Police Lieutenant

Penn State University Police and Public Safety (UPPS) is responsible for protecting and serving more than 100,000 students, employees, and visitors at 22 campuses throughout Pennsylvania. UPPS is a centralized department with sworn police officers who have full law enforcement authority serving all PSU campuses, headquartered at University Park.

About the role

UPPS is seeking an individual committed to serving the diverse community of students, faculty, and staff as a Patrol Lieutenant at the University Park Campus. In addition to acting as a Police Officer when necessary, the Patrol Lieutenant supervises patrol operations across multiple shifts, directs patrol activities, develops strategies, reviews incident reports, assists with event planning, and acts in an incident command role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise multiple patrol shifts
• Develop patrol strategies to accomplish public safety goals
• Work within the incident command structure during pre-planned events and emergencies
• Complete performance evaluations
• Coordinate investigations and case management
• Review and approve incident reports
• Manage training and assist with the disciplinary process
• Schedule management, including authorizing leave requests and reviewing timecards
• Interpret and communicate laws and policies, ensuring compliance
• Represent the department on committees and assist with interpreting laws and procedures
• Perform all duties of a Police Officer when needed
• Ensure effective communication between employees and administration
• Maintain up-to-date risk assessments, operation plans, policies, and procedures
• Foster a positive, progressive environment aligned with department values and standards

Requirements

• Skills 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
• Effective, honest, and credible testimony at court hearings
• Outstanding customer service orientation and strong verbal/written communication skills
• Excellent analytical, judgment, ethical decision-making, and organizational skills
• Ability to work with diverse cultures and backgrounds, respecting constitutional rights
• Uphold high standards of conduct, abiding by laws, regulations, and policies
• Work effectively with student employees, staff, and stakeholders
• Work within the contracted language of a collective bargaining agreement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• U.S. Citizenship
• Successful completion of a UPPS background investigation
• Fingerprint background check

Certifications

Required at time of hire:

• Pennsylvania Driver’s License (PennDOT)
• First Aid Certification (American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or accredited provider)
• Firearms Qualification (Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission)
• CLEAN Certification (Pennsylvania State Police)
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification (American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or accredited provider)
• Act 120 – MPOETC Certification (Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission)

The following may be obtained after hire:

• CPR Certification
• Firearms Qualification
• First Aid Certification
• CLEAN Certification

Background Checks

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
• Credit history check
• Motor vehicle records check (valid driver’s license required)

Pay

The salary range for this position is $81,312.00 – $122,016.00.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time)
• 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children