Police Academy Cadet - Sponsorship (July 2027 Class)

Penn State University • University Park, IL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Penn State University Police and Public Safety is hiring Police Academy Cadets for its University Park campus. Cadets will attend the Municipal Police Academy/Act 120 Training at Harrisburg Area Community College beginning in July 2027. During academy enrollment, cadets are Penn State employees and receive a full-time salary, benefits, and a housing reimbursement. Successful academy graduates will be placed as full-time sworn police officers at University Park and will train with Field Training Officers to learn campus and departmental protocols.

University campus policing combines traditional law enforcement with a community-policing focus, including engagement with students and the campus community, student welfare checks, building-alarm responses, facility security checks, and special-event details. Police officers protect life and property, preserve peace and good order, support positive community engagement, enforce laws and University policies, conduct investigations, and prevent illegal, unsafe, undesirable, or regulatory-violating activity through patrol, education, inspection, and enforcement.

The role requires academy acceptance and successful completion of police academy training, along with required background, fitness, evaluation, and certification steps. The position is represented by the Penn State University Police Officers Association. Applicants must list University Park as a preferred campus location to be considered for this academy sponsorship.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Up to one year of relevant experience.
• Acceptance into the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Certification Course during the hiring process.
• Successful completion of police academy training and all MPOETC requirements and related exams.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Must be at least 21 years old on or before the start date.
• Successful University Police and Public Safety background investigation and BPAD scenario-based evaluation.
• Successful fingerprint and criminal background checks, including Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal (FBI) checks.
• Successful psychological evaluation and physical examination; must be in good general health as determined by the University examination.
• Valid driver’s license and successful motor vehicle records check; operating a motor vehicle is part of the job duties.
• Successful credit history check.
• Ability to enhance public respect for law enforcement and the University through courteous, devoted, and ethical service.
• Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, students, and outside agencies.
• Ability to provide effective, honest, and credible testimony at court hearings.
• Strong customer-service orientation, verbal and written communication, analytical, judgment, ethical decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and respect constitutional rights to liberty, equality, and justice.
• Ability to uphold high standards of conduct and abide by laws, regulations, and policies.
• Cover letter and resume must be included with the application.
• University Park must be listed as a preferred campus location in the application questionnaire.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property and preserve peace and good order in the community.
• Support positive community engagement initiatives and provide courteous, ethical service.
• Enforce National, Federal, State, and local laws, as well as University regulations and policies.
• Prevent illegal, unsafe, undesirable, or regulatory-violating activity through patrol, education, inspection, and enforcement.
• Conduct investigative work, apprehend violators, and support prosecution where applicable.
• Perform student welfare checks, respond to building alarms, conduct facility security checks, and provide special-event security details.
• Complete academy training and, after graduation, train with Field Training Officers on campus and departmental protocols.

Benefits

• Full-time salary during academy enrollment; salary progression details are in the collective bargaining agreement.
• Housing reimbursement while enrolled in the academy.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED