Apr 24, 2026
Police Officer
- Inside Higher Ed
- Lawrence, KS, USA
Job Description
32530BR
KU Police Department
Position Overview
The Police Officer at the University of Kansas position is a commissioned law enforcement work with full authority under applicable law. The Police Officer performs duties in accordance with departmental rules and regulations, state laws, city ordinances, law enforcement codes of ethics, the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the general principles of law enforcement and police work. Those who do not have certification as a law enforcement officer in Kansas will be sent to the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center to complete the required training. The Police Officer regularly conducts criminal investigations, performs searches and seizures, arrests offenders, presents criminal cases to prosecutors for prosecution into district and municipal courts, responds to medical and other emergencies, writes moving traffic violations and assist other local law enforcement agencies. The Police Officer will be briefed by the Police Sergeant on any special assignments or unusual circumstances that exist. Further duties are outlined in the responsibilities section.
Departmental tours are available to those wanting to learn more about the KU Police Department. Contact the Department for tours.
Police officers will receive a one percent (1%) pay raise starting in their first full pay period after completion of probation. The KU Police Department offers opportunities for promotion within the department.
KU Police Department within KU Operations builds partnerships within the KU community to promote a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. KU Operations supports KUs mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university's academic and research missions.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance.
KUs excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each others success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Job Description
30% - Patrols, on foot or by vehicle, assigned areas for signs of trouble and responds with action appropriate to the situation. Considers circumstances of an observed or suspected violation of law and determines whether to initiate an investigation, a search, an arrest, or any other applicable action. Becomes involved in investigations, testifies in court, and confers with other law enforcement agencies. Collects, analyzes and verifies information from interviews with persons involved. Assesses consistency and value of information received. Makes notifications as indicated or needed. Locates, collects, handles and preserves physical evidence. Interviews complainants, witnesses and suspects. Directs and controls traffic flow and pedestrian movement on campus. Patrols streets and enforces traffic ordinances and laws, issuing traffic citations for moving traffic violations into municipal and district courts as appropriate. Enforcement of traffic laws may involve multi-tasking to include driving a vehicle at higher speeds while reading car registration plates; relaying that and other pertinent information on the radio; receiving and monitoring radio traffic; and positioning vehicles to provide for officer, violator and public safety. Manages accident scenes by controlling traffic flow, which may include directing traffic for extended periods of time in extreme weather and holding safety equip.,(i.e. traffic wands)while indicating traffic patterns with arms extended at shoulder height; investigating the cause, which may include photographing and/or sketching diagrams of the scene; and taking appropriate enforcement action. Reports hazardous conditions.
20% -Completes written reports in compliance with department procedures. Determines the necessity of report(s) and completes them promptly using the appropriate report forms. Initiates follow-up reports when a case requires further investigation. When applicable, marks and packages evidence and ensures that it is properly documented and stored for later examination or court presentation. Reports are to be well organized with narration given in chronological order; concisely written by including all pertinent or required information; easy-to-understand using neat and legible handwriting; and written with correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and word use. Log, track, and dispose of lost and found property in accordance with departmental procedures. Disseminate information to the public through programs, literature, community events, and personal contacts. Develop and conduct programs at an appropriate level to groups requesting assistance or when a potential problem is identified. Implement community relationship projects or programs to improve the community's perception of law enforcement.
10% -Apprehends and/or arrests violators of the law, exercising care to ensure legal and constitutional soundness which may involve pursuing a suspect on foot in extreme climates over hilly terrain or obstacles and/or restraining combative individuals. Takes suspects into custody and completes the booking process. Appears and testifies as a professional witness when summoned. Assist with the law enforcement training mission of the department.
