Police Officer

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Villanova University police officers play a crucial role in campus safety, performing patrols by vehicle, bicycle, and on foot. They respond to emergencies, investigate incidents, and prepare detailed reports while engaging with students, staff, and faculty in a professional, service-driven manner.

The role requires 21+ years of age, a valid driver's license, and Act 120 training or equivalent. The department emphasizes safety, ethics, and a commitment to the university's Catholic mission.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of community policing practices.
• Ability to write clear incident reports.
• Proficiency with firearms and self-defense tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good physical fitness and stamina for patrol work.

Responsibilities

• Patrol campus by vehicle, bicycle, and on foot to ensure safety.
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls promptly and professionally.
• Conduct investigations and prepare concise incident reports.
• Interview victims and witnesses and collect statements/evidence.
• Maintain equipment and enforce campus traffic and safety laws.

Skills

Community policing

Report writing

Firearms proficiency

Interpersonal communication

Physical fitness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Police Officer

Posting Details

Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ’s.

Posting Number: 20260471S Position Title: Police Officer Position Type: Staff Location: Villanova, PA Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants Work Schedule: full-time/12-months Avg Hours Week Department: 502-Public Safety Department

Position Summary:

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more .

Villanova University Police Officers are an integral part of the Villanova University community. With an emphasis on service and campus safety, Villanova police officers work hand-in-hand with non-sworn security officers, providing essential safety-related services to students, faculty, and staff. Officers provide courtesy escorts, respond to room lockouts, and assist with medical calls, viewing these non-urgent calls as opportunities for positive interaction with members of the campus community. The Department values diversity in all its forms, and values collaboration with underrepresented and minoritized groups as a path to partnership, understanding and mutual respect.

University Police Officers are expected to work closely with members of the University community, utilizing proactive, community-oriented policing techniques to prevent crime and enhance safety. Officers are also expected to calmly intervene during tense situations, and to apply conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to settle disturbances when possible. Being an important part of a Catholic community, Officers are required to act legally, morally, and ethically at all times.

Officers conduct routine patrol by vehicle, on bicycle, and on foot and respond to general calls for service, in addition to emergency calls. Officers monitor vehicular and pedestrian traffic on University property and enforce motor vehicle laws in furtherance of vehicular and pedestrian safety. Officers also investigate crimes, make arrests, complete detailed written reports, and testify in court when needed. While incidents of crime are low, police officers are fully trained and equipped professionals, and enforce both the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the rule and regulations for conduct established by Villanova University.

University Police Officers are required to acquire and maintain Act 120 Police training and must maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record throughout employment. Officers are required to demonstrate physical fitness for duty throughout the course of employment as a sworn Officer. Officers must maintain proficiency in firearms and other specialized equipment throughout the course of employment as a sworn Officer.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares for daily duties; attends roll calls to obtain information relating to operations and administrative functions; reviews reports from previous shifts in preparation for patrol duties; review public safety bulletin, including academic building schedules, events, special requests, and directed patrol activity.
• Monitors radio broadcasts, performs preventative patrol and proactively engages with the University community in the course of daily patrol. Patrol may be in the form of vehicle, bicycle, or on foot.
• Regularly checks University property and utilizes community-oriented policing techniques to prevent crime and enhance the quality of life on campus.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls in a prompt, professional manner. Types of calls include fire, medical, crime reports, disturbances, requests for transports, crimes in progress, as well as burglar, fire, and panic alarms.
• Responds to individuals in emotional or psychological crisis, recognizing signs of acute distress and taking appropriate action to ensure the safety of all involved.
• Provides emergency first aid as needed.
• Conducts preliminary investigations of criminal incidents and other general calls for assistance; prepares clear, accurate, and concise incident reports.
• Assumes control of the scene prior to arrival of superior Officers or Investigators, if appropriate.
• Interviews victims and witnesses, collecting written statements and other physical evidence.
• Conducts searches for evidence and/or contraband through the use of a search warrant or consent when applicable.
• Makes physical arrests, processes arrestees and initiates criminal prosecution.
• Issues citations and prepares criminal complaints.
• Maintains uniform, body camera, and other equipment in accordance with Departmental Policy; maintains supply of forms and other material needed to perform duties; ensures vehicle is kept in good working order; maintains weapons in accordance with departmental policy.
• Facilitates the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on University property and enforces traffic and parking violations.
• Staffs special event assignments, including athletic competitions and other campus activities and events.
• Maintains crowd control and provides instructions and directions to event attendees and staff.
• Acts as an information resource for visitors and community members; keeps abreast of departmental and university activities. Employs effective community service-oriented techniques, ensuring positive and professional interactions are maintained with Villanova community members. Routinely interacts with residence assistants (RA) and other University faculty, staff, and students during normal patrol; sharing crime prevention information and valuable safety and security techniques.
• Performs other duties and assists with special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• A valid Driver’s License is required with a good driving record. Must be able to meet and maintain VU driving privileges as outlined by Villanova’s Risk Management’s Motor Vehicle Record Policy for Drivers of University Vehicles.
• Ability to acquire and maintain proficiency in firearms, ASP Tactical Baton, OC Pepper Spray, and handcuffing techniques.
• Acquire and maintain adequate physical fitness as demonstrated through the ability to complete Act 120 pre-academy physical agility requirements.
• Ability to safely operate a police vehicle in an emergency situation.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Vehicle Code and Rules of Criminal Procedure; Knowledge of contemporary policing and basic investigative techniques.
• Successful completion of Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Training Academy ( ACT 120) or a waiver preferred. Will consider applicants who are capable of completion of said academy within one year of appointment.
• Prior to being sworn, candidates must successfully complete the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission Certification Exam.
• Acquire and maintain first aid and CPR Certifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of safety and security practices in a college setting.
• Knowledge of basic investigative techniques.
• Understanding of emergency response procedures, including, but not limited to, knowledge of emergency evacuation procedures, as well as principles of Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Knowledge of emergency medical procedures.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

• Must be able to effect a physical arrest, subdue resisting individuals, chase fleeing suspects.
• Must be able to bend, lift, push, pull and carry equipment and injured persons.
• Must have knowledge of a Two-way radio, cellular phone, patrol vehicle, fire and burglar alarm systems, Automatic External Defibrillator, digital camera, hand-held parking ticket unit, PC and laptop computers, fire extinguisher, ASP baton, firearms, body-worn camera, pepper spray, handcuffs.
• Must be willing to work overtime details as needed or assigned.
• Ability to work round-the-clock shiftwork. Walking for extended periods of time; running; lifting pulling, pushing, and carrying; bending, kneeling, and squatting.
• Both gross and fine motor skills are needed, as well as visual, hearing, speaking, touching, tasting, and smelling sensory skills.
• Must be able to successfully complete a physical agility assessment as part of the application process. The assessment includes:
  • Timed sit ups=a minimum of 21 in one minute.
  • 300-meter run=completed in 87 seconds or less.
  • Timed push-ups=a minimum of 10 in one minute.
  • 1.5-mile run/jog=completed in 15:50 or less.

Special Message to Applicants:

Agility testing and written exam will be administered on 1/9/27

Posting Date: 10/26/2026

Closing Date (11:59pm ET): 01/03/2027

Salary Posting Information: $75,000.00 starting salary, with an annual 7% longevity increase for five (5) consecutive years after date of hire for an PA ACT 120 certified candidate.

Candidates selected without prior MPOETC certification will be paid a starting salary of $67,