Patrol Officer Trainee

Patrol Officer Trainee

Salary

$17.56 Hourly

Location

Indiana, PA 15701

Job Type

Full Time and Regular

Job Number

02590

Division

Administration and Finance

Department

Police/Dispatch

Opening Date

08/31/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Reference Number

AF 2026-

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Nestled in the scenic foothills of western Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) offers more than a place to work-it offers a vibrant campus community where innovation, collaboration, and natural beauty come together. Our picturesque campus features tree-lined walkways, historic architecture, and welcoming green spaces that create an inspiring environment for learning, working, and connecting.

At IUP, employees are part of a supportive and engaged community dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. Located in the charming college town of Indiana, Pennsylvania-just over an hour from Pittsburgh-our campus combines small-town warmth with access to the cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities of a major metropolitan area.

Whether enjoying a walk across the Oak Grove, collaborating with colleagues in dynamic academic spaces, or engaging in the many cultural and community events hosted throughout the year, IUP offers an exceptional place to build a career and make a difference.

Position Summary & Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) invites applicants for a Patrol Officer Trainee in the Department of Public Safety and Police.

The Patrol Officer trainee position is an entry-level position designed to identify new police recruits. 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.

The officer trainee will never betray their integrity, character, or the public trust. The officer trainee will treat all individuals with dignity and respect and ensure their actions are dedicated to ensuring the safety of my community and the preservation of human life. Trainees will always have the courage to hold themself and others accountable for our actions. Trainees will maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of the University and police department they serve.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Participate in a structured Act 120 Basic Police Officer Training program to obtain Act 120 Certification.
• Participate 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.
• Receive 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.
• Participate 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.
• Patrol an assigned area of the university, watches for fires, prowlers, vandalism, or other unusual occurrences.
• Direct traffic and enforce parking regulations.
• Assist and direct visitors; furnish information in a courteous manner.
• Maintain orderly conduct among students, employees, visitors, and the general public.
• Operate motorized vehicles.
• Perform related work and all other duties as required.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position posting is to establish a pool of qualified candidates for anticipated future full-time Patrol Officer Trainee openings in the Public Safety Department. While there may not be an immediate vacancy, applications submitted to this pool will be reviewed as full-time positions become available. The posting will remain open until a successful candidate is selected.

Position Qualifications

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• High school Diploma or completion of the General Educational Development test.
• Must possess a valid drivers license.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• 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 9 th 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.

IUP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants and employees with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of a position.

Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, consistent with the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact human-resources@iup.edu.

All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of earned degrees through the receipt of official transcripts, confirmation of work eligibility, and satisfactory completion of background checks.

Non-mgmt, non-represented employees

01

Do you have a high school diploma, or have you completed the General Educational Development test?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Address 1011 South Drive

Sutton Hall Room 360

Indiana, Pennsylvania, 15705

Phone 724-357-2431

Website http://www.iup.edu/employment