Police Officer

Job Description:

Police Officer

Description

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Police Officer

UNION CODE: R08

FT/PT: Full-time

PAY PLAN: 12-month

WORKPLACE TYPE: On-site (work in-person at business location)

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: Step 5 $6,418 - Step 10 $7,193

• However, offer amount will be commensurate with candidate’s experience, education, skills, and training.

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: $6,418 - $9,468

PAY BASIS: Monthly

POLICE OFFICER BENEFITS: •Excellent Health, Dental & Vision benefits • PERS Peace Officer Retirement, 2.5% at 57 •Employee contribution 10.5% •Pay incentives for P.O.S.T. Intermediate and Advanced Certificates •14 paid holidays (includes 1 personal holiday) •Tuition fee waiver for employees and dependents •Pay incentives for special assignments •Annual Uniform Allowance.

CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: Open to all qualified applicants

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

Testing Requirements: Those applicants meeting the basic criteria will be invited to participate in the physical agility examination. Those applicants who successfully complete the physical agility exam will then be scheduled for the oral interview. Applicants must pass each phase of the testing process, physical agility, and interview to be deemed eligible for employment consideration. The physical agility test is scored on a pass-fail basis with the eligibility ranking being established solely on the basis of the interview before a Qualifications Appraisal Board for the purpose of appraising training, experience, interest, and suitability.

Applicants under consideration for employment must undergo an extensive and thorough background investigation, including credit report and pass a medical examination including drug screening and psychological examination. The required Physical Agility Test consists of the following four components:

1. 99-yard Obstacle Course: The candidate will run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb height obstacles, and a 34-inch-high obstacle that must be vaulted.
2. Body Drag: The candidate will lift and drag a 165-pound lifelike dummy for 32 feet.
3. Solid & Chain Link Fence Climb: The candidate will run 5 yards to a 6-foot fence, climb over the fence, and continue running another 25 yards.
4. 500 Yard Run: Run 500 yards (equivalent to one lap plus 60 yards of a standard running track).

POSITION PURPOSE: The CSUB University Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safest possible environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The University Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The University Police Department investigates crimes that occur on campus and assists other local law enforcement agencies.

The Police Officer, under general supervision of the Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police, with additional direction from the Police Captain, performs entry-level sworn officer responsibilities in maintaining campus safety and security. The Police Officer duties involve a range of law enforcement duties requiring knowledge of criminal codes, investigative techniques, and effective community engagement. The Police Officer patrols campus facilities, responds to emergencies, enforces laws and traffic regulations, and assists in investigations as needed.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Law Enforcement & Patrol
Conduct routine patrols of campus buildings, grounds, and parking areas on foot, bicycle, or vehicle to deter and detect criminal activity. Check doors, windows, and other points of access to ensure security and report any suspicious conditions or unauthorized individuals. Utilize campus surveillance systems and alarms to monitor activities across campus. Respond promptly to alerts or alarms and investigate potential security breaches or unusual behavior captured on cameras. Respond promptly to calls for service, emergencies, and alarms; investigate suspicious activities and persons. Assess situations, gather information, and take appropriate action to ensure public safety and resolve incidents. Investigate suspicious activities, persons, or vehicles observed during patrols or reported by community members. Conduct field interviews, gather evidence, and document findings to determine if further action or intervention is required. Maintain detailed logs and records of patrol activities, observations, incidents, and interactions with individuals. Prepare accurate and thorough reports documenting investigative findings, witness statements, and evidence collected. Monitor traffic flow on campus roadways, enforce parking regulations, and issue citations or warnings to violators. Direct traffic during peak periods, special events, or emergencies to ensure safe and orderly movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Collaborate with campus security personnel, administrators, and student organizations to address safety concerns and coordinate responses to incidents. Participate in joint patrols or operations with campus partners to enhance visibility and security presence across campus.
Public Safety & Community Engagement
Provide general assistance and information to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Act as a resource for campus safety concerns. Engage in proactive community policing initiatives to foster positive relationships with the campus community. Conduct educational programs and presentations on crime prevention, personal safety, and campus security awareness. Collaborate with campus departments and external agencies on public safety initiatives and emergency response planning.
Emergency & Incident Response
Respond to emergencies such as medical incidents, fires, hazardous material spills, and natural disasters. Coordinate with campus and external emergency services to ensure effective response and resolution of incidents. Assist in crowd management and control during large events, protests, or disturbances on campus. Provide first aid and emergency medical assistance to injured individuals until paramedics arrive.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - High school diploma or equivalent.

