"Police Officer (On-site)"

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $42.09 to $52.87.

Job Closing Date

• Please be sure to include POST certification information in the body of your resume or cover letter.
• This position is not available for remote or telecommute options.
• This position is represented by Federated University Police Officers Association (FUPOA).
• The initial applicant review will take place on or about 1/21/2026.
• All interviews will take place on campus.

About the Job

A UC Merced Police Officer protects life and property, enforces criminal law, and performs other duties typical of police officers in general law enforcement agencies. Officers patrol the UC Merced Campus sites in Merced and Atwater in patrol cars, on bicycles, and on foot. The Police Department uses a Community Oriented Policing philosophy and is dedicated to community service.

Responds to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic collisions, and other required emergencies; initiates police action when necessary; prevents and suppresses crime; investigates missing persons, and make arrests and search, fingerprint, and transport prisoners; conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of criminal incidents, disturbances, hazardous incidents, vehicle collisions, casualties; enforces federal and state laws, and University regulations; collects and preserves evidence and found property; interrogates suspects and interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; checks buildings for physical security; directs traffic and writes traffic citations; prepares written and computer-generated reports; works closely with the public and University units to identify and solve community problems; makes presentations to citizens and groups; participates in on-going training; prepares cases and testifies in court; executes assigned duties pursuant to University and Police policy and procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

Patrol

Perform uniformed patrol functions by car, vehicle, bike, etc. as directed by supervisor. Work assigned shift(s) as assigned or directed by supervisor. Initiating police action when necessary, respond to calls for police service, assist the public, conduct crime prevention and suppression activities, enforce and comply with laws, case law, and legal mandates, arrest offenders, issue citations for moving violations, issue citations for parking violations, conduct presentations on topics related to safety, respond to alarms, handle evidence and property in accordance with policy, conduct investigations as assigned or directed, respond to emergencies, disasters, critical incidents.

Reporting

Crime Reports, Incident reports, legal documents, internal documentation, Service Reports, traffic reports, memorandums, letters, field documents, court documents, communicates and coordinates efforts information/feedback within the chain of command, through the chain of command make recommendations on topics of concern.

Community Outreach and Liaison Work

Conduct crime prevention education activities, coordinate community/campus engagement opportunities, provide high quality customer service to the community, creative/conduct police programs to education the community on various topics as directed by supervisor.

Training

Be proficient in the use of department approved/issued weapons & tools, i.e. mace, baton, firearms, taser, cameras, speed measurement devices for monthly traffic enforcement, chemical agent gas mask. Attend/take training and education courses as directed to comply requirements as set in federal law, state law, POST, case law, UC policies, and other mandates.

Court Testimony

Prepares cases for court, including meeting with the District Attorney. Testifies and presents evidence in court. Testify in legal proceedings.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training. (Required)
• Bachelor's degree in related area. (Preferred)
• Must possess a California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Academy Certificate. (Required)
• Must be a US citizen or have permanent resident alien status and achieve citizenship within three years. (Required)
• Must have no felony convictions. (Required)
• 21 years of age or older. (Preferred)

Critical Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:

• Thorough knowledge in the following areas: First Aid/CPR, campus streets, buildings, and parking lots, general law enforcement procedures, vehicle laws, use of firearms.
• Able to observe situations analytically, impartially, and objectively, and to record pertinent information accurately and completely.
• Carries a firearm.
• Excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to interact with a diverse community.
• Excellent ability to use computer devices and programs and other modern law enforcement technologies and tools.
• Thorough understanding of modern policing issues, philosophies, practices and trends applied within the University environment.
• Meet all other requirements for peace officers as established by law and the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• Knowledge of university regulations, police policies, state laws, case laws, legal mandate of operating, pertaining to job responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor under stressful conditions and make decisions under rapidly changing conditions.
• Possess a high level of common sense, strong ability to problem solve, ability to understand written and verbal directives and carry them out.
• Ability to prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports, traffic citations and memoranda.
• Safely handle an automobile in high speed and emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with peers, coworkers, those contacted in the course of work.
• Must possess a strong commitment to professional ethics and integrity.
• Ability and willingness to work in an environment rich in diversity containing a variety of ethnic cultures, religions, and lifestyles.

Background Check

• Background check and fingerprinting will be required.
• CANRA (U13): Mandated Child Abuse Reporter
• Clery Act (U15): Campus Security Authority
• Criminal history check (U02): Satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check
• Driver's License (U08): Must maintain valid CA DL, a clean DMV record and enrollment in DMV Pull-Notice Program

Policy Statement

How to Apply: An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.