The University of Arizona Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency that serves a vibrant and diverse 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 or another state’s peace officer certification entity. 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 seek to reflect the rich diversity of the community in the quality people we employ. 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.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- 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.
- Participates in public education and community engagement activities.
- 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.
- Testifies in court, participates in attorney interviews/depositions, and responds to subpoenas.
- Attends organizational meetings and unit briefings.
- Communicates with department members and the public verbally, in writing, and via electronic means.
- If properly qualified, trains other department members and evaluates their performance.
- Participates in department programs and/or aides in their administration.
- Participates in public safety campaigns and presentations.
- Assists stranded motorists and lost individuals.
- Performs 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.
Required Knowledge, Skills, & 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.
Minimum Qualifications:
- United States citizen.
- At least 21 years of age at time of hire.
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver's license. (Out of state applicants shall obtain an Arizona driver's license at time of hire.)
- 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 or equivalent out of state certification;
- OR current Pima Community College Law Enforcement Academy Certificate;
- OR verification of current enrollment in the Pima Community College Law Enforcement Academy.
Candidate Qualifications and Testing:
- Peace officers with an active AZPOST certification are not required to participate in physical aptitude testing.
- Peace officers with an active out-of-state certification are required to pass the Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT). The testing consists of 500-yard run, 99-yard obstacle course, 165 lb. body drag (32 feet), climb over a 6-foot solid wall, and climb over a 6-foot chain link fence.
- 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:
- POPAT (peace officers with an active out of state certification)
- Oral Board
- Background Check
- Drug Screening
- Psychological Examination
- Physical Examination
- Drug Screening