University Police Officer

Princeton University • Princeton, NJ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Princeton University Department of Public Safety is seeking candidates for the role of University Police Officer. This is a sponsored position where the department will cover the tuition, uniforms, and equipment for a successful candidate's New Jersey police academy training. While in the academy, cadets earn a salary according to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) contract. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring a safe and secure environment for the Princeton University community. DPS is comprised of 153 staff members, including professional University police, security officers, dispatchers, and administrators. The department has achieved Law Enforcement Accreditation from CALEA and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (NJLEAC), signifying a commitment to professional excellence and adherence to rigorous standards. University Police Officers are sworn law enforcement officers with the authority of commissioned police officers, deriving their powers from New Jersey statutes and the Trustees of Princeton University. They are required to complete the same training as municipal police officers and must maintain proficiency with firearms. While typically unarmed, officers may access service rifles in specific high-threat situations. DPS has 46 sworn officers in various roles, including command staff, detectives, sergeants, corporals, and officers.

Requirements

• Candidate must meet the qualifications necessary for New Jersey police licensing.
• Candidate must meet the physical fitness standards required for police academy admission if not currently licensed or certified.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Current valid vehicle operator's license.
• After completion of NJ police academy: Officer must demonstrate proficiency with assigned firearms and qualify per Attorney General (AG) guidelines and annually thereafter per policy.
• Officer must maintain ability to operate assigned firearms under all applicable law and University Policy.
• Candidate must successfully complete various fitness for duty assessments, including: Online testing with Wonderlic; Comprehensive background investigation; and Psychological evaluation and interview.
• Must be able to meet Post Offer Pre-Employment Screening (POPES) requirements and be found capable of performing the essential functions and physical requirements of the position, both before commencing employment and any time required thereafter under University policy.
• At least two years of work and/or life experience directly relating to a minimum of two of the following areas: Community service/involvement; Interviewing, public speaking, and conflict resolution skills; Problem solving, using creative method to resolve issues; or Multi-cultural work and life experiences.
• Work environment involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures and loud noises.
• Work environment involves moderate exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety.
• Must be physically fit and able to defend oneself from attack or physical assault.
• Must have 20-20 or 20-30 vision either naturally or with corrective lenses.
• Must be able to wear the required uniform including, but not limited to a protective vest.
• This position requires providing evidence of medical immunity to certain diseases that may pose risk to animals within labs/vivarium and is meant to ensure the safety of the employee, co-workers and animals.
• This is a unionized position within the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
• Per the FOP contract this position has a 12-month probationary period.

Nice To Haves

• Current New Jersey Police Officer Certification/License; approval of New Jersey Training Commission for police commission.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide campus safety, security, and law enforcement services to the University community as part of an assigned team.
• Offer a wide range of services, including both traditional and non-traditional police services.
• Participate in crime prevention and community-oriented public safety programming.
• Enforce University regulations, local ordinances, and state laws.
• Serve as a first responder to incidents, accidents, and other emergency situations.
• Conduct initial and follow-up investigations into significant and criminal incidents.
• Work under the direction of a sergeant.
• Be able to work ALL shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime shifts, as required.

Benefits

• New Jersey police academy tuition, uniforms, and equipment paid by the University.
• Salary while in the academy per FOP contract.
• Sign-on bonus for candidates with current New Jersey Police Officer Certification or approval of New Jersey Training Commission for police commission.
• Comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

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