"Police Officer (Lateral/P.O.S.T. Certified)"

Police Officer (Lateral/P.O.S.T. Certified)

Job No: 552054
Work Type: Staff
Locations: Southern California: San Diego
Categories: Bargaining Unit: Unit 8 - SUPA - State University Police Association, Appointment Type: Probationary, Time Basis: Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline: Safety, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac): On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Summary

The Police Officer is a sworn officer responsible for ensuring the protection and safety of California State University (CSU) students, faculty, staff, property, and visitors. Incumbents must successfully complete a certified Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) program and are licensed to carry firearms. Police Officers perform a broad range of law enforcement and public safety duties, including patrolling campus, maintaining order, protecting individuals and property, conducting investigations, gathering evidence, making arrests, and preparing detailed reports. Officers may also be assigned specialized duties to address the unique public safety needs of the campus community.

Responsibilities:

• Patrol campus areas to ensure the safety of students, employees, and visitors.
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws, as well as campus regulations.
• Maintain order and provide crowd control during campus events.
• Protect life and property through proactive policing and timely response to incidents.
• Conduct investigations, collect and preserve evidence, and prepare clear, accurate reports.
• Make arrests and safely manage sensitive or potentially dangerous situations with sound judgment.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty, community members, and partner agencies.
• Carry out specialized assignments such as range instruction, canine handling, field training, defensive tactics instruction, bicycle or motorcycle patrol, evidence collection, or participation in critical response teams.

Why Join Us:

• Serve in a role with a direct impact on the safety and well-being of a vibrant campus community.
• Gain diverse law enforcement experience in patrol, investigations, and specialized assignments.
• Work alongside a dedicated team committed to professional growth, service, and community engagement.
• Receive comprehensive training and support to meet the physical, mental, and professional demands of the job.
• Contribute to a safe learning and working environment where students, faculty, staff, and the public can thrive.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU Police Department work hours follow a 24/7 operational schedule, with officers assigned to varying shifts based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

Safety and security is coordinated by University Police, through a force of 40 sworn police officers and 57 non-sworn support employees. Our police officers are graduates of a California Peace Officers Standards Training Academy with full arrest powers throughout the state. They undergo continued training to upgrade their skills as well as first aid and CPR requirements.

University Police officers are armed. They conduct foot, vehicular and bicycle patrols on campus and in the adjacent community 24 hours a day, year-round. Officers are responsible for reporting and investigating crimes and traffic accidents, enforcing state laws and local ordinances, responding to medical emergencies and all other incidents requiring police assistance.

For more information regarding the University Police.

Education and Experience

This classification is reserved for entry-level sworn officers who have graduated from a certified P.O.S.T. academy and obtained the Basic Course Certificate. Duties at this level require a working knowledge of law enforcement methods and procedures, criminal codes and laws, and investigating techniques and procedures. The Police Officer performs general patrol and operational police duties and may assist in investigations or as a member on special teams or task forces. Incumbents may receive specialized on-the-job training to perform these specialized functions.

Key Qualifications

• Graduation from a certified P.O.S.T. academy
• Working knowledge of current law enforcement methods and procedures
• Working knowledge of current criminal codes and laws
• Effective interpersonal skills to resolve a wide variety of sensitive situations
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including writing clear and comprehensive reports
• Demonstrated ability to think and act effectively in emergency and sensitive situations

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Possess a valid Class C California Driver's License.
• Basic POST Certificate required.
• For new San Diego State University Police Officers, employment is contingent upon successful completion of the hiring process including medical and psychological examination, a thorough background investigation including a DOJ fingerprint check and pre-employment drug testing.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department's budget and equity guidelines.
Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 22 ($9,468) for highly qualified candidates.
CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,418 - $9,468 per month (Step 5 - Step 22).

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.