Job Description

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 various bureaus, divisions, sections, squads, and units. The department is led by a command staff comprised of sworn and non-sworn members of the rank of captain and higher, a communications and records manager, and public information representative; all of whom report to the chief of police through an established chain-of-command.

The Operations Bureau is commanded by a captain who oversees the Patrol Division and the Community Service Officer Program. The Patrol Division is further broken down into four squads which provide direct law enforcement services to the community. The Administrative Bureau is commanded by a captain who oversees the Special Operations Division which includes the Canine and Criminal Investigations Sections; both of which are led by sergeants. The Administration Bureau captain also oversees the Support Services Division. The Support Services Division includes the Professional Standards and Information Technology Sections. The accreditation, training and background investigation units fall within the Professional Standards Section which is managed by a sergeant. The Communications & Records Division reports to a non-sworn manager.

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.

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 to include but not limited to firearms qualification, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation 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 TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION.

Applicants must not have used illegal drugs in the last 3 years and pass a physical ability test. Applicants also must pass a post-offer physical and psychological examination. Applicants are subject to a rigorous background investigation which includes driving record, credit history check, FBI fingerprint check, and a truth verification examination.

For Equivalency of Training (EOT: transitional academy). Please visit http://www.spcollege.edu/ac/SEPSI/EOT.htm

POTENTIAL APPLICANT DISQUALIFIERS

University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD) Officers are entrusted with the responsibility of keeping our community safe for all who work, study, and visit. Ethical and moral conduct by our members is essential to maintaining confidence and trust within our community. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure we hire applicants who meet the highest professional standards.

In addition to meeting all other hiring requirements, any person under serious consideration for employment will undergo an intensive background investigation. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the quality of a candidate’s character and determine suitability for employment in a university and law enforcement environment. An applicant’s past behavior must demonstrate favorable character and consistently reflect the positive traits expected of a USFPD employee.

The University of South Florida Police Department maintains a strict policy concerning body ornamentation, markings, or physical appearance modifications. Tattoos and/or piercings that can be covered by the Department’s standard issued uniform may not disqualify an applicant from further consideration.

While not exhaustive, the following criteria outline circumstances that may temporarily or permanently disqualify applicants from consideration for employment:

Applicant Guidance:

• Review all criteria before applying.
• Prepare to fully disclose background information.
• Contact USF Police Department Recruiting with questions about eligibility.

Former University of South Florida Police Department Employees: Break in Service and Reappointment

• Former University of South Florida Police Department employees who reapply following a break in service are subject to all applicable disqualifiers.

• Additionally, any former University of South Florida Police Department employee reappointed after a break in service, regardless of duration, will be placed at the current entry-level salary and step plan.

General Fitness

1. Failure to truthfully answer every question in the Background Investigation Questionnaire.
2. Failure to pass medical, psychological, physical agility, and/or drug test screening.

Tattoos

1. Tattoos or branding on the hands, face, neck, and scalp are prohibited.
2. Exception: one wedding ring tattoo is permitted on the officer’s ring finger.
3. It is strictly prohibited to have any visible tattoos or branding that is sexually explicit, depicts intolerance or discrimination against any race, religion, gender, or national origin, or in association with groups that advocate hate, criminal activity, or intolerance.

Operation of a Motor Vehicle

1. Five (5) or more moving violations within three (3) years of date of application. Moving violations for which there is a factual finding of innocence shall not be included.
2. Five (5) or more speeding violations in the comprehensive driving history.
3. Any single instance of a potential life-threatening violation, i.e., reckless driving, racing, suspect of a pursuit, etc. within three (3) years of date of application.
4. Involvement as a driver in three or more chargeable (at fault) collisions within three (3) years of date of application.
5. Any driver’s license suspension in the last three (3) years.

Note: Suspensions for financial responsibility will be subject to review.

6. A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs within five (5) years of date of application, or any two (2) convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs in the comprehensive driving history.

Integrity

1. Any material misstatement of fact, omission of information, or significant admission during the application, or background investigation process, including inconsistent statements made during all phases of the hiring process (to include the polygraph examination*), or discrepancies between the background investigation and investigations conducted by this or other law enforcement agencies.

*Discrepancies noted during the polygraph examination will be further explored if the applicant continues progression in the selection process.