10% - Responds to emergency situations, which may involve extreme physical exertion such as running up flights of stairs and carrying necessary equipment; makes immediate decisions based on known facts; initiates immediate action to gain control of the situation; renders necessary aid; and interviews all parties involved. Operates emergency vehicle safely and within the guidelines established by the department, which could involve driving at high speeds while relaying and receiving pertinent information over excessive background noise. Exercises all appropriate caution to ensure safety of all concerned and minimum property damage whenever feasible. Renders aid and assistance to citizens and motorists whenever appropriate.
10% - Establishes and maintains professional contact with University employees, residents and others common to patrol district to obtain cooperation and favorable attitude in the maintenance of order and effective police protection. Uses a variety of communications skills and special techniques when contacting members of the community who may include groups with beliefs contrary to those of the officer. Also persons who may be emotionally excited; as well as people with varied cultural and educational backgrounds in order to maintain control of situations/interviews while avoiding negative consequences such as, escalating a potentially explosive situation; making unsubstantiated accusations or innuendoes; and/or unnecessarily alarming individuals. Provides information about police policies, procedures and techniques as they affect the public. Presents a professional demeanor in accordance with law enforcement code of ethics and a well-groomed appearance in compliance with departmental rules and regulations.
5% - Develops skills and proficiency in the use of all equipment to include firearms, batons, handcuffs and vehicles. Maintains safe care and control of authorized equipment and vehicles. Keeps all issued equipment readily available and in good repair. Reports all equipment needs to supervisor as those needs arise. Maintain an inventory of police department equipment. In some cases, issue uniforms and other equipment to officers. Assist with the purchasing process and track purchase orders from the department, ensuring that purchases meet guidelines set by the department, the University, and State of Kansas. Coordinate maintenance and repair of police vehicles.
5% - Maintain relationships with local community resource groups, to stay abreast of programs and information that can provide assistance to the department and the University. Listen to the community's concerns and take steps to assist with those concerns, when possible. Maintains good relations with other law enforcement agencies.
5% - Maintains annual law enforcement officer certification(s) as required by state statute. Qualifies with duty weapons per department policy. Attends all required departmental training and utilizes such training to its fullest extent. Keep current on all legal changes and on all departmental activities affecting the proper discharge of duties. Complies with all laws, rules, regulations, code of ethics and procedures applying to the law enforcement profession. Maintains certification in first aid principles and is skilled in their application.
5% - Carries out required and appropriate duties when assigned often with short notice and could involve adverse weather conditions and extended hours. May be required to supervise others in a limited capacity as the situation demands. Provide training sessions for new officers, when requested. May be assigned to work special investigations on a temporary basis as deemed necessary by the department. Performs surveillance operations sometimes in extreme weather and/or extended periods of time without relief.
Position Requirements
Required Qualifications
Chief Nelson Mosley, nelsonmosley@ku.edu; 785-864-5900
Additional Candidate Instruction
A complete application includes the following:
Specific Detailed Application Instructions for this position:
Please fill out the online application and attach a cover letter and resume. Please upload the cover letter and resume on the first page of the online application.
Advertised Salary Range: Starts at $60,180
Application Review Begins: 04-May-2026
Anticipated Start Date: 29-Jun-2026
Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE: 1.0
Reg/Temp: Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Employee Class: B-University Support Staff
Work Schedule
Initially for training, M-F, 8-5; then 10 hours, rotating schedules. Will work shifts that include days, evenings, over the midnight hours, weekends, holidays.
Shift Differential
60 cents
Union
066
Job Family
Public Safety-KUL
Work Location Assignment
On-Site
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.
KU Police Department
Position Overview
The Police Officer at the University of Kansas position is a commissioned law enforcement work with full authority under applicable law. The Police Officer performs duties in accordance with departmental rules and regulations, state laws, city ordinances, law enforcement codes of ethics, the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the general principles of law enforcement and police work. Those who do not have certification as a law enforcement officer in Kansas will be sent to the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center to complete the required training. The Police Officer regularly conducts criminal investigations, performs searches and seizures, arrests offenders, presents criminal cases to prosecutors for prosecution into district and municipal courts, responds to medical and other emergencies, writes moving traffic violations and assist other local law enforcement agencies. The Police Officer will be briefed by the Police Sergeant on any special assignments or unusual circumstances that exist. Further duties are outlined in the responsibilities section.
