Police Recruit

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, is seeking a Police Officer Recruit for the VCU Police Department. This full-time role helps patrol and protect a dynamic urban campus, working to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors in a fast-paced environment.

You will engage in comprehensive training, participate in a structured selection process, and contribute to an all-hout community policing mission, with competitive state benefits and tuition waiver

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work shifts with varying days off.
• At least 21 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.
• Possess a valid state driver’s license and a good driving record.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Clean criminal record with no felonies or crimes of moral turpitude.
• Ability to work in a diverse university community with professionalism and civility.
• Ability to work when university is closed due to inclement weather or emergency closings.

Responsibilities

• Patrol campus on foot, bicycle, and in vehicles to deter intruders.
• Respond to complaints and requests from the university community.
• Generate reports and conduct field contacts and investigations as needed.
• Participate in the full selection process including fitness tests, interviews, and background checks.

Skills

Communication skills

Shift work readiness

Citizenship required

Education

HS diploma or GED

Job description

Advertising Summary

Join one of the nation’s premier campus law enforcement agencies at VCU Police and serve a dynamic public research university in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia. Driven by the nonstop energy of our city, our agency is dedicated to protecting a passionate community of students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors across a thriving environment of innovation, discovery, and healing. As a VCU Police Recruit, you will tackle complex challenges head‑on, gain comprehensive training, and build a rewarding law enforcement career where your work directly impacts an urban campus every single day.

Unit

Public Safety And Security MBU

Department

Campus Police

Department Summary

Come be a part of one of the nation’s premier campus law enforcement agencies at VCU Police. VCU is a public research university unlike any other. We're dedicated to serving the needs of students and patients and our passionate community isn't afraid to tackle difficult challenges others can't, or won't. We’re home to creativity, teaching, discovery and healing. Our location in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, means the nonstop energy of our city ignites our innovation and provides unlimited opportunities. The mission of the VCU Police department is to provide a safe and secure learning, living and working environment for the students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Duties & Responsibilities

Recruitment for VCUPD's 52nd Basic Academy is now open! Come be a part of one of the nation’s premier campus law enforcement agencies at VCU Police. Officers patrol on foot, bicycle and in automobiles in and around the university to determine security of the facility and detect intruders. Officers respond to complaints and requests from the University Community. Officers generate reports, arrest or administratively handle complaints. Officers generate field contacts, self initiated activities and respond to radio dispatched calls. With 97 sworn officers, 40+ civilian employees, and an on‑campus dispatch center advancing an “all‑out community policing” mission in the heart of Richmond, VCU Police offers exciting opportunities for law enforcement careers in a dynamic urban setting. VCU Police serves two campuses and a multi‑cultural population of more than 50,000 students, faculty and staff. The VCU Police Department has a competitive starting salary and a generous package of state benefits, including tuition waiver with up to 2 classes per semester, for officers wishing to pursue higher education.

The selection process includes:
A full VCIN/NCIC/DMV records check, pre-hire physical fitness assessment (including push-ups, sit ups and a 1.5 mile run), a written examination, a preliminary interview, a complete background packet including three letters of reference, a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate, copies of school transcripts, a copy of a military DD-214 form (where applicable), citizenship check, an oral review board, fingerprint-based CCRE/FBI check, psychological, and polygraph review. Upon job offer, a full physical exam by a licensed physician and a drug screening will be completed. Final selections are made by the Chief of Police.

Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to work shifts with varying days off, including possible work on nights, weekends, and/or holidays
• At least 21 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
• Possess a valid state driver's license and a good driving record
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Clean criminal record with no convictions for felonies, domestic violence or crimes of moral turpitude
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• Designated to work when Virginia Commonwealth University is authorized to be closed due to inclement weather or other emergency closings
• Ability to work in a high‑stress environment with people from all backgrounds and experiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years, or more, of college education or a combination equivalent experience
• Basic concept and understanding of law enforcement fundamentals

Salary Range

$61,000

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non‑Exempt

Hours per Week

40

Restricted Position

No

ORP Eligible

No

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite

University Job Title

31211N - Police Officer 1

Contact

Sgt. Curtis Diesselhorst

Contact email

[e-mail]