Police Officer

Full Job Description

Police Officer

Department: DAF University Police Department

Advertised Salary Range:

Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state.

More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort.

In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning.

All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

Advertised Job Summary

As a member of the University of South Carolina Police Department, the Police Officer position provides law enforcement, security, and protection for the entire 400-plus acre USC campus situated in Columbia, South Carolina.

This position serves as a certified (Class 1) law enforcement officer in accordance with the South Carolina Code of Laws and is empowered with full arrest and police authority statewide.

USCPD Law Enforcement Officers enforce state laws, and University rules and regulations.

In addition to traditional police patrol duties, this position also provides VIP detail security and assists with ensuring the safety and security of university sports events, concerts and other special events.

Minimum Qualifications (Classified and Unclassified positions)

Preferred Qualifications

• One year experience in public safety/law enforcement, a related field, or comparable educational experience preferred (currently Class 1 certified).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of proper law enforcement officer behavior, role, modern law enforcement techniques, and evidence collection.

• Knowledge of Constitutionally mandated rights.

• Knowledge of South Carolina law, relevant case law, and policies of the University.

• Ability to exercise sound judgement within an established set of core departmental values.

• Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of law enforcement agencies.

• Skill in the operation of law enforcement vehicles, weapons, and communications equipment.

• Ability to communicate with a diverse population, to include the ability to deescalate conflicts and potentially volatile situations.

• Must be physically qualified and able to successfully pass a background investigation.

Job Close Date

04/27/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

ANNUAL COMPENSATION /HIRING PROCESS

$56,696 – $82,381 (Depending on Experience/Educational Level)

PLUS – Supplemental Pay for Shift Work

PLUS – Annual Step Salary Increases

PLUS – $7,500 Signing Bonus for SC Certified Officers

PLUS – Benefits such as USC Tuition Assistance, Gym Membership, Issued Cellular Telephone, State Health Insurance, SC Police Officers Retirement, and 15 Days of Annual Leave/15 Days of Sick Leave per Year.

Our hiring process is thorough and may take 8 to 12 weeks. Applicants not selected for employment are notified in writing at the applicable step and are eligible to reapply for subsequent postings. The steps are:

1. Application – All entry-level positions at the Division will be posted on the University’s jobs website at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. All applicants must submit their applications through this website.

2. Application Review – The Division reviews applications based on applicant’s qualifications.

3. Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ ) – Applicants will be sent an email with login information to complete the PHQ ), an online employment evaluation tool for public safety agencies.

4. Initial Interview – After PHQ completion, selected applicants will be scheduled for an interview.

5. Polygraph Examination – Applicants will be scheduled for a pre-employment polygraph examination. Applicants will be provided with the topical areas prior to taking the examination.

6. Background Investigation – Applicants will have a background investigation conducted by the Division.

7. Psychological Examination – Applicants will be scheduled for a psychological examination.

8.

(Non-Certified Only) – National Police Officer Selection Test (POST )/Physical Ability Test (PAT ) - Noncertified applicants will complete the POST , an entry-level test measuring arithmetic, reading, grammar, and writing and PAT .

For more details on the PAT , go to https://sccja.sc.gov/training-support/physical-ability-test.

9. Command Staff Interview – Applicants will have an interview with the Division’s Command Staff.

10. Chief of Police Interview – Applicants will have a final interview with the Chief of Police.

11. Offer of Employment – After the interview, any offer of employment will be made with a start date.

12. Post-Offer Medical Evaluation/Drug Test – Applicants will be scheduled for a medical evaluation/drug test.

MORE PERKS .

• Tattoos & facial hair permitted

• Outer Vest Carriers

• Special event pay

• No college degree required

• 13 paid holidays per year

• Extensive duty gear and uniform provided

• State health/dental Insurance

• Additional training available

GREATER GROWTH .

The University of South Carolina Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for the safety of the University’s 400-plus acre downtown Columbia campus.

The department offers a full range of police services, and USCPD officers are commissioned law enforcement officers with statewide jurisdiction.

Whether it’s answering 9-1-1 calls and coordinating the response of police officers, patrolling the campus, handling criminal investigations, or working behind the scenes to protect and serve at Gamecock football games, Colonial Life Arena concerts, or other special events, USCPD has something to offer everyone.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time.

This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors.

Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by April 27, 2026.

Clickhttps://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsc.edu%2Fabout%2Foffices_and_divisions%2Fhuman_resources%2Fcareers%2Findex.php&data=05%7C01%7CMORTIMEE%40mailbox.sc.edu%7C2465415b0c0f45ae4bb508dadfb03092%7C4b2a4b19d135420e8bb2b1cd238998cc%7C0%7C0%7C638068245073881668%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ebQfl9y4TzingLh7CXKPxy9U3K6%2BLc%2BebtelfnHBLhQ%3D&reserved=0 to learn more about why you should work at UofSC.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/7003447

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

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