What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer position at Penn State?
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
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.
University Police and Public Safety's values model those of Penn State's and we are especially committed to our vision to establish a cohesive, inclusive, and innovative work environment while also providing consistent professional and value-added service to our communities. As an incoming team member in University Police and Public Safety, it will be expected that all employees embody and model Penn State’s and Finance and Business's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of Penn State’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the University Police and Public Safety’s public service mission. (http://police.psu.edu/)
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.