27-17 Community Policing Officer (Police Specialist, WCU Internal Applicants Only) - Public Safety

27-17 Community Policing Officer (Police Specialist, WCU Internal Applicants Only) - Public Safety

Location

West Chester University, PA

Job Type

Regular / Full-Time

Job Number

27-17

Department

University Affairs

Division

Public Safety

Opening Date

08/14/2026

Closing Date

8/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania's Public Safety Department invites WCU internal applicants for the position of Police Specialist.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The Police Specialist is a sworn law enforcement officer who performs specialized assignments in addition to regular patrol responsibilities. Specialists serve as subject matter experts in designated program areas, enhancing departmental operations through community engagement, officer development, crime prevention initiatives, and specialized patrol functions. Assignments are made based on departmental needs, training, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.

Responsibilities include:

• Patrol the campus using a department-issued police mountain
• Provide highly visible patrols to deter criminal activity and improve community engagement
• Respond to calls for service and assist with emergency incidents while utilizing bicycle patrol techniques
• Conduct proactive patrols in areas that are difficult to access by vehicle
• Develop and participate in community policing initiatives that strengthen partnerships between the Police Department and the campus community
• Participate in outreach events, educational programs, and problem-solving initiatives as assigned by department administration
• Foster positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors
• Identify community concerns and work collaboratively to develop solutions
• Present departmental overviews during new student orientation programs
• Conduct crime prevention presentations for residence halls, student organizations, faculty, and staff
• Provide educational programming on personal safety, theft prevention, active threat awareness, and related topics
• Assist with departmental crime prevention campaigns and community education initiatives
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver specialized training programs for department personnel
• Provide instruction within assigned areas of expertise, ensuring officers maintain proficiency in required skills
• Assist with planning annual training schedules and documenting training records
• Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend improvements to departmental training programs
• Perform other duties as assigned

Essential functions: This position is deemed "essential" and must remain or report to work during partial or full day closings of the University due to hazardous road conditions, emergency circumstances or for other reasons.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year as a Patrol Officer or two years of police work AND formal training in the provision of basic police services as certified through Act 12O Training AND other specialized training in a specific area of police work such as crime prevention, criminal investigation, traffic accident investigation and/or crime scene processing; OR any equivalent experience or training.
• Valid Drivers license

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Commonwealth laws, rules, and regulations governing motor vehicle operation and personal conduct for employees or visitors at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Universities; or of modern police practices and methods used in crime investigation and the identification and preservation of physical evidence
• Knowledge of Commonwealth provisions for emergency situations
• Knowledge of group behavior and the principles and practices of group control
• Skill in the use and care of offensive and defensive weapons
• Abilityto enforce laws firmly, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in community policing, field training, crime prevention, bicycle patrol, or police instruction
• Instructor certifications in relevant law enforcement disciplines
• Experience developing educational or training programs
• Commitment to community-oriented policing and continuous professional development

Special Instructions

Salary and benefits are dictated by the PASSHE Officers Association (POA) Collective Bargaining Agreement.

WCU internal candidates should apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the nature of the position, employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant tot he Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and Act 73 of 1988, West Chester University publishes a combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASFSR is available for review on the Public Safety website.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University's educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action - Equal Opportunity Employer.

Email hrs@wcupa.edu for questions regarding the application process.

PA State System of Higher Education

Benefit Highlights

Health Care Coverage

MEDICAL COVERAGE

• effective with date of hire

SPFPA employees are enrolled in the Highmark Preferred Provider Organization (PPOBlue). Newly hired employees pay 15% of coverage cost. Continuation of 15% cost for PPO Blue is contingent on participation in wellness program with non-participants paying 25% of coverage cost.

• PPOBlue - Plan from Highmark Blue Shield includes office visits for in-network at $15 copayment and services at 100% with no annual deductible or coinsurance; deductible and coinsurance applied to out-of-network providers.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

Prescription drug coverage is included as part of the medical coverage, administered by Highmark Blue Shield/Medco and includes both retail and mail-order pharmacy coverage. Co-payments of $0 (generic), $15 (brand name formulary) and $30 (brand name non-formulary) for retail.

