University Police Officer

Title: University Police Officer Executive Area: Student Affairs & Campus Life College/School/MBU: University Police Department Department: Police Operations Work Location: Amherst Schedule: Full Time Work Arrangement: Onsite Job Summary University Police Officers serve as multi-skilled professionals performing the full spectrum of law enforcement, investigation, and emergency services. They enforce state and local laws, university traffic rules, and regulations. Officers identify, apprehend, and detain individuals suspected of violating these laws, provide education, preserve public peace, protect life and property, and assist the community. Essential Functions Exercise police powers under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 75 Section 32A to prevent, deter, and detect violations of criminal and motor vehicle laws and regulations. Ensure public safety through enforcement and education. Direct and control pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic; enforce university traffic and parking rules; issue citations under MGL C 90 § 1c. Patrol university properties and adjacent areas to protect persons and property, detect and deter criminal activity, and report hazards. Operate motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, horses, ATVs, and other task-specific vehicles for patrols. Aid and assist all persons in danger of physical harm or victims of crime, accidents, or illness. Maintain order at public assemblies, protests, marches, concerts, sporting events, and other special events. Respond to civil disorder, civil disobedience, and potentially riotous situations; perform crowd control tactics and restore public order. Conduct preliminary and follow‑up investigations of routine and complex offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies. Apply investigative and interrogatory techniques when interviewing suspects, witnesses, and victims. Prepare, write, and execute search and arrest warrants. Conduct investigatory searches of persons, places, and property in compliance with law and policy. Prepare criminal complaints and other legal paperwork; read and interpret court decisions, briefs, and judicial opinions. Identify criminal offenders and make apprehensions via complaint application or arrest with or without a warrant as permitted. Detain and restrain criminal suspects in accordance with policy and law. Mediates disputes, intervenes in domestic violence and psychiatric crises, and refers victims and witnesses to appropriate agencies. Testify in criminal courts and other hearings. Investigate motor vehicle, pedestrian, and industrial accidents, including serious injury, fatal accidents, and suicides with Massachusetts State Police. Catalog, secure, and maintain evidence; manage lost, found, and seized property. Prepare notes, reports, logs, photo documents, and other electronically generated documents. Use computers with software such as MS Office, Excel, IMC, Fusion, and surveillance camera systems. Operate audio and visual recording devices mounted on patrol vehicles, handheld, and in the field. Operate and maintain specialized equipment: breath testing devices, electronic fingerprint systems, AEDs, RADAR, and LIDAR. Maintain proficiency with firearms and specialty munitions. Perform dignitary protection, plain‑clothes patrol, undercover, and other covert operations. Prepare for and respond to mass casualty incidents, hostage situations, active shooter or terrorist threats, biological and chemical spills, or other emergency threats. Secure and search detainees before transport to the station and maintain control in custody. Plan and direct advanced training programs for probationary officers, veteran officers, inter‑agency partners, and community groups. Serve on inter‑agency task forces, special operations, work groups, or committees. Participate in multi‑jurisdictional assignments such as warrant service, investigations, OUI roadblocks, and community outreach. Perform emergency first aid, CPR, Narcan, EpiPen, and AED therapy within guidelines. Arrive punctually to shift assignments and overtime. Assist campus businesses with escorting funds during evening hours or campus events. Assist the public with directions, information, and referrals to outside agencies. Remain knowledgeable and compliant with policies, procedures, and state law. Conduct detailed background investigations for new hires. Supervise police officers of equal grade, dispatchers, police cadets, and student security monitors when acting as officer‑in‑charge. Other Functions Perform ancillary and additional duties as assigned by a supervisor. Minimum Qualifications Entry Level Police Officer Qualifications: Complete an associate’s degree or attain 60 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution, OR be a high school graduate with four years of uninterrupted military service, OR be a high school graduate who has successfully completed the Massachusetts Correction Officer Training Academy and has at least one year of post‑academy experience. Entry Level Qualifications Acquired on the Job: Possess a valid graduate certificate of training from a police academy approved by the Municipal Police Training Committee. Lateral Police Officer Qualifications: Possess a valid graduate certificate of training from a police academy approved by the MPTC and be a high school graduate, or have four years of uninterrupted military service. Any of these qualifications must be accompanied by the required documentation at application. Must be at least 21 years old, eligible to be a police officer in Massachusetts, have no felony convictions, possess a valid driver’s license, and meet the physical and communication skills requirements. Must complete CORI checks, oral board interviews, oral interview with the Chief of Police, medical examination, Physical Agility Testing (PAT), and a psychological evaluation. Must also complete a background investigation process and be able to work in all weather conditions, shifts, and holidays as necessary. Additional Details Roles require extended outdoor work in temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 degrees. Employees must be physically and mentally prepared for hazardous environments, dangerous persons, animals, substances, and infectious diseases. Personal protective equipment is mandatory and must be maintained. Physical agility is essential for campus access and field operations, including prolonged standing, walking, running, bending, climbing, lifting, and carrying. Agriculture or support for dangerous persons may involve confrontation, subduing, and controlling individuals wielding firearms. Qualifications acquired on the job include a valid graduate certificate of training from an approved police academy, a Massachusetts Class A License to carry a firearm, First Responder/CPR/AED/Narcan and Epi‑pen certifications, and other mandatory annual trainings as required by policy or the MPTC. Working Conditions Law enforcement work involves hazardous environments, extreme temperatures, and infectious diseases. Requires protective equipment, high physical stamina, and the ability to confront, subdue, and control dangerous persons. Work Schedule and Work Arrangement Shift and hours vary, 4 days on, 2 days off (40 hours per week). Required to work nights and weekends as needed. Salary Information Pay Grade: NEPBA Grade 16 View the Classified Step Scale. Special Instructions for Applicants Submit a resume. Apply before the priority deadline of July 18, 2026. The position may remain open until filled. For lateral applicants from out of state who have been employed as a police officer in another state, a request for an advisory letter may be submitted. The letter should indicate that the MPTC would act favorably on the request to become a police officer in Massachusetts. Advisory letter requests may be completed at Include the letter with your application. This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. #J-18808-Ljbffr The University of Massachusetts Amherst