Police Officer Trainee

Police Officer Trainee Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 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. 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 - MINIMUMEXPERIENCEANDTRAINING: 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. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * Do you have a valid driver's license? YES No Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume List of References Optional Documents Cover Letter / Letter of Application Shippensburg University