MANAGEMENT BENEFITS COVERAGE

Includes coverage for dental (administered by United Concordia), vision (administered by National Vision Administrators), and hearing aids (administered by Highmark Blue Shield). No employee cost.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Pay for select medical and child care expenses on a pre-tax basis through payroll deductions. The Medical Reimbursement Account includes a debit card for immediate access.

Group Life Insurance

Term life policy provided by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education for permanent SPFPA employees is based on one-time salary up to a maximum of $40,000

Voluntary Long-Term Disability Insurance

Income protection equal to 60% of gross annual base salary to a maximum of $5,000 monthly benefit with an option for a 90-day or 180-day benefit elimination period.

Voluntary Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance

Optional Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance for eligible SPFPA employees and their family, with premium contributions made through payroll deduction. Maximum employee coverage is five times annual salary up to $500,000.

SECURITY, POLICE AND FIRE PROFESSIONALS

OF AMERICA (SPFPA)

Benefits available to permanent, full time employee or permanent, part time employee who is scheduled to work every pay period for at least 50% of full time.

Retirement Plan Options

Eligible SPFPA employees must elect to participate in one of three retirement options which are the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS), the Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS), or the Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) which includes Fidelity, ING, TIAA-CREF and VALIC as vendor choices.

• SERS requires you to contribute 6.25% or 9.3% of your gross wages, with the State System contributions governed by state law

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• PSERS requires you to contribute 7.5% or 10.3% of your gross wages, with the State System contributions governed by state law

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• The ARP requires you to contribute 5% of your gross wages, with the State System contributing 9.29%

Supplemental Retirement Plan Options

Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education SPFPA employees have the option to contribute additional pre-tax funds for retirement. You can choose either or both a 403(b) plan (Tax Sheltered Annuity) and/or the 457 plan (Deferred Compensation). Roth 457 after-tax pay option is also available. The annual contribution limit is $17,000 (plus an additional $5,500 if you are age 50 or older) in both the 403(b) and 457 plans.

State Employee Assistance Program

The State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) is a confidential program which provides a wide range of no-cost services to address a broad range of problems. This program is administered by the Commonwealth's Office of Administration who has contracted with United Behavioral Health (UBH) to provide SEAP services. Employees and family members are entitled to up to three (3) counseling sessions at no charge. SEAP's phone number is 1-800-692-7459.

Tuition Waiver

• • Employee's spouse and/or dependents (to age 25) are entitled to a total waiver at the university where employed up to the first undergraduate degree

Employee is entitled to a total waiver at the university where they are employed, up to 128 undergraduate credits.

Annual Leave

Paid leave is earned based on a percentage of regular hours paid bi-weekly and the manager's years of service. For new hires, employees are entitled to 7 days annually in the first three years of service.

Sick Leave

Paid leave is earned at 5% of regular hours paid bi-weekly which equates to 13 days annually.

Personal Leave

• • 1 day per half calendar year in 2
• 2 days in first half of calendar year and 1 day in second half of calendar year in 3
• 1 day per calendar year in 4
• 1 day per first, second and fourth quarters of calendar year and 2 days during third quarter of calendar year in 5

1 day in the first calendar year of employment (1 day) nd year of employment (2 days) rd year of employment (3 days) th year of employment (4 days) th and subsequent years of employment (5 days)

This summary highlights the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Health Program, Management Benefits Program, and leave entitlements for Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America (SPFPA). The benefits described are available to most employees; however, certain eligibility requirements must be met.

Information is provided for general purposes only. Legal Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies that may arise. For additional information concerning these benefits, contact your human resources office. Additional information is also available at

http://www.passhe.edu/inside/hr/syshr/Benefit_Summaries/spfpa_sob.pdf. Benefits, benefit levels, and eligibility rules are subject to change.

01

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer West Chester University

Address 201 Carter Drive, Suite 100

West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19383

Website http://www.wcupa.edu