This police officer position provides law enforcement, security, and protection for the entire 400-plus acre University of South Carolina campus in Columbia, South Carolina. The role involves traditional police patrol duties, VIP detail security, and assisting with the safety and security of university sports events, concerts, and other special events.
Responsibilities
Provide law enforcement, security, and protection for the entire 400-plus acre USC campus
Serve as a certified (Class 1) law enforcement officer in accordance with the South Carolina Code of Laws
Exercise full arrest and police authority statewide
Enforce state laws and University rules and regulations
Provide VIP detail security
Assist with ensuring the safety and security of university sports events, concerts, and other special events
Requirements
Current South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) Class 1 law enforcement officer certification or equivalent out-of-state law enforcement certification
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 judgment 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
Benefits
Supplemental pay for shift work
Annual step salary increases
$7,500 signing bonus for SC Certified Officers
USC Tuition Assistance
Gym membership
Issued cellular telephone
State health insurance
SC Police Officers Retirement
15 days of annual leave per year
15 days of sick leave per year
Tattoos and facial hair permitted
Outer vest carriers
Special event pay
13 paid holidays per year
Extensive duty gear and uniform provided
State health/dental insurance
Additional training available
Important Details
Application deadline: November 14, 2026
Application Process
Application: Submit through the University's jobs website
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Application Review: The Division reviews applications based on applicant's qualifications
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
Initial Interview: After PHQ completion, selected applicants will be scheduled for an interview
Polygraph Examination: Applicants will be scheduled for a pre-employment polygraph examination and provided with topical areas prior to taking the examination
Background Investigation: Applicants will have a background investigation conducted by the Division
Psychological Examination: Applicants will be scheduled for a psychological examination
(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 the PAT
Command Staff Interview: Applicants will have an interview with the Division's Command Staff
Chief of Police Interview: Applicants will have a final interview with the Chief of Police
Offer of Employment: After the interview, any offer of employment will be made with a start date
Post-Offer Medical Evaluation/Drug Test: Applicants will be scheduled for a medical evaluation/drug test
About the Company
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of its 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. Its 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 system institutions place strong emphasis on service, helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. 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, offering a full range of police services with officers commissioned with statewide jurisdiction.
With thriving academic and research excellence and a lively, welcoming student experience, the University of South Carolina brings the opportunities of higher education to new generations.
