(Pre-Certified) Police Officer

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University Police seeks a Police Officer 1 to patrol campus grounds, respond to incidents, and maintain a secure learning and working environment in downtown Richmond. The role supports an all-out community policing mission with 97 sworn officers and 40+ civilian staff.

Qualifications include DCJS certification, a HS diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and flexibility to work varied shifts. The position offers a competitive starting salary and state benefits package.

Qualifications

• Virginia DCJS certification required.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid state driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Ability to work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Patrol campus on foot, bicycle, and vehicle to ensure security.
• Respond to complaints and requests from the university community; document and report incidents.
• Coordinate with campus dispatch and complete required records and background checks.
• Support an all-out community policing approach across two campuses in downtown Richmond.

Skills

Communication skills

Good driving record

Teamwork

Stress tolerance

Education

Virginia DCJS certified officer

High School Diploma or GED

Two years college

Job description

Advertising Summary

Serve at one of the nation’s premier campus law enforcement agencies with VCU Police in the high-energy heart of downtown Richmond. As a vital member of a premier public research university and dynamic medical center, you will do far more than patrol—you will protect, empower, and build meaningful trust within a community dedicated to innovation, discovery, and healing. Join VCU Police today to bring your passion to a mission-driven team, safeguard thousands of students, faculty, healthcare professionals, and visitors, and make a direct impact in a city that ignites opportunity.

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’s 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

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 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

• Must currently, or within the past 2 years (from possibly hire date), be a Virginia DCJS certified Law-Enforcement Officer
• 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
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years, or more, of college education or a combination equivalent experience

Salary Range

$61,000-65,000

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 Information

Sgt. Curtis Diesselhorst

[e-mail]