Lateral Police Officer (Multiple Positions)

The University of Arizona Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency that serves a vibrant community. We work in the most densely populated area of Tucson and enjoy a unique environment that can only be experienced at an institution of higher learning. Our sworn personnel are full-authority Arizona Peace Officers whose primary functions are crime control, traffic safety, community engagement, and crime prevention. We offer a variety of career paths and specialty assignments. More importantly, we offer a purpose.

This position is intended for peace officers with an active certification status by AZPOST. All other candidates should apply for the position of Police Officer Recruit. If the position of Police Officer Recruit is not currently open, please revisit the position listing at a later date.
The University of Arizona Police Department is seeking experienced and motivated applicants to fill the position of Police Officer II. Candidates must demonstrate effective critical thinking skills, exhibit sound judgment, and be in good physical and mental health. We strive to represent the broad range of perspectives within the community through our team. UAPD officers must be committed to public safety, civil service, integrity, and professionalism. This position has a one year probation period. Qualifying sworn personnel are afforded opportunities for rank and lateral advancement as well as specialty assignments within the department.

The UAPD has a Step Compensation Plan. The pay rate for lateral officers is determined by their experience and may exceed that of entry-level officers. Officer Step One pays $57,925, which is $27.849 per hour.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

• Safeguards life and property through enforcement of state laws and university administrative rules.
• Responds to public safety emergencies and calls for police service.
• Detects suspicious and criminal activity for the purpose of improving public safety conditions.
• Participates in proactive traffic enforcement and detection of impaired drivers.
• Investigates crimes, crashes, and suspicious activity.
• Affects detentions and arrests.
• Collects and processes evidence.
• Writes, reviews, and submits incident and crash reports.
• Issues criminal summons, civil citations, written warnings, and verbal warnings.
• Conducts proactive patrols of thoroughfares, grounds, buildings, and facilities for the purpose of asset protection and crime prevention.
• Attends required department training and complies with the AZPOST certification retention requirements.
• Attends organizational meetings and unit briefings.
• Assist stranded motorist and lost individuals.
• Participates in public education and community engagement activities.
• Participates in department programs and/or aides in their administration.
• Participates in public safety campaigns and presentations.
• Testifies in court, participates in attorney interviews/depositions, and responds to subpoenas.
• Communicates with the departments members and the public verbally, in writing, and via electronic means.
• If property qualified, trains other department members and evaluates their performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Important Note:

• UAPD officers may be assigned to any shift or assignment based on the department's needs or management discretion. The department operates on 24/7/365 basis, and UAPD officers are subject to shift work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of generally accepted law enforcement procedures and best practices.
• Swift and reasonable decision-making based on objective observations and inferences.
• Ability to manage dynamic situations assertively, tactfully, and impartially.
• Accuracy, completeness, and speed of documenting pertinent information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• United States citizen.
• At least 21 years of age at time of hire.
• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to
  the University Fleet Safety Policy.
• If prior military, must have been honorably discharged.
• No felony convictions.
• Must meet Arizona Peace Officers Standards & Training drug standards. (For more information, please click here.)
• You can also review AZPOST Rules R13-4-105, 106, 107 and 109.
• Must possess at the time of application a current AZPOST Certificate.

Candidate Qualifications and Testing:

• Peace officers with an active AZPOST certification are not required to participate in physical aptitude testing.
• The hiring process may take several months to complete after the candidate's initial application and background questionnaire has been reviewed and accepted. Candidates will be required to successfully complete the following selection process evolutions:
  • Oral Board
  • Polygraph Test
  • Background Check
  • Drug Screening
  • Psychological Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Drug Screening