Police Academy Trainee

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Police Academy Trainee is an entry-level, non-sworn position for individuals preparing to become sworn police officers with the Harvard University Police Department. Incumbents are sponsored by HUPD to attend and successfully complete the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Recruit Officer Course (ROC) at an MPTC authorized police academy, and to obtain certification from the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission.

Under close supervision, the Trainee participates in and completes all academy training requirements and department pre-  and post-academy training. Upon successful completion of the academy, meeting all MPTC standards, POST certification requirements, and HUPD/Harvard University standards, the Trainee may be appointed as a sworn Police Officer, subject to available positions and satisfactory performance. During the Academy, trainees earn $30 per hour. After graduating and becoming sworn officers, you'll join the Harvard University Police Association (HUPA) and be paid according to our tiered pay structure.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Academy & Field Training

• Attend, participate in, and successfully complete the MPTC Recruit Officer Course at an MPTC authorized academy, including classroom instruction, practical skills, scenario-based training, firearms training, and physical fitness. (mass.gov)
• Meet or exceed all training standards, testing benchmarks, and performance evaluations required by MPTC and the hosting academy, including academic, firearms, defensive tactics, emergency driving, and physical fitness standards. (mass.gov)
• Comply with all academy rules, regulations, policies, and codes of conduct. (mass.gov)
• Participate in HUPD pre-academy orientation and post-academy Field Training Officer (FTO) program, as directed.

Compliance with POST Requirements

• Satisfy all baseline requirements for initial certification as a law enforcement officer by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, including successful completion of an approved basic training program and meeting standards of good moral character and fitness for employment. (mass.gov)
• Maintain eligibility for POST certification throughout the academy and onboarding process, including adherence to all ethical, legal, and professional standards.

Department & University Responsibilities

• Represent Harvard University and HUPD professionally, demonstrating courtesy, integrity, discretion, and respect for the diverse community served. 
• Participate in additional in-service, remedial, or specialized training as assigned.
• Maintain required documentation, logs, and reports related to training, testing, and certifications.
• Comply with all HUPD policies, Harvard University policies, and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Perform related duties as assigned or required to support department operations and public safety initiatives.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a variety of settings, including classroom, training facilities, firing ranges, driving courses, and outdoor environments in all weather conditions.
• Subject to extended periods of standing, walking, running, and physical exertion during training.
• Exposure to realistic training scenarios that may involve simulated weapons, loud noises, and stressful situations.
• Must be willing to wear department-issued uniforms and equipment, including a ballistic vest and a duty belt, and eventually carry a firearm upon appointment as a sworn officer.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Legal & General Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age by the start date of the police academy (or by date specified by the academy or HUPD policy).
• United States citizen.
• High school diploma or GED required. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social/behavioral sciences, or a related field is strongly preferred and may be required or prioritized consistent with HUPD/Harvard hiring standards. 
• Valid driver’s license (Massachusetts preferred or ability to obtain MA license prior to appointment).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms (LTC) in accordance with state law and University/department policy.
• Ability to work any shift (days, evenings, nights), weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime, as required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

MPTC Requirements (Academy Eligibility)

• Must meet all Municipal Police Training Committee eligibility requirements for enrollment in the full-time Recruit Officer Course, including: (mass.gov)
  • Sponsorship/employment by HUPD.
  • Successful completion of all pre-admission physical fitness, medical, and psychological screening required by MPTC and the academy. (mass.gov)
  • Successful completion of any required entrance examination(s), interviews, and background review as required by MPTC or the hosting academy.
• Ability and commitment to complete approximately 800 hours of academy curriculum in accordance with M.G.L. c. 41 §96B and MPTC standards. (mass.gov)

POST Requirements (Certification Eligibility)

• Must meet baseline requirements for certification as a law enforcement officer by the Massachusetts POST Commission, including: (mass.gov)
  • Successful completion of an MPTC-approved basic training program (e.g., Recruit Officer Course).
  • No disqualifying criminal convictions or prior POST decertifications or revocations in Massachusetts or any other jurisdiction.
  • Demonstrated good moral character and fitness for employment as determined by a comprehensive background investigation and other screening tools.
  • Commitment to complying with ongoing training and recertification requirements established by POST.

Harvard University / HUPD Standards

• Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation, which may include but is not limited to:
  • Criminal history check (state and national).
  • Driving record.
  • Verification of prior employment, education, and military service (if applicable).
  • Review of social media and online presence as permitted by law and policy.
  • Personal and professional reference checks.
• Successful completion of pre-employment medical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug/alcohol screening, as required by Harvard University and HUPD policy.
• Must meet and maintain Harvard University’s standards of conduct and ethics, including strict confidentiality, integrity, and adherence to University policies on discrimination, harassment, conflict of interest, and use of information systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and to support Harvard’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interest in a career in professional, community-oriented policing within a campus environment. 
• Ability to learn and apply Massachusetts criminal law, motor vehicle law, and relevant university regulations and policies.
• Ability to maintain self-discipline, composure, and sound judgment in high-stress, rapidly evolving, and sometimes life-threatening situations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to document incidents and training accurately and clearly.
• Ability to accept and respond constructively to feedback and instruction from academy staff, field training officers, and HUPD supervisors.
• Physical ability to meet and maintain MPTC and department physical fitness standards, including running, defensive tactics, lifting, and other tasks inherent to police work. (mass.gov)
• Demonstrated integrity, honesty, and reliability.

Additional Information

Appointment & Progression

• Appointment as a Police Academy Trainee is contingent upon:
  • Successful completion of all pre-employment background and medical/psychological screening.
  • Acceptance by an MPTC‑authorized academy and maintenance of eligibility throughout the program.
• Continued employment and progression to Sworn Police Officer status are contingent upon:
  • Successful completion of the MPTC Recruit Officer Course and all associated testing and performance standards. (mass.gov)
  • Obtaining POST certification as a law enforcement officer in Massachusetts. (mass.gov)
  • Successful completion of HUPD’s Field Training Officer program and probationary period.
  • Maintenance of all standards of conduct, performance, and fitness required by Harvard University, HUPD, MPTC, and POST.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties
• Other Information
  • This position is benefits-eligible in accordance with Harvard University policies (benefits summary to be attached or linked per HR practice).
  • Salary during the trainee/academy period is set according to Harvard/HUPD compensation policies and collective bargaining agreements, if applicable.
  • Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 052. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Salary Grade: 052