Police Officer Trainee

Posting Details

Position Information


Working Title
Police Officer Trainee


Department
Public Safety


Position Category
Support Staff


Posting Number
SP00881


Position End Date (if other than Permanent)

Hours per Week
40


Salary Range
$ 18.21 Hourly


Full/Part Time
Full Time


Type of Position
Permanent

Position Summary Information


General Description/Position Purpose


Join a vibrant and purpose-driven community at Shippensburg University , located in the scenic Cumberland Valley and spread across a beautiful 210-acre campus with over 40 buildings. We offer a dynamic academic environment with 45 undergraduates, 22 graduate, and 2 doctoral programs. At Shippensburg, our mission is more than words-we are committed to inclusive collaboration, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and celebrating the achievements that drive positive change in our communities. Be part of a team that values innovation, impact, and shared success

Shippensburg University offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees!

• Effective first day of employment: low-cost medical insurance plus free dental, vision, hearing, and prescription coverage.
• Choose from two generous retirement plans:
  • Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP): 5% employee contribution, 9.29% employer contribution, Immediate vesting.
  • State Employees' Retirement System (SERS): employee may choose between SERS Class A3 with 6.25% employee contribution or SERS Class A4 with 9.3% employee contribution, with a 10-year vesting requirement.
• 100% tuition waivers for you and your eligible dependents upon completion of probationary period!
• Generous paid time off, employer-paid life insurance, and so much more!

See full details in link below (for PASSHE Benefits)

Full Benefits Summary (PDF)

Shippensburg University is seeking motivated, service-minded individuals to join our team as Police Officer Trainees . This entry-level opportunity is designed for individuals interested in beginning a rewarding career in law enforcement while serving and protecting the University community.

The Police Officer trainee position is an entry-level position designed to identify new police recruits. An employee in this job participates in an MPOETC Certified Act 120 program. An employee in this job develops skills and techniques to provide police services and protection to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education property, grounds, facilities, clientele, employees, and the general public. Work involves learning to enforce the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Motor Vehicle Code, local ordinances, and commonwealth regulations.

Assignments are designed to develop proficiency in law interpretation and application, legal procedures, police operations, criminal investigations, public safety, physical fitness, self-defense, firearms use, emergency response, effective communication, report writing, maintenance and use of equipment, and law enforcement practices. Work may also include performing on-the-job assignments patrolling a State University to protect and guard property or persons from fire, theft, trespass, or other hazards.

Assignments are designed to develop proficiency in law interpretation and application, legal procedures, police operations, criminal investigations, public safety, physical fitness, self-defense, firearms use, emergency response, effective communication, report writing, maintenance and use of equipment, and law enforcement practices. Work may also include performing on-the-job assignments patrolling a State University to protect and guard property or persons from fire, theft, trespass or other hazards.

Performance is evaluated in accordance with prescribed regulations and procedures, formal inspections, personal observation, and successful completion of an MPOETC Certified Act 120 program

Essential Duties:

• Participates in a structured Act 120 Basic Police Officer Training program to obtain Act 120 Certification.
• Participates in training assignments to learn the principles and practices associated with conducting investigations, collecting evidence to support enforcement action, search and seizure, accident investigations, officer safety, interpersonal relations, investigations, interviews, interrogations, report writing, case preparation, and court testimony.
• Receives training in the safe and proper handling of firearms and in the use of specialized equipment and instruments, including communications equipment, preliminary breath test devices, body armor, and riot gear.
• Participates in training assignments to learn the principles and practices associated with the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence, criminal laws, motor vehicle laws, and rules related to search and seizure and arrest.
• Patrols an assigned area of the State University; watches for fires, prowlers, vandalism, or other unusual occurrences.
• Directs traffic and enforces parking regulations.
• Assists and directs visitors; furnishes information in a courteous manner.
• Maintains orderly conduct among patients, students, employees, and the general public.
• Operates motorized vehicles.
• Performs related work and all other duties as required.

Important Notice:

Employment is contingent on both acceptance and completion of the Act 120 certification including all physical fitness requirements set forth by the Municipal Police Officers Training and Education Commission.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• High school Diploma or completion of the General Education Development test.
• Must possess a valid driver's license

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.
• All candidates must meet the entrance requirements for the MPOETC Certified Act 120 program which includes a fitness test, a background check, a physical examination including a vision and hearing test, a psychological examination, and a reading test with a minimum 9th grade reading level.
• All candidates are required to enroll in, participate, and complete the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission Certified Basic Police Academy (Act 120) training to obtain MPOETC Certification. Act 120 certification must be obtained to successfully complete the trainee program.

Preferred Qualifications

Posting Detail Information


Open Date
09/17/2026


Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes


Special Instructions Summary


For full consideration candidates should apply online at with acceptance of materials continuing until the position is filled. Materials submitted in other formats including paper documents will not be considered. All applications and inquiries will remain confidential.

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in compliance with federal and state laws and university policy, is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information


All Shippensburg University employees are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the University's core values of teamwork and collaboration, dependability, initiative, problem solving, and clear communication. University employees are expected to demonstrate good interpersonal and communication skills with all members of the campus community. They will strive to maintain integrity, effectiveness and efficiency by upholding customer service throughout all levels of performance.

All university employees are required to comply with university policies, state and federal laws/statutes prohibiting any type of Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation.

Safeguarding confidential, personal data and/or records of employees, students, customers and other related constituents is the responsibility of all University employees. It is the duty of all members of the University community to take part in the maintenance of a safe campus.