.

* Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act120 Certification is required for employment. Candidates must be currently Act120 certified; currently enrolled in a Pennsylvania MPOETC Act120 police academy; or have the ability to obtain Pennsylvania MPOETC Act120 certification during the hiring process (this applies to out of state waiver and reinstatement applicants).

To be a sworn police officer in the state of Pennsylvania, you must be certified through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC).

Employment with the Penn State University Police & Public Safety department as a sworn officer is contingent on the successful completion of MPOETC medical and psychological requirements which can be found here.

Knowledge of information technology, software applications, surveillance equipment, social media, and communications (digital and conventional) in conducting investigations is highly preferred.

This position requires:

• Successful Background Investigation
• Successful BPAD scenario‑based evaluation
• Candidates must be at least 21 years of age on or before start date
• Fingerprint background check
• Successful completion of all Act120 MPOETC requirements
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
• Operation of a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties - a valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check - will be required annually
• Successful completion of a credit history check

Starting contractual base salary is $69,368. Annual rate changes and service time increases as applicable. The current contract expires June30,2028.

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

Collective Bargaining Agreement

This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Penn State University Police Officers Association (PSUPOA). More information can be found here: Labor & Employee Relations Click on Union Agreements and select the applicable Agreement.

Salary & Benefits

For details on starting salary and progression, please see the above collective bargaining agreement. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO is the Law

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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