Police Officer

Penn State University; New Kensington (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 60,615 - 74,085; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Dental benefits

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking Act 120 Certified Police Officers for its Police and Public Safety Department across Pennsylvania. The role requires enforcing laws, community safety, and conducting investigations. Candidates must maintain high integrity and engage with the community effectively.

The starting salary is $67,350.40, with a competitive benefits package including medical coverage, retirement plans, and tuition discounts. The position is part of the PSU Police Officers Association.

Qualifications

• Up to one year of relevant experience required.
• Successful background investigation is necessary.
• Must be at least 21 years of age on or before the start date.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property while enforcing laws.
• Engage positively with the community.
• Investigate violations and make apprehensions.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Judgment

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Act 120 Certification

Tools

Information technology

Social media

Job description

Position

The Penn State University Police and Public Safety Department is responsible for protecting and serving more than 100,000 students, employees and visitors at 22 campuses located throughout Pennsylvania. The department maintains a centralized, cohesive team of sworn police officers with full law enforcement authority. We are searching for Act 120 Certified Police Officers who embody our values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community.

All interested candidates must apply to this posting to be considered when a position becomes available at one of the Penn State campuses. Candidates will have the opportunity to select the campus location(s) they are interested in during the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

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 and procedures, public safety, investigative work, and other related duties. The successful candidate will be responsible for preventing illegal, unsafe, or undesirable activity and regulatory violations through patrol, education, inspection, and the deterrent effect of enforcement. Officers will also enforce National, Federal, State, and local laws, as well as University regulations, through investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of violators.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and up to one year of relevant experience.
• Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Certification is required for employment. Candidates must be currently Act 120 certified, presently enrolled in a Pennsylvania MPOETC Act 120 police academy, or have the ability to obtain certification during the hiring process.
• Openness to and active participation in divisions of campus security including use of information technology, software applications, surveillance equipment, social media, and communications.
• Successful background investigation.
• Successful BPAD scenario‑based evaluation.
• U.S. citizenship.
• At least 21 years of age on or before the start date.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check.
• Successful completion of all MPOETC requirements if not currently certified or eligible for certification.
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• Fingerprint background check.
• Successful completion of a credit history check.
• Strong communication, analytical, judgment, ethical decision‑making, and organizational skills.
• 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.
• Customer‑service orientation and respect for the constitutional rights of all people.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Application Materials

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

Salary and Benefits

Starting contractual base salary is $67,350.40. Annual rate changes and service time increases are applicable. The current contract expires June 30 2028.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation and sick time), and a generous 75 % tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children. For detailed information, please visit the Benefits Page.

Collective Bargaining

This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the Penn State University Police Officers Association (PSUPOA).

EEO Statement

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.