Police Officer

The Pennsylvania State University; Reading (Berks County); 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 their team. This role is crucial in protecting and serving a diverse community of over 100,000 individuals across multiple campuses. Officers will engage positively with the community while enforcing laws and university policies. The department values integrity, respect, and commitment to diversity, ensuring a supportive work environment. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about public safety and community service, with a competitive starting salary and opportunities for growth and development.

Qualifications

• Skills to foster public respect through courteous and ethical service.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Protection of life and property, maintaining peace and order.
• Enforcement of laws and university policies through patrol and education.
• Investigation and prosecution of violators.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Customer service orientation

Ability to collaborate

Respect for constitutional rights

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Information technology

Surveillance tools

Investigation tools

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 previously employed at the university) seeking employment: Please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• External Applicants: If you are not a current employee or student, click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Job Description and 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 having full law enforcement authority. We are seeking Act 120 Certified (*) Police Officers who embody the values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community.

Our department values diversity, equity, and inclusion, aligning with Penn State's commitment to creating an inclusive and innovative work environment. All employees are expected to embody these values and uphold the university's standards of conduct and legal compliance.

Interested candidates must apply to this posting to be considered for future openings at any Penn State campus. Candidates will have the opportunity to specify preferred locations during the process.

Responsibilities

• Protection of life and property, maintaining peace and order, and engaging with the community positively.
• Enforcement of laws, university policies, and regulations through patrol, education, inspection, and enforcement.
• Investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of violators.

Qualifications

• Skills to foster public respect through courteous and ethical service.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external agencies.
• Effective communication skills and ability to provide credible testimony in court.
• Customer service orientation and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Respect for constitutional rights and adherence to laws, regulations, and policies.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; up to one year of relevant experience.
• Pennsylvania MPOETC Act 120 Certification (current, enrolled, or ability to obtain during hiring).
• Knowledge of information technology, surveillance, social media, and investigation tools is preferred.
• Successful background check, BPAD evaluation, and other clearances.
• U.S. citizenship, at least 21 years old, valid driver’s license, and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application. Starting salary is $65,395.20, with increases based on service and contract terms. The current contract expires June 30, 2028.

For more information about us and campus safety policies, visit http://police.psu.edu/.

Penn State is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. We publish an annual security and fire safety report available online. Employment requires successful background checks in accordance with university policies.

We are an equal opportunity employer, providing opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Contact 814-865-1473 if assistance is needed due to disability.