2. Use of tactics intended to interfere with or manipulate a polygraph examination.
3. Any forgery, alteration, or intentional omission of material facts on an official employment application, associated document, or repeated episodes of academic dishonesty.
4. Admission(s) of administrative conviction or criminal convictions for any act amounting to assault or any other violation of federal or state civil rights laws while under color of authority as a criminal justice employee.

5. Any admission(s) of administrative conviction or criminal conviction for failure to properly report witnessed criminal conduct committed by another law enforcement officer or criminal justice representative.

6. Discharged, or resigned to avoid discharge, from any position within a criminal justice agency for disciplinary reasons.

7. History of sustained Internal Affairs complaints or behavior that indicates poor conduct.

8. Falsifying documentation of law enforcement certification.

9. Dishonorably discharged from any military service.

Credibility

1. Conviction for any criminal offense classified as, or equivalent to, a misdemeanor under Florida law within five (5) years of the date of application.
2. Adult conviction for two (2) or more offenses classified as, or equivalent to, a misdemeanor offense under Florida law within five (5) years of the date of application.
3. Conviction for any offense classified as, or equivalent to, a misdemeanor under Florida law while employed as a peace officer (including military police officers) within five (5) years of the date of application.
4. Conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere plea to, having committed any act classified as, or equivalent to, a felony under Florida law within five (5) years of date of application, or at any time while employed as a criminal justice representative (including military police officers).
5. Admission(s) of administrative conviction of any act while employed as a criminal justice representative (including military police officers) involving lying, falsification of any official report or document, or theft.
6. Conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere plea any act of domestic violence as defined by law, committed as an adult.
7. Conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere plea of any criminal act, whether misdemeanor or felony, committed against children.

Exception: Acts of consensual unlawful intercourse accomplished between two minors shall not be included, unless more than four (4) years difference in age existed at the time of the acts.

8. Conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere plea for perjury or false statements.
9. Existence of current criminal charges for which a disposition is pending, or if the applicant is on probation or parole.
10. Applicant has been on probation within five (5) years of date of application.
11. Any history of actions resulting in civil lawsuits against the applicant or his/her current or former employer(s) as a result of the applicant’s actions, will be subject to review, but may be disqualifying depending upon the circumstances.
12. Prohibited by the state to own or possess firearms or ammunition.

Dependability

1. Missing any scheduled appointment during the hiring process without prior
   permission. Failure to keep appointment(s) or provide documentation related to the hiring process. At least 24-hour prior notice for rescheduling of appointments is required to avoid disqualification, unless otherwise specified.
2. Having been disciplined by any employer (including military) for abuse of leave, gross insubordination, dereliction or neglect of duty, or persistent failure to follow established policies and regulations.
3. Having been involuntarily dismissed (for any reason other than layoff) from two or more employers as an adult.
4. Having held more than seven (7) paid positions with different employers within the past five (5) years, or more than fifteen (15) paid positions with different employers in the past ten (10) years (excluding military).
5. Multiple bankruptcies, unpaid legal judgments, or significant financial instability.
6. Resigning from any paid position without notice.

7. Having any outstanding warrant of arrest at time of application.
   

Unprofessional or Discriminatory Behavior

1. Having been disciplined by any employer (including the military), or any criminal justice training facility, for acts of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, sexual harassment or any other category protected by law, policies or regulations.
2. During the hiring process for this agency, uttering any epithet derogatory of another person's race, religion, gender/sex, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
3. Having been disciplined by any employer for fighting in the workplace.
4. Membership, association, or other affiliation with any group which advocates the denial of civil rights to any person or group.

Illegal Use or Possession of Drugs

1. Use or possession of any illegal drug that constitutes a felony within ten (10) years of the date of application (excluding marijuana/cannabis).
2. Use or possession of marijuana/cannabis within one (1) year of the date of application.
3. Any use of a legal or illegal substance (including the use of prescription medications), for the purpose of impairment or to “get high,” within three (3) years of the date of application.
4. Any illegal use or possession of a drug while employed in any criminal justice capacity (including military police).
5. Any adult manufacture or cultivation of a drug or illegal substance.
6. Failure to divulge to the police department during the background investigation any information about personal illegal use or possession of drugs; including the use of marijuana or synthetic substances.
7. Any drug test of the applicant, during the course of the hiring process, where illegal drugs are detected.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.