Departmental tours are available to those wanting to learn more about the KU Police Department. Contact the Department for tours.
Police officers will receive a one percent (1%) pay raise starting in their first full pay period after completion of probation. The KU Police Department offers opportunities for promotion within the department.
KU Police Department within KU Operations builds partnerships within the KU community to promote a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. KU Operations supports KUs mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university's academic and research missions.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance.
KUs excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each others success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Job Description
30% - Patrols, on foot or by vehicle, assigned areas for signs of trouble and responds with action appropriate to the situation. Considers circumstances of an observed or suspected violation of law and determines whether to initiate an investigation, a search, an arrest, or any other applicable action. Becomes involved in investigations, testifies in court, and confers with other law enforcement agencies. Collects, analyzes and verifies information from interviews with persons involved. Assesses consistency and value of information received. Makes notifications as indicated or needed. Locates, collects, handles and preserves physical evidence. Interviews complainants, witnesses and suspects. Directs and controls traffic flow and pedestrian movement on campus. Patrols streets and enforces traffic ordinances and laws, issuing traffic citations for moving traffic violations into municipal and district courts as appropriate. Enforcement of traffic laws may involve multi-tasking to include driving a vehicle at higher speeds while reading car registration plates; relaying that and other pertinent information on the radio; receiving and monitoring radio traffic; and positioning vehicles to provide for officer, violator and public safety. Manages accident scenes by controlling traffic flow, which may include directing traffic for extended periods of time in extreme weather and holding safety equip.,(i.e. traffic wands)while indicating traffic patterns with arms extended at shoulder height; investigating the cause, which may include photographing and/or sketching diagrams of the scene; and taking appropriate enforcement action. Reports hazardous conditions.
20% -Completes written reports in compliance with department procedures. Determines the necessity of report(s) and completes them promptly using the appropriate report forms. Initiates follow-up reports when a case requires further investigation. When applicable, marks and packages evidence and ensures that it is properly documented and stored for later examination or court presentation. Reports are to be well organized with narration given in chronological order; concisely written by including all pertinent or required information; easy-to-understand using neat and legible handwriting; and written with correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and word use. Log, track, and dispose of lost and found property in accordance with departmental procedures. Disseminate information to the public through programs, literature, community events, and personal contacts. Develop and conduct programs at an appropriate level to groups requesting assistance or when a potential problem is identified. Implement community relationship projects or programs to improve the community's perception of law enforcement.
10% -Apprehends and/or arrests violators of the law, exercising care to ensure legal and constitutional soundness which may involve pursuing a suspect on foot in extreme climates over hilly terrain or obstacles and/or restraining combative individuals. Takes suspects into custody and completes the booking process. Appears and testifies as a professional witness when summoned. Assist with the law enforcement training mission of the department.
10% - Responds to emergency situations, which may involve extreme physical exertion such as running up flights of stairs and carrying necessary equipment; makes immediate decisions based on known facts; initiates immediate action to gain control of the situation; renders necessary aid; and interviews all parties involved. Operates emergency vehicle safely and within the guidelines established by the department, which could involve driving at high speeds while relaying and receiving pertinent information over excessive background noise. Exercises all appropriate caution to ensure safety of all concerned and minimum property damage whenever feasible. Renders aid and assistance to citizens and motorists whenever appropriate.
10% - Establishes and maintains professional contact with University employees, residents and others common to patrol district to obtain cooperation and favorable attitude in the maintenance of order and effective police protection. Uses a variety of communications skills and special techniques when contacting members of the community who may include groups with beliefs contrary to those of the officer. Also persons who may be emotionally excited; as well as people with varied cultural and educational backgrounds in order to maintain control of situations/interviews while avoiding negative consequences such as, escalating a potentially explosive situation; making unsubstantiated accusations or innuendoes; and/or unnecessarily alarming individuals. Provides information about police policies, procedures and techniques as they affect the public. Presents a professional demeanor in accordance with law enforcement code of ethics and a well-groomed appearance in compliance with departmental rules and regulations.
