Police Officer Lateral/Academy Graduate (4 Positions)

The California State University; California; On-site; USD 71,624 - 105,662; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus of $5,000

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The California State University seeks Police Officer Lateral/Academy Graduates for the San José State University Police Department. As sworn officers, they enforce laws and provide security on campus. Responsibilities include patrolling, investigating incidents, making arrests, and preparing reports. Candidates must have a high school diploma, P.O.S.T. certification, and valid CA driver's license. The anticipated salary is $8,254/month, along with benefits worth 30-35% of the base salary.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid California driver’s license.
• US citizen or permanent resident who has applied for citizenship.
• Minimum passing T-score of 320 on the WSTB physical agility test.

Responsibilities

• Patrol campus buildings and grounds by foot or by vehicle.
• Investigate and prepare reports on accidents and violations.
• Gather evidence, make arrests and appear in court.

Skills

Law enforcement methods knowledge

Effective interpersonal skills

Effective communication skills

Ability to act in emergencies

Customer service skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Completed P.O.S.T. training program

Job description

Police Officer Lateral/Academy Graduate (4 Positions)

Apply now Job no: 558200 Work type: Staff Location: San José Categories: Unit 8 - SUPA - State University Police Association, Probationary, Full Time, Safety, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Police Officer Lateral/Academy Graduates for the San José State University Police Department are fully sworn State of California Peace Officers per 830.2(c) PC and are part of the California State University Police system. Officers have full peace officer powers anywhere in California. The incumbent will respond to calls for service on and around the SJSU campus. Through preventive patrol by vehicle, bicycle, motorcycle and foot, officers enforce state laws, city ordinances and university regulations. Police Officers conduct criminal and traffic investigations, make arrests, prepare necessary documents and testify in court. Officers also provide for the safety and security of the campus community.

2026-2027 UPD Hiring Drive: $5,000 signing bonus upon swearing-in ceremony. $5,000 bonus upon completion of probation. Inquire for details. San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary.

* All finalists will go through an intensive background check which includes background screening, psychological screening, polygraph exam, and a comprehensive medical examination.*

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol campus buildings and grounds by foot or by vehicle
• Control crowds during assemblies or disturbances
• Enforce laws and traffic regulations and apprehend violators, including enforcing parking regulations and issuing traffic citations
• Investigate and prepare reports on accidents, property damage, fires, law violations, and disturbances of the peace
• Gather evidence, make arrests and appear in court as required
• Administer first aid to injured persons
• Police Officers may receive training and/or be delegated responsibility for additional work assignments

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of current law enforcement methods, techniques and procedures, criminal codes and laws, and investigating techniques and procedures.
• Effective interpersonal skills to resolve a wide variety of sensitive situations
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and comprehensive reports
• Ability to think and act effectively in emergency and sensitive situations
• Ability to wear a uniform and utility belt
• Ability to maintain composure in highly stressful and sometimes volatile situations
• Ability to perform in a detailed-oriented environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communication with employees and external agencies
• Ability to quickly learn and apply a variety of state, federal, CSU and SJSU policies and procedures
• Excellent customer service and public relations skills
• US citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship
• Minimum 21 years of age at the time of appointment to a sworn position
• Must have a valid California driver’s license
• Minimum passing T-score of 320 on the WSTB physical agility test
• Must meet California Government Code requirements, including pre-employment polygraph, psychological, and medical examinations
• Must be free of any felony conviction and any misdemeanor crime containing elements of domestic violence (Government Code Section 1029(a)(1))
• Must be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation (Government Code Section 1031(d))
• Must be free of any physical, emotional, and mental conditions that may impair the exercise of police officer powers (Government Code Section 1031(f))
• Must communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Successful completion of a P.O.S.T. certified training program

Preferred Qualifications

• 60 college semester units or equivalent
• POST Basic Certificate
• Bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese

Compensation

Classification: Police Officer

Anticipated Hiring Salary: $8,254/month (Step 16)

CSU Salary Range: $6,418/month - $9,468/month (Step 5 – Step 22)

Application Procedure

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: May 14, 2026 through June 2, 2026. The position is open until filled; applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• P.O.S.T. Certificate

Satisfactory completion of a background check (criminal records check) is required for employment. Background check includes criminal check, employment and education verification; motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through Accurate Background. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all SJSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).