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Police Officer

Purdue University and Careers
West Lafayette, IN Full Time
POSTED ON 3/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/20/2026
Req Id: 36807
Job Title: Police Officer
City: West Lafayette

Job Summary

Join Purdue University as a Police Officer and play a pivotal role in ensuring safety and security on campus. Your responsibilities will include proactive observation and investigation of criminal incidents, such as missing persons, disturbances, traffic issues, and crowd management. You'll be tasked with securing and meticulously examining crime scenes, conducting interviews with victims, witnesses, suspects, and offenders, and generating comprehensive case reports. Additionally, you will be responsible for investigating traffic accidents and completing all necessary reports, mediating disputes, and restoring order when disturbances arise.

Your duties will extend to providing essential police services, including traffic control and assisting other law enforcement agencies when required. Special events, such as sporting events and gatherings, will also require, managing crowds and ensuring security. Embracing the community policing philosophy, you will actively engage with and support the community, while enforcing Indiana State laws and University regulations.

Purdue Police Officer Incentives

  • Starting Pay: $72,137 per year plus benefits
  • First Class Patrol Officer pay (After one year): $78,296
  • $6,000 sign-on bonus for Lateral officers (must be full-time, certified ILEA Graduate or other academy recognized by ILEA, and currently working for anther department). $3,000 paid upon hire, $3,000 paid upon completion of probationary year
  • Longevity Pay up to $9,000 at year 24
  • Specialty Pay: $1000 for first specialty, $750 each for 2nd and 3rd

Overview of Hiring Process

PUPD is accepting applications from current law enforcement officers and non-experienced applicants, each applicant type will conduct a different process as described below.

New Officer Process Description:

The Purdue Police Officer hiring process consists of the following steps:

  • Physical Fitness Exam
  • Written Exam
  • Oral Interview Panels
  • Background Investigation
  • Chief's Interview
Drug Screening, Post-Offer Medical, and Psychological Evaluation

Experienced/Lateral Process Description:

The qualified current officer hiring process consist of the following steps:

  • This process is only for currently employed full-time officers who have graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy OR another state police academy recognized by the ILETB as an approved academy for a basic training waiver. Officers meeting these requirements will be contacted directly by PUPD to begin the hiring process.

  • Physical Agility Test – 69 second obstacle course
  • Oral Interview Panels
  • Background Investigation
  • Chief's Interview
Drug Screening, Post-Offer Medical, and Psychological Evaluation

For complete information about the Physical Fitness and Written Exam please visit: https://bit.ly/2VJGTN0

For more information about the Purdue University Police Department please visit: www.purdue.edu/police

For further information about the Police Officer hiring process please contact Lieutenant Ryan Edwards at 765-494-8221 or rjedward@purdue.edu

What We're Looking For

Required:

  • High school diploma/GED
  • Must successfully complete the 40-hr Pre-Basic and Basic training courses through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) within the first twelve months of employment
  • Must successfully complete the Purdue Probationary Officer Training and the Purdue Field Training Program within the first twelve months of employment
  • A strong commitment to customer service and use of good judgment
  • Strong interpersonal relationship and public relations skills
  • Strong conflict resolution skills and problem solving ability
  • Ability to adapt and react to unusual conditions and work effectively under pressure
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to maintain Indiana Police Officer certification including completion of 24 hours of continuing education annually
  • Must be physically and mentally capable of performing all duties of a police officer
  • Must successfully complete the Purdue Police Officer Physical Abilities Test annually
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • A valid Indiana driver’s license and United States citizenship
  • Must be able to maintain a valid Indiana Driver's license

Preferred:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related area
  • One year of experience in public safety or law enforcement
  • Bilingual communication skills

Application Deadlines

We are currently accepting applications. Once the next physical agility and written test is scheduled, we will send an invitation email to applicants

  • All qualifying applicants, who are invited to participate , must be available for the physical assessment and written exam
    • We will notify you with details on the next testing date if you are to participate. Notifications will be sent via email address listed in your completed online application. Applicants who pass the written exam and move forward in the process will be interviewed shortly afterwards
    • *Qualified applicants who are unable to attend the next testing date will still be considered for additional hiring cycles and will be notified regarding dates for future physical assessments and written exams
  • Consideration will be given to certified law enforcement candidates and non-certified candidates; certified law enforcement candidates who are currently employed full-time as a sworn officer in good standing will be exempt from the Physical Fitness Exam and Written Exam
    • *Candidates who meet this criterion will be considered year-round with no application deadline

Additional Information

  • Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary
  • Purdue will not sponsor an employment authorization for this position
  • This posting represents multiple positions
  • A Background Check will be required for employment in this position
  • Exposed to job hazards and working conditions associated with police work
  • May work non-traditional hours
  • The schedule for this position consists of rotating twelve hour shifts
  • Required to wear a pager and carry a cell phone for callback to campus
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: PERF/Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
  • Please consult the following for additional benefits information: Purdue Benefits and Purdue University’s Public Employee Retirement Fund (PERF) , and Purdue University’s Police Officer and Firefighters Pension

Career Stream

Fire, Police, and Skilled Trades 1

  • Fire, Police, and Skilled Trades 1
  • Pay Band S060
  • Job Code #20002892
  • Link to Career Path Maker:

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Purdue University is an EO/EA University.

Posting Start Date: 6/6/25

Salary : $72,137 - $78,296

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