University Law Enforcement Officer

South Dakota State University Police Department is seeking multiple dedicated individuals to serve and protect the campus community. The University Law Enforcement Officer position is a 12 month, 100% time position essential to advancing South Dakota State University’s strategic mission by ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. As a land‑grant institution committed to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement, SDSU must maintain a professional, visible, and responsive law enforcement presence to enable the university to fulfill its educational and service obligations.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. The University Police Department (UPD) provides year round 24/7 law enforcement service for South Dakota State University. Police officers are state trained and certified with full law enforcement authority. The department is responsible for protecting the campus community, ensuring a safe environment for continued education and research, providing enhanced security for the campus infrastructure and large scale public events, investigating crimes, providing uniformed patrol, deterring and detecting criminal activity and other policing services as needed.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Employment is contingent upon a successful background check, psychological evaluation and polygraph test, and medical examination (includes drug and alcohol testing). Per SDCL 02:05:01:01 applicants must be a US citizen and be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. Travel is required to complete required training, job duties and court appearances. Must be able to work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays.

Job Responsibilities:

This position will provide professional law enforcement and public safety services for the state’s largest institution of higher education and the surrounding community.

Benefits:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, and investigation.
• Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and preservation.
• Laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of felonies and misdemeanors.
• First aid principles, practices, and techniques.
• Operation of police equipment and tools including firearms.
• Methods and techniques of crowd control.
• Court rules and procedures.
• Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, codes, ordinances and campus policies.
• Occupational hazards and safety practices.
• Methods and techniques of basic report preparation and writing.
• Proper English usage, spelling, and grammar.
• Geography of the area assigned.
• Applicable computer hardware and software for report preparation, evidence booking, and data retrieval.

Skill & Ability to:

• Successfully complete the SD Law Enforcement Academy or obtain reciprocity.
• Successfully qualify on firearms, less lethal, defensive tactics, and any other department required certifications.
• Independently perform difficult and complex law enforcement duties.
• Interpret, explain, and enforce campus policies and procedures.
• Perform a wide range of law enforcement assignments.
• Respond to community issues, concerns, and needs in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Analyze a situation or problem and determine a timely and appropriate course of action.
• Think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations.
• Use and care for firearms and other police equipment.
• Control violent people and affect arrests.
• Diffuse high stress situations.
• Interpret and enforce City and State laws, codes, and ordinances.
• Interpret and enforce SDSU campus policies and SD Board of Regents Policies.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Effectively utilize the police radio.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Carry, lift, and run after suspects or victims.
• Work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs.

Required License:

• Possession of or ability to obtain a South Dakota driver’s license.
• Must successfully complete the SD LE Academy or have current LE certification.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment polygraph examination and psychological screening.

Comments:

Must be able to provide a highly visible law enforcement presence on campus to deter and detect criminal activity; locate weaknesses and safety hazards and be in a position to quickly respond to any and all emergencies or critical incidents. Must maintain a firm understanding of legal processes, state and federal laws, university regulations, proper police procedures, proper emergency response and adjust to each area as it changes. Must be able to maintain calm demeanor when dealing with upset, intoxicated, disorderly persons. South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the university to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to the university’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Application Procedures:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.