Police Officer

State-of-South-Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 57,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tattoos allowed

Body armor vest provided

Special event pay

No degree required

13 paid holidays

Duty gear provided

Health and dental insurance

Training opportunities

Job summary

The University of South Carolina Police Department in Columbia, SC is hiring a Police Officer to provide law enforcement, security, and protection for USC's 400+ acre campus. Officers are certified with statewide authority and perform patrols, VIP detail security, and event safety for games and concerts.

Preferred qualifications include SCCJA Class 1 certification; annual compensation ranges from $56,696 to $82,381 plus shift pay, signing bonus of $7,500, and comprehensive USC benefits including

Qualifications

• Certified (Class 1) law enforcement officer in SC or equivalent
• Knowledge of constitutional rights
• Ability to deescalate conflicts and respond to volatile situations
• Knowledge of SC law and university policies
• Ability to communicate with diverse populations
• Operation of law enforcement equipment and vehicles

Responsibilities

• Provide law enforcement, security, and protection for USC campus
• Enforce state laws and university rules and regulations
• VIP detail security and event protection for sports games and concerts
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate officer responses
• Patrol campus and conduct investigations as needed

Education

SCCJA Class 1 certification

Job description

Police Officer Department: DAF University Police Department Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Advertised Job Summary

As a member of the University of South Carolina Police Department, the Police Officer position provides law enforcement, security, and protection for the entire 400-plus acre USC campus situated in Columbia, South Carolina. This position serves as a certified (Class 1) law enforcement officer in accordance with the South Carolina Code of Laws and is empowered with full arrest and police authority statewide. USCPD Law Enforcement Officers enforce state laws, and University rules and regulations. In addition to traditional police patrol duties, this position also provides VIP detail security and assists with ensuring the safety and security of university sports events, concerts and other special events.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of proper law enforcement officer behavior, role, modern law enforcement techniques, and evidence collection.
• Knowledge of Constitutionally mandated rights.
• Knowledge of South Carolina law, relevant case law, and policies of the University.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement within an established set of core departmental values.
• Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of law enforcement agencies.
• Skill in the operation of law enforcement vehicles, weapons, and communications equipment.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse population, to include the ability to deescalate conflicts and potentially volatile situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) Class 1 law enforcement officer certification – or equivalent out-of-state law enforcement certification.

Job Close Date 11/07/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

ANNUAL COMPENSATION/HIRING PROCESS $56,696 – $82,381(Depending on Experience/Educational Level) PLUS – Supplemental Pay for Shift Work PLUS – Annual Step Salary Increments PLUS – $7,500 Signing Bonus for SC Certified Officers PLUS – Benefits such as USC Tuition Assistance, Gym Membership, Issued Cellular Telephone, State Health Insurance, SC Police Officers Retirement, and 15 Days of Annual Leave/15 Days of Sick Leave per Year.

Our hiring process is thorough and may take 8 to 12 weeks.

MORE PERKS

• Tattoos & facial hair permitted
• Outer Vest Carriers
• Special event pay
• No college degree required
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Extensive duty gear and uniform provided
• State health/dental Insurance
• Additional training available

GREATER GROWTH

The University of South Carolina Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for the safety of the University's 400-plus acre downtown Columbia campus. The department offers a full range of police services, and USCPD officers are commissioned law enforcement officers with statewide jurisdiction. Whether it's answering 9-1-1 calls and coordinating the response of police officers, patrolling the campus, handling criminal investigations, or working behind the scenes to protect and serve at Gamecock football games, Colonial Life Arena concerts, or other special events, USCPD has something to offer everyone.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending on a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. je-a9474218fe2b4d2d9fdb285831fec5b2