Police Officer (Lateral/P.O.S.T. Certified)

About the role

The Police Officer is a sworn officer responsible for ensuring the protection and safety of California State University (CSU) students, faculty, staff, property, and visitors. Incumbents must successfully complete a certified Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) program and are licensed to carry firearms.

Responsibilities

• Patrol campus areas to ensure the safety of students, employees, and visitors.
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws, as well as campus regulations.
• Maintain order and provide crowd control during campus events.
• Protect life and property through proactive policing and timely response to incidents.
• Conduct investigations, collect and preserve evidence, and prepare clear, accurate reports.
• Make arrests and safely manage sensitive or potentially dangerous situations with sound judgment.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty, community members, and partner agencies.
• Carry out specialized assignments such as range instruction, canine handling, field training, defensive tactics instruction, bicycle or motorcycle patrol, evidence collection, or participation in critical response teams.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a certified P.O.S.T. academy.
• Working knowledge of current law enforcement methods and procedures.
• Working knowledge of current criminal codes and laws.
• Educated interpersonal skills to resolve a wide variety of sensitive situations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including writing clear and comprehensive reports.
• Demonstrated ability to think and act effectively in emergency and sensitive situations.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in computer software applications, including but not limited to law enforcement databases and report writing tools.

Benefits

Full benefits package includes generous time off, retirement, health coverage, and education support. Additional optional offerings include FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.

Pay

Compensation Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines. Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 22 ($9,468) for highly qualified candidates.

Schedule

Standard SDSU Police Department work hours follow a 24/7 operational schedule, with officers assigned to varying shifts based on operational needs.

Department Summary

Safety and security is coordinated by University Police, through a force of 40 sworn police officers and 57 non-sworn support employees. Our police officers are graduates of a California Peace Officers Standards Training Academy with full arrest powers throughout the state. They undergo continued training to upgrade their skills as well as first aid and CPR requirements. University Police officers are armed. They conduct foot, vehicular and bicycle patrols on campus and in the adjacent community 24 hours a day, year-round. Officers are responsible for reporting and investigating crimes and traffic accidents, enforcing state laws and local ordinances, responding to medical emergencies and all other incidents requiring police assistance.

Education and Experience

This classification is reserved for entry-level sworn officers who have graduated from a certified P.O.S.T. academy and obtained the Basic Course Certificate. Duties at this level require a working knowledge of law enforcement methods and procedures, criminal codes and laws, and investigating techniques and procedures. The Police Officer performs general patrol and operational police duties and may assist in investigations or as a member on special teams or task forces. Incumbents may receive specialized on-the-job training to perform these specialized functions.

Why Join Us

Serve in a role with a direct impact on the safety and well-being of a vibrant campus community. Gain diverse law enforcement experience in patrol, investigations, and specialized assignments. Work alongside a dedicated team committed to professional growth, service, and community engagement. Receive comprehensive training and support to meet the physical, mental, and professional demands of the job. Contribute to a safe learning and working environment where students, faculty, staff, and the public can thrive.

Additional Information

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.