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Career Opportunities
New York State University Police Officers are responsible for the detection and prevention of crime and enforcement of state and local laws. They are also responsible for the enforcement of rules and regulations in a diverse educational environment throughout twenty-eight SUNY campuses. University Police Officers adhere to high standards of personal and professional ethics.
University Police Officers are part of the educational process. They speak on topics such as sexual assault, drug awareness, crime prevention, and traffic safety. They develop and maintain positive relationships with students and employees to ensure the safety and cooperation of the campus community.
careeropportunities
How to become a University Police Officer
Qualifications
In order to qualify for the civil service exam to become a University Police Officer, all candidates must possess a minimum of 60 college credits. This educational requirement is a higher standard than many municipal or county law enforcement agencies. Many officers in the State University Police departments possess Bachelor's and/or Master’s degrees.
Following the written test, candidates who scored high enough to be reachable must pass a standardized physical test that involves pushups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run.
Following the physical agility testing, candidates advancing must clear psychological and medical screening. In addition, substantial background testing/checking takes place, including fingerprinting.
Requirements
To become a University Police Officer, a person must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be a United States citizen
- Be a New York State resident
- Completed 60 hours of college credits
- Possess a valid New York State drivers license
- Pass a written Civil Service exam and be reachable on their list for canvassing
- Pass a medical examination
- Have a binocular acuity of 20/30 corrected or no less than 20/100 uncorrected
- Pass a physical agility test (includes but not limited to: sit-ups, push-ups, 1.5-mile run)
- Pass a psychological evaluation
- Pass an extensive background investigation
- Complete a Basic School for Police Officers
- Complete a probationary period
Note: For the college credit requirement, you must have successfully completed 60 semester credit hours of college-level study on or before the test date.
If you expect to meet the educational requirements by the last day of June immediately following the test you can be admitted to the written test but you cannot be considered for appointment until you submit proof of successful completion of the educational requirements to the appointing State University of New York campus.
You may also substitute the college credit requirement with either of the following:
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Two years of active military service with an honorable discharge may be substituted for 30 of the 60 college semester credit hours; indicate dates and branch of service in the experience portion of the application.
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Successful completion of a New York State Municipal Police Training Council approved Pre-Employment Training Program and eligibility to complete the second phase of such training program that has not lapsed may be substituted for 30 of the 60 college semester credit hours. Please indicate the school attended and the date of completion in the license/certification portion of the application
Training
Upon successful completion of the selection process, recruits begin training at a Basic School for Police Officers. Recruits will receive training in such areas as:
- Criminal Procedure Law
- Penal Law
- Report Writing
- Investigation Procedures
- Vehicle & Traffic Law
- Accident Investigation
- Emergency Medical Services
- Emergency Vehicle Operations
- Communications
- Firearms Training
- Community Relations
- Crime Prevention
- Physical Fitness/Wellness
- Defensive Tactics
- Supervised Field Training
- Police Functions
Apply for the Examination
Dates and applications for entrance examinations can be obtained from your nearest New York State Employment Office and the New York State Department of Civil Service.
Internships
UPD offers credit bearing internship opportunities for UAlbany Juniors and Seniors. Internships are designed to give students an opportunity to learn from professionals through real world experience. During the semester, participants will work with different units throughout UPD to gain a better understanding of University Police administration and operations. To be considered for an internship position, interested students may send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
internships
Join Our Team
The University at Albany Human Resources maintains a list of vacancies as they become available. The University Police Department has sworn and non-sworn positions in the following New York State Civil Service job titles.
As with all state agencies, we must fill open positions according to the laws, rules and regulations of the New York State Department of Civil Service. For more information on open vacancies and examinations, please visit the Department of Civil Service.
If you fulfill the requirements and are considering a position at the University at Albany Police Department, please contact us by phone at 518-442-3130 or email at [email protected].
joinourteam
Sworn Positions
University Police Officer II - Lieutenant
University Police Officer II - Lieutenant is a promotional position available to those persons who are currently Patrol Officers (University Police Officer I) with two or more years of service, who have successfully completed the written and oral examinations, and have been placed on the Civil Service list for canvassing.
The primary duties of Lieutenants are supervision of shift personnel (both sworn and non-sworn) and the planning and managing of various special events occurring within our community. Lieutenants may also hold additional duties such as Police Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Crime Prevention Specialist, Stop DWI Liaison, etc.
As this title is a promotional title all of the information mentioned under the Patrol Officer entry applies.
University Police Investigator - Investigator
University Police Investigator - Investigator is a promotional position available to those persons who are currently Patrol Officers (University Police Officer I) with two or more years of service, who have successfully completed the written and oral examinations, and have been placed on the Civil Service list for canvassing.
As this title is a promotional title all of the information mentioned under the Patrol Officer entry applies.
University Police Officer I - Patrol Officer
University Police Officer I - Patrol Officer is a basic entry-level sworn position within the University Police Department. After completing all the requirements to be made permanent Patrol Officers may develop specialties (K-9 Officer, Police Trainer, Firearms Instructor, Crime Prevention Specialist, Evidence Technician, etc.) as well as pursue promotional opportunities to become a Lieutenant or Investigator. All of these titles are sworn and all of these titles fall under the umbrella of "University Police Officer".
Non-Sworn Positions
Communications and Security Specialist
Communications and Security Specialist is a non-sworn position within the University Police Department and is typically assigned to the Communication Section of the University Police Department. They provide communications services within the University Police Departments at the campuses of the State University of New York. Their primary responsibility is to function as a desk officer, dispatcher, and 911 operator. In this capacity, they may be required to operate radio receiver and broadcast equipment, telephone equipment, the New York Statewide Police Information Network (NYSPIN) terminal equipment or other similar terminal equipment, personal computers, closed circuit television systems, and electronic security systems.
Security Services Assistant II - SSA Supervisor
Security Services Assistant II - SSA Supervisor is a promotional position available to those persons who are currently SSAs (Security Services Assistant I) who have successfully completed the written examination and have been placed on the Civil Service list for canvassing. The primary duties of SSA Supervisors are supervision of SSA personnel.
Security Services Assistant I
Security Services Assistant I is the basic entry-level non-sworn position within the University Police Department. The primary duties of Security Services Assistants are building security. However, they may also be assigned posts to assist with traffic management, event management and other duties as assigned consistent with their job description. As they move about the campus the SSAs are the "eyes and ears" of the department and are responsible to relay any unusual activity they observe to dispatch.