LICENSES -

• Successful completion of a California P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy (or valid waiver).
• Current California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer certification prior to the date of appointment.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) -

• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Understanding of law enforcement methods, procedures, and protocols for maintaining public safety and enforcing laws.
• Knowledge of criminal codes, statutes, and regulations relevant to campus policing.
• Familiarity with emergency response tactics and procedures for managing critical incidents, including medical emergencies, fires, and security breaches.
• Proficiency in conducting investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing comprehensive reports.
• Understanding of forensic procedures and evidence collection.
• Ability to learn and use surveillance systems, alarm systems, and other security technologies used in campus security operations.
• Understanding of community-oriented policing principles and strategies to build positive relationships with the campus community.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Ability to write clear reports detailing incidents, investigations, and other law enforcement activities.
• Strong problem-solving skills to assess situations, evaluate risks, and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Ability to analyze information, prioritize tasks, and respond appropriately to emergencies and incidents.
• Proficiency in physical fitness and defensive tactics necessary for patrolling campus areas, apprehending suspects, and maintaining personal safety.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to de-escalate conflicts, negotiate effectively, and maintain composure during challenging situations.
• Empathy and cultural sensitivity when interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations, work effectively under pressure, and remain calm during emergencies.
• Resilience to handle the physical and emotional demands of law enforcement work.
• Commitment to upholding high ethical standards and integrity in all aspects of law enforcement duties.
• Adherence to legal and professional codes of conduct while enforcing laws and regulations.
• Strong attention to detail in conducting investigations, documenting incidents, and following procedural guidelines.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and precision in all law enforcement activities.
• Must be free from any physical, emotional, and mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of powers of a police officer.
• Must be able to read and write at the levels necessary to perform the job of a police officer as determined using the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery or other job-related tests of reading and writing ability.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.
• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
• Must be able to work overtime, holidays, nights, weekends, and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Previous experience in law enforcement.
• Additional certifications or training in specialized areas of law enforcement.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment possessing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Heavy Work - 50% or more of the activities involve walking, standing, squatting, kneeling or climbing; lifting heavy weight objects which may exceed 50 pounds. Must possess strength and agility to apprehend and restrain individuals when necessary, as well as climb stairs, jump barriers, and lift or move heavy objects. Involves prolonged periods of standing, walking, or running, especially during patrols or while responding to incidents. Good hand-eye coordination is important for tasks such as handling firearms, operating equipment, and conducting field investigations. Required to carry personal protective equipment including police uniform, duty belt, weapon, etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Is exposed to excessive noise
• Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity
• Is exposed to dust, fumes, gases, or radiation, microwave
• Drives motorized equipment
• Other: Exposure to potentially dangerous and high-stress situations. Exposure to physical violence, hazardous materials, and traffic hazards.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

SCREENING: Only those applicants possessing experience most directly related to the immediate needs of the office will be invited to appear before a Qualifications Appraisal Board for the purpose of appraising training, experience, and interest in the position.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SENSITIVE POSITION: Sensitive positions are designated by the CSU as requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position, based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of the people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to the CSU or individuals in the university community.

MANDATED REPORTER: General: The person holding this position is considered a general mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.

CAMPUS SECURITY AUTHORITY (CSA): This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). The position is required to participate in training at the direction of the Clery Director and must also promptly report allegations of reportable crimes according to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, its accompanying regulations; the California State Education Code, Chapter 15.5, of the Donahoe Higher Education Act, Section 67380; and the California State University system-wide policy, Code EO 1107.

GENERAL INFORMATION: It is the policy of California State University, Bakersfield to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to present documentation verifying their right to accept employment. You will also be requested to present a social security card at the time of initial appointment in compliance with state payroll regulations. State regulations require that every state employee sign the Oath of Allegiance prior to commencing the duties of his/her State employment, except legally employed non-citizens. These individuals are required to sign the Declaration of Permission to Work.

The California State University (“CSU”), including California State University, Bakersfield is committed to an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect. All students and employees have the right to participate fully in CSU programs, activities, admission, and employment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and retaliation. The CSU Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected status, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, prohibited consensual relationships, and retaliation.

Campus contact for our Nondiscrimination policy is Allan Williams, Associate Vice President of Civil Rights & Compliance, (661) 654-2713.

Advertised: Feb 26 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 12 2026 Pacific Daylight Time