Law Enforcement Officer

Job Description

Overview

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:
The University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD) is a full service law enforcement agency dedicated to providing a safe environment for and in partnership with the community, while remaining committed to assisting with personal and professional development of department members, and to the principle of being community minded and service driven. USFPD is organized into bureaus, divisions, sections, squads, and units. The department is led by a command staff that reports to the chief of police through an established chain of command. The Operations Bureau oversees Patrol Division and the Community Service Officer Program, with four patrol squads. The Administrative Bureau oversees the Special Operations Division (Canine and Criminal Investigations) and the Support Services Division, including Professional Standards and Information Technology. The accreditation, training and background investigation units fall under the Professional Standards Section; the Communications & Records Division reports to a non-sworn manager.

Responsibilities

DUTIES:

• Patrols streets, buildings, and grounds to enforce traffic and criminal laws.
• Issues warnings and citations for traffic violations.
• Conducts investigations into criminal and non-criminal incidents.
• Interviews witnesses, victims, and interrogates suspects.
• Properly searches for, locates, previews, protects, and processes crime scene for evidence.
• Apprehends, arrests, and processes criminal violators.
• Obtains, verifies, and executes arrest/search warrants.
• Composes reports when documenting crimes, incidents and activity.
• Provides crowd and traffic control during University and special events.
• Maintains community relations by focusing on information and education.
• Uses available agencies and support groups to assist citizens.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary: $58,000 per year

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

This position must meet the requirements of Chapter 943.13, Florida Statutes. (Must be at least 19 years of age, must possess a high school diploma or equivalent; must have graduated from an accredited law enforcement academy, or currently attending a commissioned Florida Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program. Graduates from law enforcement academies outside the state of Florida will be required to attend a program for Equivalency of Training (EOT: transitional academy).) FLSB1310 Equivalency: 4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor’s degree; 6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master’s degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Prior sworn Law Enforcement Officer experience or an Associate’s Degree or higher with two years’ experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS/LICENSES/TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS:

Completion of an approved Florida Law Enforcement Academy or Florida Equivalency of Training (EOT) and passing the State of Florida Law Enforcement Certification Exam are conditions of employment and must be completed no later than 60 days after hire date. Employees in this classification are required to maintain all mandatory job related certifications including firearms qualification, first aid, CPR, and Florida State driver’s license. Cover letter and resume are required to apply for this position.

Additional Information for Applicants

Applicants must be 19 years of age and a U.S. citizen; must possess a high school diploma or equivalent; must have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude (as required for Florida State Law Enforcement Certification). A cover letter and resume are required. Applicants must not have used illegal drugs in the last 3 years and must pass a physical ability test, a post-offer physical and psychological examination, and a rigorous background investigation (driving record, credit history check, FBI fingerprint check, truth verification examination).

For Equivalency of Training (EOT: transitional academy) please visit the college site:

Potential Applicant Disqualifiers

USFPD officers are entrusted with keeping the community safe. Ethical and moral conduct is essential. Any person under serious consideration will undergo a background investigation to assess character and suitability for employment in a university and law enforcement environment. Body ornamentation policies apply; tattoos or piercings that can be covered by the uniform may not disqualify a candidate. Excerpts of potential disqualifiers are listed below; this is not exhaustive.

• Applicant Guidance:
  Review all criteria before applying; prepare to fully disclose background information; contact USF Police Department Recruiting with eligibility questions.
• Former USF Police Department employees who reapply after a break in service are subject to all disqualifiers; those reappointed after a break in service will be placed at the current entry-level salary and step plan.
• General Fitness: failure to truthfully answer background questions, medical/psychological/physical agility or drug tests, or other background aspects.
• Tattoos: specific tattoo rules apply; prohibitions on explicit or discriminatory imagery.
• Vehicle operation and driving history criteria including multiple moving violations, suspensions, or DUIs.
• Integrity and Credibility: false statements, misrepresentation, or failure to disclose information; polygraph considerations.
• Prohibited firearms ownership per state law, and other listed criteria.
• Dependability: missed appointments without notice; other employment history concerns.
• Unprofessional or discriminatory behavior: disciplinary history or discriminatory associations.
• Illegal drug use or possession: various time-based criteria for prior offenses or misconduct.

About Us

Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, USF is a large employer in the Tampa Bay area. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental plans, retirement options, tuition programs, leave, and employee discounts. 2025 Forbes recognition highlights USF as a top large employer in Florida.

About USF
The University of South Florida serves ~50,000 students across multiple campuses. USF is ranked by U.S. News & World Report, a member of AAU, with strong research funding and a broad impact. Learn more at

Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background checks. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. USF is an equal opportunity employer and complies with federal and state laws regarding protected classes, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The university supports Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) accommodations. Requests should be made at least five working days in advance.

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on protected characteristics. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.