Patrol Officer OR Patrol Officer Trainee

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

• Finalists for this position must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process.
• Completing this search is contingent upon available funding.

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number

S372

Classification Title

Patrol Officer OR Patrol Officer Trainee

Working Title

Patrol Officer OR Patrol Officer Trainee

Department

Police LH

Home Campus

Lock Haven

City

Lock Haven

State

Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17745

Bargaining Unit

POA

Work Location

Home Campus

Position Type

Staff

Temporary/ Permanent

Permanent

Full-time/ Part-time

Full-Time

If Part-time, specify percentage (Examples: 0.75; 0.50; 0.25)

Benefits

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education provides a comprehensive package of employer benefits to eligible employees and their enrolled dependent(s), which include*:

• Medical and prescription drug benefits.
• Generous retirement plans, two options:
  • Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP)
  • State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS)

Tuition benefits for employees and dependents. Paid time off. Employer-paid dental and vision benefits. Employer-paid life insurance. Voluntary insurances and additional retirement programs.

*Specific benefits may vary based upon university, employee group and/or collective bargaining unit. Visit: for additional information regarding benefits.

To be eligible for most benefits, you must be a permanent, full-time employee (including temporary, full-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) or a permanent, part-time employee (including temporary, part-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) who is scheduled to work every pay period for at least 50% of full-time hours.

Start Time

Varies

End Time

Varies

Hours Per Week

40 hours per week (only for select POA, SPFPA, AFSCME and OPEIU positions)

Days Worked (Check all that apply)

Varies

Salary

Patrol Officer: $50,011 annually/in accordance with POA CBA ; Patrol Officer Trainee: $16.64 hourly

Anticipated Start Date

ASAP

Anticipated End Date

N/A

Position Summary Information

Position Purpose

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania – Lock Haven is seeking applications for a Patrol Officer OR Patrol Officer Trainee (classification determination will be contingent upon successful candidate’s skills and qualifications).



Patrol Officer:
University Patrol Officers are responsible for providing a safe and secure living and learning environment for the University Community. Officers are on duty 365 days a year and provide immediate responses to all types of emergencies on campus. Patrol Officers provide services in areas of patrol, investigations, parking enforcement, residence hall protection, building security, crime prevention and special event security. This position involves a great deal of interaction with students performing community – oriented policing with a strong emphasis on student success and retention recognizing the social importance of 21 Century professional and ethical police functions for tactful and courteous treatment of all persons.



Patrol Officer Trainee:
The Patrol Officer trainee position is an entry-level position designed to identify new police recruits. This position will be tasked by completing a MOPETC certified Police Academy. Once finished the academy the recruit will provide basic police services as a Patrol Officer within the department and work with one of our field training officers. The employee will be released once the FTO program is successfully completed. Employees in this classification do exercise powers of arrest.


While attending the Police Academy the trainee is a full-time employee of Commonwealth University. Upon successful completion of the academy, the employee knows that in the event an officer resigns willingly during the four (4) years after the police academy completely from the position, the officer must repay the costs of any fee incurred by the University.


This is structured trainee work in the field of law enforcement.


An employee in this job participates in an MPOETC Certified Act 120 program. An employee in this job develops skills and techniques to provide police services and protection to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education property, grounds, facilities, clientele, employees, and the general public. Work involves learning to enforce the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Motor Vehicle Code, local ordinances, and commonwealth regulations. Assignments are designed to develop proficiency in law interpretation and application, legal procedures, police operations, criminal investigations, public safety, physical fitness, self-defense, firearms use, emergency response, effective communication, report writing, maintenance and use of equipment, and law enforcement practices. Work may also include performing on-the-job assignments patrolling a State University to protect and guard property or persons from fire, theft, trespass or other hazards. Performance is evaluated in accordance with prescribed regulations and procedures, formal inspections, personal observation, and successful completion of an MPOETC Certified Act 120 program.



This is an “essential personnel” position, patrol officers and patrol officer trainees are expected to remain or report to work during partial or full day closings and during other emergent circumstances.

