Campus Police Officer

Job Description

The Division of Campus Community Safety (DCCS) has an outstanding opportunity for a Lateral-Level Campus Police Officer to join their team.

This recruitment offers a $5,000 sign-on bonus to eligible Lateral-Level Police Officers joining UWPD!

Please note: To ensure consideration and to move forward in the selection process, applicants must also complete an application via the Public Safety Testing (PST) website and complete a Personal History Statement with PST. The complete application process can be viewed below.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief of Police, the Lateral-Level Campus Police Officer at the University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) is responsible for responding to public calls for service within a very diverse community, providing community-oriented law enforcement services to the campus and nearby areas, enforcing state laws, city ordinances, and University regulations. Police Officers conduct criminal and traffic investigations, make arrests, prepare necessary documentation and testify in court. Officers also provide for the safety and security of persons and property at University events and attend community meetings. Watch our UW Police Video to meet us and see what it is like to work on the Seattle Campus.

Specialized Units/Opportunities

UW Police Officers have unique opportunities to work in specialized units and assignments. These units and assignments include:

• Detective Unit
• Bicycle Officers
• Field Training Officers
• Plain clothes detail
• Explosives Detection K-9 Unit
• Dignitary Protection assignments
• Incident Prevention Team

Shifts:

Police Officers work a variety of shifts depending on their assignment.  These shifts may include traditional 5x8s or 4x10s, with some weekend work required.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol a designated area on foot or in a patrol car to enforce institution rules and regulations, local, state, and federal statutes, and ordinances – 20%
• Inspect buildings and grounds for trespassers, fire, property damage, or other irregularities – 10%
• Direct and regulate traffic; investigate accidents or crimes; administer first aid; issue citations for violations; gather evidence; locate witnesses; appear in court, present evidence, and testify against persons accused of criminal activity – 20%
• Operate department communication equipment; answer telephone inquiries; receive reports of criminal activity; dispatch foot and mobile units; operate paging system; monitor alarm systems; prepare and distribute reports – 10%
• Deter or, when necessary, disperse illegal gatherings – 5%
• Appropriately respond to campus demonstrations to safeguard free speech and protect people and property – 5%
• Maintain surveillance of areas for criminal activity – 5%
• Issue misdemeanor citations; investigate, arrest and/or book suspects into applicable detention facilities for misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felony offenses – 20%
• Assist city or county police and state patrol in cases of emergency – 5%

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• High school graduation or equivalent;
• At least twenty-one years of age upon completion of the Police Academy;
• Possession of a valid driver’s license;
• No previous felony convictions.

*Lateral Candidates: Must have a minimum of two years’ experience as a full-time, paid commissioned officer, and no more than a 24-month break in service (more than a 24-month break in service will require successful completion of the Washington State Equivalency course).

Federal law enforcement officers/agents, corrections officers, jailers, game wardens, military police officers, special or reserve officers/deputies, or any other such positions which fall outside the above guidelines may not qualify for Lateral positions.

All out-of-state lateral applicants must meet the requirements outlined in Washington Administrative code 139-05-210 "Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency" and be qualified to attend the Washington State Equivalency Academy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Fluency in other languages (such as Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Russian, etc.)

Working Conditions

• Police officers are on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and their services and facilities are available at all times.  Must be flexible for scheduling. Day shift, swing shift and night shift are shifts that you must be willing to work. Overtime is regularly available and, at times, may be required.
• The UW Police Department Facility is located at 3939 15th Avenue NE, just south of Gould Hall. The location is in the growing west campus area and is also near the NE 40th Avenue west entrance to main campus. The facility is 29,000 sf and includes police offices, training/meeting rooms, dispatch and communications center, records, locker rooms, physical fitness room, booking and holding rooms, evidence storage, and on-site fleet parking.

Additional Application Requirements

1. Apply to the University of Washington Police Department - Lateral Police Officer position through Public Safety Testing. 

2. Complete your personal history statement within 14 days through Public Safety Testing (PST). PST conducts our Background Investigation Process. A completed Personal History Statement will be required for those who progress to the Background Investigation Process. Detailed information requested includes:

• Addresses of all residences
• References
• Names and addresses of family members
• Arrests and criminal history
• Traffic driving record
• Military service
• Employment history
• Drug use
• Education history
• Memberships in professional organizations
• Financial information

Copies of the following documents:

• High school diploma/GED certificate
• Social Security card
• Driver’s License
• Birth Certificate (Certified copy)
• Transcripts of college grades (Certified copy from Institution Registrar)
• Any other documents, certificates, resumes, performance evaluation reports, etc., which show your abilities and training for the position

3. Complete your UW application through Workday at CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER, LATERAL (MULTIPLE OPENINGS) - University of Washington. A complete application includes:

• Add your resume to your candidate profile
• Complete the Criminal History Disclosure assessment
• Completing the U.S. Work Authorization Assessment.

4. Oral Boards (panel interview)

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to participate in Oral Boards.

5. Additional Selection Steps Include:

• Ride Along with a Field Training Officer
• Background Investigation
• Polygraph Test
• Psychological Evaluation
• Medical Exam
• Drug Screen
• Fingerprints
• Official Offer of Employment

Application process can also be found at Apply to UWPD: Lateral officers – UW Police

Reapplication is permitted at any time, except for candidates disqualified for reasons of prior felony convictions or non-correctable selection.

Please note: It may take 2 to 4 months to successfully complete all phases of the selection process from Oral Boards to Official Offer of Employment.

Be sure to check back periodically for updated recruitment information.

About the Team

The Division of Campus Community Safety (DCCS) unifies front-line public safety units across the University for a holistic approach to campus community safety, innovation in approaches, and clarity in leadership responsibility and accountability. Key units include UW Emergency Management, SafeCampus and the UW Police Department Seattle campus. Division staff work daily in partnership with units across and outside the UW system to both create safer, welcoming campus environments; prepare for potential natural or human-made disasters; and respond appropriately to incidents. 

Safeguarding the academic community with P.R.I.D.E.

The University of Washington Police Department is housed in a state-of-the-art police facility. We are looking for dedicated professionals with police experience to join our ranks. We have so much to offer including a pleasant atmosphere, policing a student population, specialty positions, working Big 10 sporting events, lucrative overtime assignments and an opportunity to practice the community policing and service expected from our internationally and state accredited police department. The UWPD is involved in crime prevention, uniformed patrol response, crowd control, dignitary protection, facilities security, traffic control and enforcement, criminal investigations, and emergency management. We are committed to officer training, a high officer-to-area ratio and innovative policing strategies.

In 2017, UWPD was the first police department in the State of Washington to achieve joint accreditation under the new accreditation program by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), in addition to its CALEA accreditation.  UWPD is proud to be internationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).  Initially accredited in 2005, the agency has maintained compliance with 462 national standards/best practices, achieved reaccredited status in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2021 and working on reaccreditation for 2025.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$109,548.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$127,044.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

Alternate Work Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Teamsters Local 117 UW Police Officers

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.