Police Officer I

University of Utah; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah is seeking a Campus Public Safety Officer to perform patrols, investigations, and security duties across the university community. Officers work rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends, with overtime and on-call assignments when needed.

Applicants must be US citizens or eligible to work in the United States, hold or be willing to pursue Utah POST certification, have a valid Utah driver’s license, and possess strong communication and fitness capabilities.

Qualifications

• US national or lawful permanent resident eligible to work in the United States
• Utah POST certification or willingness to attend POST
• Valid Utah Driver’s License to be obtained upon hire
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminology/Police Science or related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls, files written reports and maintains records
• Conducts or assists in criminal, narcotics, traffic, and gang investigations
• Assists criminal intelligence with information gathering from other agencies and informants
• Interviews witnesses and suspects and prepares cases for court proceedings
• Performs surveillance in high-risk areas and pursues suspects as needed
• Safely makes arrests, handles searches and seizures, and supports training of new officers

Skills

Law enforcement

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Police Science, or related area

Job description

Rotating: 27/7 rotating shifts, holidays and weekends

VP Area

VP Area President

Department

Department 00471 - Public Safety

Location

Location Campus

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range $34.07 - $38.33

Close Date

Close Date 12/21/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

Performs a wide variety of law enforcement functions, including but not limited to: patrol, security, investigations, criminal gang activity, crime prevention, surveillance, and other law enforcement related duties. Utilizes proper skills to ensure the safety and security of people, property, and equipment throughout the University community. Officers work a variety of hours which may require overtime or on-call assignments.
Safety is a top priority for the University of Utah. The Chief Safety Officer ( CSO ) for the University is the Director of Public Safety and serves as chief of police services. The CSO is responsible for overseeing the University’s Department of Public Safety, which includes the following operational divisions: University Police, Campus Security, UHealth Security, Emergency Management, Emergency Communications, and the central administrative Office of the CSO .
Safety looks and feels different to each person, and the U Department of Public Safety is committed to working with the community to foster a safe environment where all individuals feel empowered and equipped to succeed in their work, education, and other business with the university.
More at publicsafety.utah.edu.

• 1. Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls, i.e., thefts, accidents, assaults. Gives assistance, assesses, and remedies the situation as appropriate; files a written report.
• 2. Conducts or assists in criminal, narcotics, traffic, and gang related investigations by applying specialized skills, gathering evidence, and protecting the crime scene.
• 3. Assists the criminal intelligence operation by gathering information from other law enforcement agencies, confidential informants, or the general public to provide substantiated facts.
• 4. Takes initial reports/complaints, prepares written reports, and maintains detailed and accurate records for files, follow-up investigations, and court purposes.
• 5. Performs surveillance in high risk or known crime areas in order to apprehend suspects involved in criminal activity.
• 6. Obtains and serves search/arrest warrants as well as apprehends suspects; performs warrantless searches and seizures as necessary.
• 7. Interviews and interrogates witnesses/suspects to acquire relevant information.
• 8. Prepares cases for the Salt Lake County District Attorney; testifies and gives evidence in court.
• 9. Maintains issued equipment and supplies.
• 10. Assists in the classroom and field training of new officers; instructs classes; gives presentations to various public groups.
• 11. Uses logic and reasoning to independently make critical decisions, and uses initiative and common sense in a variety of police functions.
• 12. Officers must safely effect forcible arrest(s), pursue suspects on foot, safely control combatant(s), respond to emergencies, accept rotating shift and 24 hour on-call shifts, protecting and ensuring the safety of University students, staff, faculty and visitors while working extended hours in demanding and stressful environments. Therefore, Officers must annually pass a physical fitness assessment as a condition of employment.

Minimum Qualifications

• United States national; or
• Lawful permanent resident of the United States who:
  • Has been in the United States legally for the five years immediately before the day on which the application is made; and
  • Has legal authorization to work in the United States
• Certification as a Utah Post LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) or willing to attend Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Course ( POST )
• A valid Utah Driver’s License to be obtained upon date of hire.
• Considerable human relation and communication skills
• Qualified applicants must successfully complete the department approved physical fitness test, a thorough background investigation, and must be willing to submit to a drug screening test
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Police Science, or a related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) is preferred.

DISQUALIFIERS INCLUDE :

FELONY CONVICTION – Applicants may not have been convicted of a crime which could have been punished by imprisonment in a federal penitentiary or by imprisonment in the penitentiary of this or another state. Felony convictions as a minor (under 18 years of age) may not automatically disqualify an individual, and will be individually reviewed.

MISDEMEANOR CONVICTION – Misdemeanor crimes involving violence, sexual conduct, or dishonesty require a minimum two year waiting period from date of conviction or involvement. Conviction of misdemeanor crimes not listed above may require a one (1) year wait depending upon the crime and severity.

MORAL CHARACTER – Applicants shall demonstrate good moral character, as determined by a department conducted background investigation including criminal history records as well as expunged records. Conviction of any criminal offense is an indication that the applicant may not be of good moral character and may be grounds for disqualification. Applicants may be required to take a truth verification examination which will be used as part of the background investigation.

MILITARY SERVICE – Applicants will be disqualified for any discharge less than honorable.

PHYSICAL , EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL CONDITION – Applicants must pass a psychological evaluation with a passing suitability rating. Specific questions as to the suitability of a candidate's physical and mental condition will be determined during this examination.

TATTOOS – Tattoos, brands, and decals cannot be obscene, offensive, distract from professional appearance, or interfere with on-duty actions and responsibilities.

ILLEGAL DRUGS – Applicants may not have used any illegal drug while employed in any law enforcement or prosecutorial position, or while employed in a position which carries a high level of public trust. Applicants may not have sold, manufactured, cultivated, or distributed any illegal drug. Any use of LSD or PCP will automatically exclude the applicant from the process. Applicants may not have used hard drugs or their derivatives and synthetic equivalents within five (5) years prior to the application closing date.

OUT OF STATE LATERAL APPLICANTS

Must have the State of Utah Post Certification.

All out of state lateral applicants must complete and pass the Utah POST waiver test prior to hire.

Utah POST standards: https://post.utah.gov/law-enforcement-officer-leo-exit-physical-fitness-requirements/

Utah POST waiver test: https://utahpost.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/5000804150-post-application-for-training-and-certification-instructions

Preferences

POST certification at the time of application.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

• * Are you certified as a Utah Post LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) or are you willing to attend Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Course (POST)?
  • Yes
  • No
• * How many years of experience do you have as a Police Officer?
  • Less than 5 years
  • 5-9 years
  • 9 years or more
• Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)
  • Yes
  • No
• * Have you ever been convicted of any felony or any misdemeanor for which the record has not been sealed or expunged? (If you are unsure whether a previous offense meets this condition, you should obtain verification prior to answering the question).
  • No
  • Yes
• * If your answer to the previous question was "yes," please include conviction history details. Conviction history details include the offense type, date convicted, City/State, final disposition and any explanations. If your answer to the previous question was "no," simple state "N.A." Note: Most convictions will not automatically disqualify job candidates. The seriousness of an offense (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction), how the offense relates to the job you are applying for, and the date of the conviction are considered. We ask these questions in order to maintain a safe environment and protect University property.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have a valid Utah Driver's License or are you willing to obtain one upon your date of hire?
  • Yes
  • No

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page .

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter
• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only
• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only

University Human Resource Management

250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]