5% - Develops skills and proficiency in the use of all equipment to include firearms, batons, handcuffs and vehicles. Maintains safe care and control of authorized equipment and vehicles. Keeps all issued equipment readily available and in good repair. Reports all equipment needs to supervisor as those needs arise. Maintain an inventory of police department equipment. In some cases, issue uniforms and other equipment to officers. Assist with the purchasing process and track purchase orders from the department, ensuring that purchases meet guidelines set by the department, the University, and State of Kansas. Coordinate maintenance and repair of police vehicles.
5% - Maintain relationships with local community resource groups, to stay abreast of programs and information that can provide assistance to the department and the University. Listen to the community's concerns and take steps to assist with those concerns, when possible. Maintains good relations with other law enforcement agencies.
5% - Maintains annual law enforcement officer certification(s) as required by state statute. Qualifies with duty weapons per department policy. Attends all required departmental training and utilizes such training to its fullest extent. Keep current on all legal changes and on all departmental activities affecting the proper discharge of duties. Complies with all laws, rules, regulations, code of ethics and procedures applying to the law enforcement profession. Maintains certification in first aid principles and is skilled in their application.
5% - Carries out required and appropriate duties when assigned often with short notice and could involve adverse weather conditions and extended hours. May be required to supervise others in a limited capacity as the situation demands. Provide training sessions for new officers, when requested. May be assigned to work special investigations on a temporary basis as deemed necessary by the department. Performs surveillance operations sometimes in extreme weather and/or extended periods of time without relief.
Position Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age within three months of hire.
- Must be U.S. citizen
- Must be able to obtain an unrestricted Kansas driver's license (corrected vision acceptable)
- Must be free of convictions, expunged convictions, and diversions for any misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence or their equivalent under the uniform code of military justice imposed by any state or federal government (KSA 74-5605).*
- Must be free of convictions, expunged convictions, and diversions for any crimes which are a felony or its equivalent under the uniform code of military justice imposed by any state or federal government (KSA 74-5605).*
- Must submit to and successfully complete a police officer selection test, physical and psychological testing, and drug screen
- Must be in compliance with the University of Kansas Police Department Policy 204, Personal Equipment, Apparel, Appearance and Grooming.
- Must submit to a detailed background investigation.
- Must qualify biannually with duty weapon
- Must be able to perform all the essential job functions and not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of self or others
- Maintain excellent physical condition
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or completion of a G.E.D. equivalency.
- Certified or ability to be certified as a law enforcement officer by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.
- Commissioned law enforcement experience as a certified police officer.
- Significant progress towards/or achievement of an associate's degree or higher in administration of justice, criminal justice or a closely related field.
Chief Nelson Mosley, nelsonmosley@ku.edu; 785-864-5900
Additional Candidate Instruction
A complete application includes the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Names and contact information of three references
Specific Detailed Application Instructions for this position:
Please fill out the online application and attach a cover letter and resume. Please upload the cover letter and resume on the first page of the online application.
Advertised Salary Range: Starts at $60,180
Application Review Begins: 04-May-2026
Anticipated Start Date: 29-Jun-2026
Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE: 1.0
Reg/Temp: Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Employee Class: B-University Support Staff
Work Schedule
Initially for training, M-F, 8-5; then 10 hours, rotating schedules. Will work shifts that include days, evenings, over the midnight hours, weekends, holidays.
Shift Differential
60 cents
Union
066
Job Family
Public Safety-KUL
Work Location Assignment
On-Site
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.
ID
e4cf2b36a1a65bd4132fbb8e9fb7f53e