Description of Duties

Patrol Officer:

• Directs and controls traffic and parking on University grounds enforcing laws, serving warrants, PFA’s, transporting prisoners, issuing traffic warnings, issuing parking tickets, issuing both traffic and non-traffic citations, for violations of University policy and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania laws.
• Provides safety and Law Enforcement for extra-curricular, social and recreational events and activities at the University (concerts, athletics, dances etc.) AND those groups and persons who come to campus to exercise free speech.
• Transports by state-owned vehicles, persons to & from hospitals and University funds or valuables to proper locations.
• Responds to calls, including mental health, injured persons, panic, fire, bomb threat, active assailant or any other University emergency.
• Investigates suspected crimes, reports findings, files criminal complaints, serves arrest warrants, serves search warrants, conducts surveillance while following Rules of Criminal Procedure & University Police policies.
• Investigates traffic accidents involving persons or property, reporting and pursuing appropriate course of action on University grounds.
• Cooperates and works with local, state, federal and other first responders as needed. (Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, EMA, DA, Domestic Violence, Hospitals etc.)
• Testifies in court, legal proceedings or university code of conduct as necessary.
• Displays and removes temporary parking signage on campus.
• Prepares and maintains a multitude of reports; daily activity logs, shift reports etc.
• Clearly utilizes two-way radio communications equipment, computers, multi-line telephones, monitor alarms & CCTV, accomplishes routine administrative duties and performs other related work as required.
• Participates in education and training courses, as requested. Completes professional development trainings as required (CPR/AED, firearms, Act 180 etc.)
• Practices safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries, and to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Completes reports to appropriate work group of deficiencies.
• Operates state vehicles in a legal, safe and courteous manner at time for extended time periods.
• May perform public speaking – community policing events with student or community groups as a special assignment.
• Exhibits abilities to work with diverse groups and populations.
• Patrols campus by foot, vehicle or police bicycle.
• Performs routine building checks for safety hazards, mechanical problems, unlocked doors etc. Unlocks and locks doors – facilities as required.
• May be requested to assist another University Police Department.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality, CHRIA, FERPA, HIPAA, JNET, CLEAN
  

Patrol Officer Trainee:

• Participates in a structured Act 120 Basic Police Officer Training program to obtain Act 120 Certification.
• Participates in training assignments to learn the principles and practices associated with conducting investigations, collecting evidence to support enforcement action, search and seizure, accident investigations, officer safety, interpersonal relations, investigations, interviews, interrogations, report writing, case preparation, and court testimony.
• Receives training in the safe and proper handling of firearms and in the use of specialized equipment and instruments, including communications equipment, preliminary breath test devices, body armor, and riot gear.
• Participates in training assignments to learn the principles and practices associated with the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence, criminal laws, motor vehicle laws, and rules related to search and seizure and arrest.
• Patrols an assigned area of the State University, watches for fires, prowlers, vandalism, or other unusual occurrences.
• Directs traffic and enforces parking regulations.
• Assists and directs visitors; furnishes information in a courteous manner.
• Maintains orderly conduct among students, employees, and the general public.
• Operates motorized vehicles.
• Performs related work as required.

Decision Making

Patrol Officer:

• Ability to enforce laws legally, firmly, tactfully and with dignity & respect for the rights of others.
• Ability to make independent decisions and make recommendations without close supervision.
• Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations and to determine the proper courses of action

Fiscal Responsibility

Patrol Officer:

• Must be able to manage cash, receipts and statements for parking tickets & permits (LH/MA)
• Must use personnel effectively and prudently and request additional personnel (OT) only, when necessary, as in an emergency.

Supervisory Responsibility

Patrol Officer:

• May be required to occasionally serve as Officer in Charge or assume Incident Command at a critical incident.
• May supervise student work study employees.

Minimum Requirements Profile

Patrol Officer:

• Formal training in the provisions of basic police services as certified through Act 120 training; OR any equivalent experience or training.
• Receipt of the Basic Police Commission with arrest powers, granted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Ability to successfully complete the University Firearms Qualification Requirements at required intervals.
• Must satisfactorily complete Act 180 updates annually.
  

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle operator’s license.
• Ability to meet MPOETC qualifications regarding medical physical, psychological, drug testing and any other requirements established by the University.

Patrol Officer Trainee:

• High school Diploma or completion of the General Educational Development test.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle operator’s license.
• All employees must meet the entrance requirements for the MPOETC Certified Act 120 program which includes a fitness test, a background check, a physical examination including a vision and hearing test, a psychological examination, and a reading test with a minimum 9th grade reading level.
• All employees are required to enroll in, participate, and complete the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission Certified Basic Police Academy (Act 120) training to obtain MPOETC Certification. Act 120 certification must be obtained to successfully complete the trainee program.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicant Rating Criteria

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Patrol Officer:

• Knowledge of Commonwealth laws, Rules of Criminal Procedure, rules and regulations governing motor vehicle operation and personal conduct for employees or visitors at Commonwealth facilities.
• Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions appropriate to responsibilities assigned as a law enforcement officer.
• Knowledge of and skill in practicing emergency first-aid and CPR techniques.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and to determine proper courses of action.
• Ability to enforce laws legally, firmly, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to follow a chain of command.
• Ability to safely & legally operate state vehicles and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license required.
• Some knowledge of Community Policing – Community Relations
• Proficient in the handling and use of firearms & use of offensive and defensive weapons.
• Commitment to fair and equitable 21st Century policing best practices.

