Law Enforcement Officer

University Police Officer

The University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD) is a full service law enforcement agency dedicated to providing a safe environment for and in partnership with the community, while remaining committed to assisting with personal and professional development of department members, and to the principle of being community minded and service driven.

The Operations Bureau is commanded by a captain who oversees the Patrol Division and the Community Service Officer Program. The Patrol Division is further broken down into four squads which provide direct law enforcement services to the community. The Special Operations Bureau is commanded by a captain who oversees the Special Operations Division which includes the K9 section, Criminal Investigations, Special Events, and Crime Prevention; all of which are led by sergeants. The Administration Bureau captain also oversees the Support Services Division. The Support Services Division includes the Professional Standards and Information Technology Sections. The accreditation, training and background investigation units fall within the Professional Standards Section which is managed by a sergeant. The Communications & Records Division reports to a non-sworn manager.

Responsibilities

Duties include:

• Patrols streets, buildings, and grounds to enforce traffic and criminal laws.
• Issues warnings and citations for traffic violations.
• Conducts investigations into criminal and non-criminal incidents.
• Interviews witnesses, victims, and interrogates suspects.
• Properly searches for, locates, previews, protects, and processes crime scene for evidence.
• Apprehends, arrests, and processes criminal violators.
• Obtains, verifies, and executes arrest/search warrants.
• Composes reports when documenting crimes, incidents and activity.
• Provides crowd and traffic control during University and special events.
• Maintains community relations by focusing on information and education.
• Uses available agencies and support groups to assist citizens.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Applicants must be 19 years of age and a U.S. citizen; must possess a high school diploma or equivalent; must have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude (as required for Florida State Law Enforcement Certification). A COVER LETTER AND RESUME ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION.

Applicants must not have used illegal drugs in the last 3 years and pass a physical ability test. Applicants also must pass a post-offer physical and psychological examination. Applicants are subject to a rigorous background investigation which includes driving record, credit history check, FBI fingerprint check, and a truth verification examination.

The University of South Florida Police Department maintains a strict policy concerning body ornamentation, markings, or physical appearance modifications. Tattoos and/or piercings that can be covered by the Department's standard issued uniform may not disqualify an applicant from further consideration.

While not exhaustive, the following criteria outline circumstances that may temporarily or permanently disqualify applicants from consideration for employment:

General Fitness, Integrity, Credibility, Dependability, Unprofessional or Discriminatory Behavior, Illegal Use or Possession of Drugs.

About Us

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.

4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, 33620, US