Description

Longwood University invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Police Officer / Law Enforcement Officer I (00224) in the Department of Police and Public Safety. Successful candidates will provide professional police service to the Longwood University community and the Town of Farmville. Police Officers are an essential part of Longwood University’s diverse and vibrant community as they ensure a secure environment for one of the Commonwealth’s Division I universities. As a 24/7 law enforcement agency, staff may be assigned to work multiple shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to meet operational needs. This position is considered emergency personnel. Staff must report to work or be called in during inclement weather, emergencies, or staff shortages. Selected candidates are expected to work 12-hour shifts, day or night, based on department needs. Overtime work outside normal shift hours may be required.

This position is located in Farmville, Virginia, and requires in-person work on Longwood University's campus.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

•         Provide professional police services to the University community and the community at large while conducting patrols and responding to calls for service within the Longwood University police jurisdictional area
•         Investigate complaints, suspicious activity, and crime/traffic accidents
•         Execute arrests, prepare and issue citations, preserve and document evidence, and deliver legal papers
•         Ensure the safety and security of individuals and property by upholding laws and responding effectively to emergencies
•          Respond promptly to safety hazards, mitigate risks, and coordinate with designated staff members
•         Ensure compliance with university policies and regulations, including parking enforcement, and refer infractions to the appropriate campus           jurisdictional process
•         Operate police and communication equipment, including assigned vehicles, to support law enforcement operations
•         Direct and regulate crowds, traffic, parking, and pedestrian flow as needed to maintain safety and efficiency
•         Prepare reports, conduct investigations, testify in court, and attend hearings as needed
•         Ensure campus facilities are safe, secure, and properly maintained by conducting routine patrols, taking appropriate corrective actions, and reporting            issues to designated staff for follow-up
•         Foster positive interactions with students, staff, faculty, and visitors while conducting patrols and presenting educational outreach programs as assigned

Requirements

Applicants must meet all requirements to be law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as listed in Virginia Code 15.2-1705, as well as Longwood University's specific requirements, to include:

High school diploma or equivalent
Possess a valid Virginia driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one, with a satisfactory driving record
Selected candidates must be U.S. Citizens
Upon successful completion of field training, selected candidates must fulfill a two-year contractual service commitment
Proven ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and visitors
Successfully pass all required medical, drug, and psychological evaluations
Successfully pass an extensive background investigation, including a fingerprint-based criminal background investigation
Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire
Must be available to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Must serve a twelve-month probationary period
Must successfully qualify for the use of department-issued weapons
Directly related experience in high-stress environments, such as military, fire, or rescue services, is preferred and will be considered in the selection process
Current Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement Certification, advanced DCJS certifications, or instructor-level training is preferred
Prior experience in higher education, law enforcement, or campus security is preferred
 

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, classified, non-exempt position in a pay band 3. A successful fingerprint-based criminal background investigation is required. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. If a DCJS-certified applicant is selected, the hiring date will be set once all selection processes are complete. If an uncertified applicant is selected, the applicant will likely be hired as soon as possible and will be required to attend the next available basic law enforcement course at the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (CVCJA). The training academy will be held at the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (CVCJA) in Lynchburg, VA, anticipated to start in July 2026. Police recruits must provide their own transportation for travel to and from the academy.