Patrol Officer Trainee:

• Ability to read and interpret written materials, such as laws and regulations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to use sound judgment in situations involving decision-making, danger, and stress.
• Ability to observe, assess, and evaluate surroundings and accurately recall facts.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally.
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

Essential Functions

Patrol Officer:

• Ability to patrol campus and respond to emergencies on foot and by vehicle.

• Ability to walk/stand for extended periods of time for patrol, and traffic and crowd control.

• Ability to work in inclement weather conditions, weekends, shift work or extreme heat.

• Ability to perform CPR and basic first aid.

• Ability to analyze incidents and triage the event bringing a safe & effective resolve

• Ability to effectively communicate using a two-way radio and related office equipment

• Ability to safely operate law enforcement vehicles in routine and emergency situations.

• Ability to make arrests, serve warrants and testify in court.

• Ability to conduct investigations including in the field work and follow-up interviews.

• Ability to write effective detailed reports of investigations, accidents and incidents.

• Ability to effectively communicate with lawyers, physicians, directors, deans, Vice Presidents, the President, student groups and organizations.

Posting Detail Information

Open Date mm-dd-yyyy

05/01/2026

Close Date mm-dd-yyyy

05/05/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Finalists for this position must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process.
• Completing this search is contingent upon available funding.

Background Clearances

Offers of employment are conditional, pending successful completion of the background clearances mandated by Act 153 of 2014 and Board of Governors Policy 2014-01-A: Protection of Minors. In order to qualify for a provisional appointment, the Applicant Acknowledgement Consent Form, Provisional Hire Form, Pennsylvania State Police and Justifacts portion of the clearance process must be successfully completed prior to your start date. The remaining PA Child Abuse History Clearance and FBI Clearance must be successfully completed and returned as soon as possible within the first 90 days of employment.

Diversity Statement

At Commonwealth University we recognize our responsibility to continuously support a living, learning, and working environment that values the diverse contributions from all members of our campus community. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion enriches our campus community and is instrumental to our institutional success. Commonwealth University strives to cultivate a campus climate that allows all members to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as we achieve success both in and out of the classroom, in our work responsibilities, and in our professional lives beyond Commonwealth University. We uphold our commitment to DEI by:

• Actively supporting and promoting the intellectual and personal growth of our students, inside and outside of the classroom.
• Providing workshops, trainings, programs designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion within our campus community.
• Ensuring that all learning and living environments throughout our campus are welcoming and capable of serving all individuals.

Title IX/Clery

The University prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

The University also complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act, as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Title IX prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discrimination. VAWA imposes additional duties on universities and colleges to investigate and respond to reports of sexual assault, stalking, and dating or domestic violence, and to publish policies and procedures related to the way these reports are handled. The University has designated the Title IX Coordinator (Jennifer Raup, Elwell Hall, ORL, 570-389-4808, [email protected] or [email protected] ), to coordinate the University’s compliance with Title IX and VAWA and to respond to reports of violations. The University has directed the Police Department to coordinate the University’s compliance with the VAWA-related Clery reporting requirements. For information on the University’s crime statistics, which is available in a publication called “Annual Security Report”, please contact Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg Police at 570-389-2211, Commonwealth University – Mansfield Police at 570-662-4900, or Commonwealth University – Lock Haven Police at 570-484-2278 or by accessing the following website: . Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East – Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Phone: (215) 656-6010; Fax: (215) 656-6020.

About Commonwealth University of PA

The Power of Three Bloomsburg , Lock Haven and Mansfield universities have joined forces to boldly transform higher education in our region and beyond. While we are uniting as Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, you can expect a college experience that is anything but common.



We’re Honoring our History by preserving the founding principles of each campus and continuing our vibrant on-campus student experience, serving as pillars of our communities, supporting students and our neighbors alike.



We’re Investing in Today by answering the greatest challenges facing higher education: accessibility, cost, quality, and relevance through the combined strength of our storied institutions.



We’re Building a Powerful Tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public education to position ourselves for growth, increased access, and to meet economic and workforce development needs in our region, across Pennsylvania and beyond.

Quick Link

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Optional Documents