What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer I position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.
Serves as a member of a community policing team that employs problem-solving strategies for addressing crime and safety problems; performs patrol duties including but not limited to responding to calls for service or crimes, investigating violations of law or university rules, preparing written report, enforcing parking and traffic rules, engaging in crowd and traffic control, patrolling and inspecting buildings and facilities for safety or law enforcement concerns, and coordinating with higher authority on special traffic, law enforcement or safety concerns; enters reports into a computer; performs extensive computer work; performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position include:
Knowledge of North Carolina Criminal and Motor Vehicle Laws and understanding their application; knowledge federal laws, particularly those that apply to higher education including FERPA and the Clery Act; knowledge of general court and criminal justice processes; knowledge of police training practices and crime prevention issues; knowledge of departmental general orders and supervisory principles; knowledge of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards; knowledge of community policing philosophies and techniques; skill in working with a diverse population and public service contact; skill in working in regimented work environment; skill with computer applications; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to speak distinctly over the radio; ability and skill in motor vehicle operation; ability to use force to protect oneself and others; ability to lift heavy objects that weigh 75 pounds or more; other strenuous activities associated with the practice of law enforcement.
Serves as a member of a community policing team that employs problem-solving strategies for addressing crime and safety problems; performs patrol duties including but not limited to responding to calls for service or crimes, investigating violations of law or university rules, preparing written report, enforcing parking and traffic rules, engaging in crowd and traffic control, patrolling and inspecting buildings and facilities for safety or law enforcement concerns, and coordinating with higher authority on special traffic, law enforcement or safety concerns; enters reports into a computer; performs extensive computer work; performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position include:
Knowledge of North Carolina Criminal and Motor Vehicle Laws and understanding their application; knowledge federal laws, particularly those that apply to higher education including FERPA and the Clery Act; knowledge of general court and criminal justice processes; knowledge of police training practices and crime prevention issues; knowledge of departmental general orders and supervisory principles; knowledge of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards; knowledge of community policing philosophies and techniques; skill in working with a diverse population and public service contact; skill in working in regimented work environment; skill with computer applications; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to speak distinctly over the radio; ability and skill in motor vehicle operation; ability to use force to protect oneself and others; ability to lift heavy objects that weigh 75 pounds or more; other strenuous activities associated with the practice of law enforcement.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of High School diploma or GED. At least probationary certification from the NC CJETSC as a commissioned police officer and successful completion of the appointing agency’s designated field training program for newly appointed Campus Police Officers.
Note: At the discretion of the campus hiring authority, outside lateral hires who are already sworn law enforcement officers at time of hire may be placed in any of the relevant career progression steps for Police Officer based on prior sworn experience.
However, such an appointment is conditional on successful completion of the agency’s field training program and for out-of-state hires attainment of NC CJETSC certification within an agency-specified timeframe.
Note: At the discretion of the campus hiring authority, outside lateral hires who are already sworn law enforcement officers at time of hire may be placed in any of the relevant career progression steps for Police Officer based on prior sworn experience.
However, such an appointment is conditional on successful completion of the agency’s field training program and for out-of-state hires attainment of NC CJETSC certification within an agency-specified timeframe.
Preferred Qualifications
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
12
Posting Text
Open Date
05/20/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered, you must apply online. HARD COPY APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
A cover letter, resume, and listing of at least three professional references to include their complete contact information are required attachments.
For questions or additional information please contact Chris Holcombe at cwholcombe@email.wcu.edu
Pursuant to The UNC Policy Manual 300.2.21®, Adopted July 25, 2022:
Employees in LEO positions subject to applicable regulation must complete an initial probationary employment period. During the probationary period, employee appointments remain at-will, and employees may be separated from employment during probation without the protections of the disciplinary policy and without coverage under most provisions of the grievance policy.
Those who have completed Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certification must have worked at least 12 continuous months in a permanent position to satisfy the probation requirement.
Employees who have not completed BLET at the time of hire into an EHRA LEO position must have worked at least 24 continuous months in a permanent position and must have completed BLET training certification to satisfy the probation requirement.
A cover letter, resume, and listing of at least three professional references to include their complete contact information are required attachments.
For questions or additional information please contact Chris Holcombe at cwholcombe@email.wcu.edu
Pursuant to The UNC Policy Manual 300.2.21®, Adopted July 25, 2022:
Employees in LEO positions subject to applicable regulation must complete an initial probationary employment period. During the probationary period, employee appointments remain at-will, and employees may be separated from employment during probation without the protections of the disciplinary policy and without coverage under most provisions of the grievance policy.
Those who have completed Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certification must have worked at least 12 continuous months in a permanent position to satisfy the probation requirement.
Employees who have not completed BLET at the time of hire into an EHRA LEO position must have worked at least 24 continuous months in a permanent position and must have completed BLET training certification to satisfy the probation requirement.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.