Position Summary

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. Police Officers perform a broad range of law enforcement and public safety duties, including patrolling campus, maintaining order, protecting individuals and property, conducting investigations, gathering evidence, making arrests, and preparing detailed reports. Officers may also be assigned specialized duties to address the unique public safety needs of the campus community.

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.

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.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU Police Department work hours follow a 24/7 operational schedule, with officers assigned to varying shifts based on operational needs. 
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

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.

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs (BFA) celebrates diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We understand representation is essential to our success, which is why we strive to recruit and retain highly-skilled, compassionate leaders. By prioritizing listening and learning, engaging in critical conversations, and thoughtfully considering the needs of our different populations, we are creating a culture of belonging. As a division, we aim to offer opportunities for advancement and foster an inclusive environment, so all are valued and empowered to thrive.

For more information regarding the University Police, click here.

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.

Key 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
• Effective 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

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Possess a valid Class C California Driver’s License. 
• Basic POST Certificate required.
• For new San Diego State University Police Officers, employment is contingent upon successful completion of the hiring process including medical and psychological examination, a thorough background investigation including a DOJ fingerprint check and pre-employment drug testing.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

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.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,418 – $9,468 per month (Step 5 – Step 22).

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Applications will be reviewed on an as needed basis.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘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 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU 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 SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Michelle Puentes at mpuentes2@sdsu.edu.