Police Officer

Police Officer

ANNUAL COMPENSATION/HIRING PROCESS $56,696 - $82,381(Depending on Experience/Educational Level) PLUS – Supplemental Pay for Shift Work PLUS – Annual Step Salary Increases 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. Applicants not selected for employment are notified in writing at the applicable step and are eligible to reapply for subsequent postings. The steps are:

1. Application – All entry-level positions at the Division will be posted on the University's jobs website at All applicants must submit their applications through this website.
2. Application Review – The Division reviews applications based on applicant's qualifications.
3. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) – Applicants will be sent an email with login information to complete the PHQ), an online employment evaluation tool for public safety agencies.
4. Initial Interview – After PHQ completion, selected applicants will be scheduled for an interview.
5. Polygraph Examination – Applicants will be scheduled for a pre-employment polygraph examination. Applicants will be provided with the topical areas prior to taking the examination.
6. Background Investigation – Applicants will have a background investigation conducted by the Division.
7. Psychological Examination – Applicants will be scheduled for a psychological examination.
8. (Non-Certified Only) – National Police Officer Selection Test (POST)/Physical Ability Test (PAT) - Noncertified applicants will complete the POST, an entry-level test measuring arithmetic, reading, grammar, and writing and PAT. For more details on the PAT, go to
9. Command Staff Interview – Applicants will have an interview with the Division's Command Staff.
10. Chief of Police Interview – Applicants will have a final interview with the Chief of Police.
11. Offer of Employment – After the interview, any offer of employment will be made with a start date.
12. Post-Offer Medical Evaluation/Drug Test – Applicants will be scheduled for a medical evaluation/drug test.

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 upon 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. We are only accepting applications submitted by November 14, 2026.

Click here to learn more about why you should work at UofSC.

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo

Posting Number - STA00718PO26

Job Family - Law Enforcement and Emergency Management

Job Function - Law Enforcement

USC Market Title - Police Officer

Job Level - P0 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title) - Police Officer

Campus - Columbia

Work County - Richland

College/Division - Division of Law Enforcement and Safety

Department - DAF University Police Department

State Pay Range - L04

USC Market Range - L04 - $54,366 $61,200 $67,932

Anticipated Hiring Range - $56,696- $82,381 (Depending on Experience/Educational Level Plus Supplemental Pay for Shift Work)

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time - Full Time

Hours per Week - 40

Work Schedule - Must be willing to work a flexible schedule (days/nights, weekends, holidays) to meet the needs of the department.

Basis - 12 months

Job Search Category - Law Enforcement

About USC

About University of South Carolina - 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.

Veterans' Preference Statement - The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at

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.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience - High School Diploma. At least 21 years of age at hire.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

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

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.

Job Duties

Job Duty - Proactively patrols assigned areas to prevent and detect violations of law and University policy; apprehends and arrests violators. Provides building security to include checking and securing buildings and facilities.

Essential Function - Yes

Percentage of Time - 20

Job Duty - Responds to complaints, reports of violations, and requests for assistance. Responds to stressful/critical incidents to include emergency and non-emergency calls.

Essential Function - Yes

Percentage of Time - 20

Job Duty - Keeps clear and concise records and makes reports of activities. Writes detailed reports of police-related activities. Issues warnings, citations, trespass notices