Police Officer

Act 120 Certified Police Officer

The Penn State University Police and Public Safety Department is responsible for protecting and serving more than 100,000 students, employees as well as visitors at 22 campuses located throughout Pennsylvania. We are a cohesive and centralized department with sworn police officers who have full law enforcement authority serving the 22 campuses with our headquarters being located at University Park. We are searching for Act 120 Certified Police Officers to join our team who hold the values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence, and community.

All interested candidates must apply to this posting to be considered for an opportunity when a position becomes available at one of the Penn State campuses. Candidates advancing through the recruitment process will be provided an opportunity to select which campus location or locations they have interest in obtaining employment.

Police officers are responsible for carrying out the functions of protection of life and property, preservation of peace and good order of the community, enhancement of positive community engagement initiatives, enforcement of laws and University policies/procedures, public safety, investigative work, and other related duties. The successful candidate will be responsible for the prevention of illegal, unsafe, or undesirable activity and regulatory violations through patrol, education, inspection, and the deterrent effect of enforcement. Police officers will also be expected to enforce National, Federal, State, and local laws, as well as University regulations, through investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of violators.

Successful candidates will possess:

• Skills necessary to enhance public respect for law enforcement and the University with courteous, devoted, and ethical service
• Capacity to work cooperatively with various levels of faculty, staff, students, and outside agencies
• Ability to provide effective, honest, and credible testimony at court hearings
• Outstanding customer service orientation; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent analytical, judgment, ethical decision-making, and organizational skills
• Ability to work with a wide variety of diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Respect for the constitutional rights of all people to liberty, equality, and justice
• Capability to uphold an excellent standard of conduct at all times, abiding by laws, regulations and policies

The position of police officer minimally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and up to one year of relevant experience. Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Certification is required for employment. Candidates must be currently Act 120 certified; currently enrolled in a Pennsylvania MPOETC Act 120 police academy; or have the ability to obtain Pennsylvania MPOETC Act 120 certification during the hiring process (this applies to out of state waiver and reinstatement applicants).

Knowledge on the use of information technology, software applications, surveillance equipment, social media, and communications (digital and conventional) in conducting investigations is highly desired.

This position requires:

• Successful Background Investigation
• Successful BPAD scenario-based evaluation
• U.S. Citizenship
• Must be at least 21 years of age on or before start date
• Fingerprint background check
• Successful completion of all MPOETC requirements if not currently certified or eligible for certification
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
• Operation of a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties - a valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required
• Successful completion of a credit history check

Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.

Starting contractual base salary is $69,368. Annual rate changes and service time increases as applicable. The current contract expires June 30, 2028.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.