Law Enforcement Officer

About the role

The University of South Florida St. Petersburg Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency dedicated to providing a safe environment for and in partnership with the community. The department is led by a command staff comprised of sworn and non-sworn members of the rank of captain and higher, a communications/records manager, all of whom report to the chief of police through an established chain-of-command. We are professional state law enforcement officers, drawing authority from State Statute 1012.97. We are here to serve the campus community as well as to protect it. All officers are certified by the state of Florida after completing training from the State Regional Police Training Academy.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned area(s) to insure the personal safety of the university populace and to provide protection and security to facilities.
• Directs traffic.
• Investigates accidents, complaints, disturbances, and law violations by interviewing complainants, suspects, and witnesses; secures incident area; and collects and preserves evidence.
• Pursues, apprehends, and arrests law violators and suspected law violators.
• Issues traffic warnings and citations.
• Controls crowds during special events, catastrophes, riots, and demonstrations.
• Conducts investigations into complaints and violations of Federal, State and Local Laws, and University policies.
• Interviews witnesses and victims, interrogates suspects, apprehends, arrests and processes criminal violators, searches for, locates, and preserves evidence; appears as affiant in legal and/or administrative processes.
• Identifies and analyzes problems and develops responses and solutions to resolve such problems.
• Expresses ideas and communicates information to citizens and colleagues.
• Takes formal statements and confessions.
• Demonstrates proper officer safety techniques.
• Successfully works with others.
• Uses equipment appropriately.
• Operates weapons and equipment properly.
• Participates in Community Oriented Policing initiatives.
• Follows departmental policy, mission, values, and goals.
• Makes daily patrols to maximize crime deterrence.
• Composes reports, using appropriate forms, when documenting crimes, incidents, and activity.
• Operates weapons properly and qualifies at the range.
• Utilizes the radio and (MCT) Mobile Computer Terminal in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Reduces theft or damage of state and university property by providing continuing security and safety analysis of facilities and making written recommendations for improvement.
• Reports observations with regard to environmental health, safety, security, and fire code hazards and/or violations.
• Achieves agency and university goals.
• Maintains police community relations by focusing on information and education, which culminates in community action and crime reduction.
• Organized in daily work activity.
• Accepts additional responsibility and meets set deadlines.
• Uses available agencies, departments, and support groups to assist citizens.
• Interacts in a service-oriented manner with courtesy and integrity.
• Respects others.
• Develops contact with others that instills confidence in the police department.
• Provides non-law enforcement public service as authorized by law and consistent with good police practices.
• Testifies in a concise and accurate manner.
• Filings cases in the proper manner.
• Conveys verbal information / instructions / directives / commands.
• Demonstrates appropriate officer safety techniques.
• Aware of, alert, and remains calm in stressful situations.
• Takes appropriate action to protect officer, co-workers, and others from harm.
• Successfully defends oneself using the defined use of force policies and protocols.

Requirements

Must currently possess a valid law enforcement certificate from the State of Florida. Must be at least 19 years of age, must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, must have graduated from an accredited law enforcement academy, or currently accepted to a commissioned Florida Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program (attendance must be within 4 months of applying). Graduates from law enforcement academies outside the state of Florida will be required to attend a program for Equivalency of Training (EOT: transitional academy).

Qualifications

• Minimum: Must possess a current Florida Law Enforcement Certification through The Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. This position must meet the requirements of Chapter 943.13, Florida Statutes. Must be at least 19 years of age, must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, must have graduated from an accredited law enforcement academy, or currently accepted to a commissioned Florida Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program (attendance must be within 4 months of applying). Graduates from law enforcement academies outside the state of Florida will be required to attend a program for Equivalency of Training (EOT: transitional academy).
• Preferred: Have one year of prior law enforcement, military, or security experience. Appropriate college coursework may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. Prior Law Enforcement experience at an Institution of Higher Education.

Special Skills/Training

Must currently possess a valid law enforcement certificate from the State of Florida. Knowledge and ability to understand and accurately apply laws, rules, regulations and policies. Employees in this classification are required to maintain all mandatory job-related certifications to include but not limited to firearms qualification, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and Florida State driver’s license.

About Us

Working at USF With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.