Police Officer

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

University Police Officers play a vital role in preserving a safe, welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Officers enforce laws and university regulations across campus grounds and adjacent areas. Officers serve with professionalism and integrity as a visible, approachable, and proactive presence dedicated to the safety and well-being of the university community.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family - Public Safety

Sub-Family - Police & Security

Career Track / Level - P1

Grade - 7

Role Summary

Enforces laws, investigates complaints and incidents, maintains order, identifies criminal activity, and apprehends and arrests offenders in order to ensure safety and security on all institutional properties. This individual is a sworn law enforcement position under the general direction of a ranking officer or supervisor.

• Enforces laws and regulations.
• Regulates campus traffic.
• Emergency response and collaboration with emergency services.
• Provides security for special events.
• Builds community connections and provides information to the University community and general public.
• Makes arrests, completes incident reports, summaries, and other documentation, and prepares criminal cases and presents testimony in court. Conducts community outreach programs. 

Examples of Work Performed

• Conduct proactive foot and vehicle patrols of campus grounds, parking lots, and buildings to deter criminal behavior, identify safety hazards, and assist community members.
• Regulate traffic flow, enforce parking policies, investigate accidents, and issue citations or arrange for tows when necessary to maintain a safe and orderly environment.
• Assists and collaborates with emergency services for the emergency first-aid treatment of members of the University community and to visitors; provides emergency escorts when necessary.
• Observe and investigate suspicious or prohibited behavior, intervening when necessary to prevent harm or unlawful activity. Provide clear documentation of incidents.
• Maintains quality standards, by training, study, and research to keep abreast of advanced techniques and ideas to improve police performance.
• Provide high-visibility security at campus events and safely escort the transport of university funds or sensitive property when assigned.
• Documents evidence, prepares criminal cases, and presents testimony in court or other hearings concerning traffic violations, criminal offenses, and disciplinary matters.
• Serve as a trusted campus resource by building positive relationships with students, staff, and visitors. Participate in outreach programs to educate on crime prevention and safety awareness.
• Stay current in law enforcement best practices by participating in training, physical fitness testing, and continuing education. 
• Perform related responsibilities as needed or assigned to support departmental operations and mission. 

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Provides protection of life, property, and the preservation of peace to the institutional community.
2. Performs preliminary and follow-up investigations to solve crimes, identify suspects and victims, apprehend criminals, and document case information.
3. Ensures the safe and orderly flow of traffic on institutional roadways, and enforces traffic laws and parking policies.
4. Participates in and conducts crime prevention training programs to promote public awareness of crime risk and prevention methods.
5. Coordinates the transmission and reception of information via radio, telephone, and computer within the work unit and with other agencies.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED). 

Experience: No experience required.

Certification: Must receive certification with the Mississippi Board of Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training within the first year of employment.

Substitution Statement: An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

License: Must have a valid driver's license upon employment.

Must be 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

For full consideration please include a resume and cover letter.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 70 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.