Police Officer

Position Overview The Penn State University Police and Public Safety Department is responsible for protecting and serving more than 100,000 students, employees, and 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 located at University Park. We are searching for Act 120 Certified police officers to join our team. Responsibilities 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. Qualifications 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 Requirements 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 Act120 certified, currently enrolled in a Pennsylvania MPOETC Act120 police academy, or have the ability to obtain Pennsylvania MPOETC Act120 certification during the hiring process Knowledge of the use of information technology, software applications, surveillance equipment, social media, and communications (digital and conventional) in conducting investigations is highly desired Successful background investigation Successful BPAD scenario‑based evaluation U.S. Citizenship and must be at least 21 years of age on or before start date Fingerprint background check, PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form and federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Valid driver’s license and successful motor vehicle records check Successful completion of a credit history check Salary & Benefits Starting contractual base salary is $69,368. Annual rate changes and service time increases apply as applicable. The current contract expires June 30, 2028. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a generous 75 % tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children. EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr