Police Officer, Certified

Build a Career of Service with the University of Virginia Police Department!

The University of Virginia Police Department (UPD) is seeking applicants for Certified Police Officer positions, with anticipated start dates after July 1, 2026. We are seeking applicants who want to serve the community and help keep the University and surrounding area safe.

As a police officer at one of the nation's top public universities, you will be serving in a vibrant community with a variety of culture, recreation and entertainment opportunities - suitable for families and young professionals.

UPD takes pride in being a leader in community-based, progressive approaches toward law enforcement. The department supports its officers and encourages them to introduce creative and innovative ways to promote public safety, engage the community and be a leader on grounds. UPD is committed to public safety based on the constitutional idea of justice where every person will be treated with dignity and fairness.

To learn more about the University of Virginia Police Department, please visit: .

Responsibilities and Duties of University Police Officers:

• Engage in policing through fair and impartial practices. Decisions and enforcement will not be predicated on race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
• Maintain order by patrolling a designated area of the university and enforcing federal and state laws, local ordinances and University regulations and policy.
• Respond to criminal complaints and non-enforcement requests from the University community.
• Generate reports, arrest or administratively handle incidents.
• Patrol a designated area of the university community to conduct security inspections, assist community members and to prevent crimes.
• Identify, investigate, and report hazards that might endanger public safety and/or University facilities or equipment.
• Conduct traffic control functions by controlling vehicle and pedestrian traffic at events or incidents as needed.
• Act as a campus security authority as defined by the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act.
• Act as a responsible employee under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which includes timely reporting of incidents of sexual harassment/misconduct to the University of Virginia Title IX coordinator

Minimum Qualifications

• High School graduate or G.E.D.
• Must possess an active Virginia Law Enforcement Officer DCJS certification.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must have skill to handle firearms and operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Applicants must demonstrate responsive, approachable, and courteous engagement with the community. The ability to maintain a calm, balanced perspective, and successfully complete duties in a stressful situation is essential, as is the ability to analyze situations and use good judgment.
• Must possess excellent, written and verbal communication skills including writing accurate reports, testifying in court, and interacting with a diverse community is required.
• A valid Virginia driver's license with a positive points balance is required. If applicants are from out of state, the ability to get a Virginia license by the start date of the position is required

Physical Demands

Standing and sitting for extended periods of time, driving, lifting, traveling and the use of both hands, bending, stooping, twisting, climbing ladders and stairs and heavy lifting.

Starting Salary for new officers is $62,000 per year. Experienced officer salaries will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Benefit Package Highlights:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with years of service
• 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off
• Parental Leave and Community Service Leave after one year
• Health insurance plans available immediately upon hire
• Competitive retirement benefits through VRS
• Tuition assistance and professional development benefits after six months
• Employee wellness program with opportunities to earn up to $500 annually
• For a more comprehensive list, visit UVA Benefits

Position Type & Work Location

• This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .


Additional Requirements

• Candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment physical fitness assessment, which includes a 1.5-mile run under 20 minutes, along with a designated number of push-ups and sit-ups.
• Candidates will be required to complete a separate background investigation before a formal offer can be extended. Additionally, prior to your first day of employment, candidates must complete a successful background check, psychological evaluation, and drug screening.
• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

To Apply

Please apply online by searching for requisition number R0079057. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume - must include a current, working phone number on your resume.
• Proof of active DCJS certification

Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .


For questions about the application process, please contact Karon Harrington, View email address on click.appcast.io.

Job Profile
J1785 - Police Officer

Career Stream and Level
Operations and Service-O2

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer