Police Officer

Penn State University; Penn (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; 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. Officers protect life and property, enforce laws and university policies, and engage with the campus community to promote safety across multiple campuses.

Starting contractual base salary is $69,368 with annual increases; employment is contingent on MPOETC requirements and background checks. This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 75% tuition discount.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Act 120 MPOETC certification required or attainable during hiring.
• Background checks and medical/psychological evaluations required.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property across Penn State campuses.
• Enforce state laws and university policies.
• Investigate incidents and provide testimony in legal proceedings.
• Engage with students, staff, and visitors to promote safety.

Skills

Public safety service

Communication skills

Testimony in court

Customer service orientation

Cultural competence

Ethical conduct

Constitutional rights awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

IT knowledge

Surveillance equipment

Social media monitoring

Digital communications

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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) Act 120 Certification is required for employment. Candidates must be currently Act 120 certified; currently enrolled in a Pennsylvania MPOETC Act 120 police academy; or have the ability to obtain Pennsylvania MPOETC Act 120 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 Act 120 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

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

Starting contractual base salary is $69,368. Annual rate changes and service time increases as applicable. The current contract expires June 30, 2028.

To find out more about us: University Police & Public Safety Career Opportunities

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.

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

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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