University Police Officer

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

In this position, University Police Officers, serve as multi-skilled professionals performing the full spectrum of law enforcement, investigation, and emergency services. The primary duty of this position is the enforcement of all applicable state and local laws; and the enforcement of university traffic rules and regulations. By vigilant observation and investigation, employees in this position will perform identification, apprehension and detention when appropriate, of individuals suspected of violating these laws. Additionally, employees in this position provide education, preserve the public peace, provide protection to life and property, and provide needed assistance to the community.

Essential Functions

• Exercises police powers under authority of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 75 Section 32A, in order to prevent, deter, and detect violations of criminal and motor vehicle laws, rules, and regulations. Ensures public safety through enforcement and education.
• Directs and controls pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic; enforces university traffic and parking rules and regulations; issues traffic citations under authority of MGL C 90
• 1c.
• Patrols university properties and adjacent geographic areas (and areas subject to the provisions of mutual aid agreements), to ensure the protection of persons and property, and to detect and deter criminal activity. Remains alert for health and safety hazards, and theft or damage to property. Takes appropriate action to mitigate and / or report hazards and damage.
• Operates motor vehicles and conducts patrols using marked, semi-marked, and unmarked police cars, motorcycles, bicycles, horses, ATV's, and on foot. May operate pick-up truck / trailer combinations and other task specific vehicles.
• Aids and assists all persons in danger of physical harm, or victims of crime, accidents, or illness.
• Maintains order at the scene of public assemblies and gatherings, protests, marches, concerts, sporting, and other special events.
• Responds to civil disorder, civil disobedience, and potentially riotous situations involving large or unruly crowds. Trains in and performs crowd control tactics. Restores public order and quality of life.
• Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations into both routine and complex offenses, misdemeanor and felony criminal activities.
• Applies investigative and interrogatory techniques when interviewing suspects, witnesses, and victims.
• Prepares, writes, and executes search and arrest warrants.
• In compliance with applicable law and department policy, conducts investigatory searches of persons, places, and property.
• Prepares criminal complaints and other legal paperwork; reads and interprets other legal documents including court decisions, briefs, and judicial opinions.
• Identifies criminal offenders, makes apprehensions via complaint application, or arrest with or without a warrant as permitted by law.
• Detains and restrains criminal suspects, violent, hostile, and / or mentally distressed individuals in accordance with department policy and applicable law.
• Mediates disputes; intervenes in cases of domestic violence and psychiatric crisis. Refers victims and witnesses to appropriate social service agencies.
• Testifies in criminal courts and at other judicial and administrative hearings.
• Conducts investigations into motor vehicle, pedestrian, and industrial accidents to include serious injury and fatal accidents or suicides in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police.
• Catalogs, secures, and maintains evidence in criminal cases; maintains lost, found, and seized property in accordance with accepted chain of custody requirements.
• Prepares notes, reports, logs, photo documents, and other electronically-generated documents to record significant events.
• Utilizes computers with various software such as MS Office, Excel, IMC, Fusion, and surveillance camera systems.
• Operates hand held, patrol vehicle mounted, and computer based audio and visual recording devices to include cameras and other surveillance equipment.
• Operates, inspects, and maintains specialized equipment to include preliminary and infrared breath testing equipment, electronic fingerprint identification systems, and automated external defibrillators.
• Operates RADAR and LIDAR traffic speed measuring devices.
• Maintains proficiency with various types of firearms and specialty munitions.
• May perform dignitary protection, plain clothes patrol, undercover and other covert operations.
• Prepares for and will respond to mass casualty incidents, hostage situations, active shooter / terrorist threats, biological and chemical spills, or any situation that poses a threat to the community.
• Secures and searches all detainees before transport to the station where arrest report entries are performed. Conducts inspection of detention facilities and maintains control of detainees while in custody.
• May plan and direct in-service, specialized, advanced, and other training programs for probationary police officers, veteran officers, inter-agency law enforcement and emergency service providers, as well as special interest and community groups.
• May serve as a member of an inter-agency task force, special operation, work group or committee.
• Participates in multi-jurisdictional assignments such as warrant service, investigations, OUI roadblocks, and community outreach operations.
• Performs emergency first aid, CPR, Narcan, Epi-pen and AED therapy within established medical guidelines and department policies.
• Arrives punctually to all shift assignments and overtime assignments.
• Assists campus businesses in the escort of funds to appropriate depository during evening hours or as requested during campus sponsored events.
• Assists the public with directions, information, or assistance. Makes referrals to outside agencies when appropriate.
• Remains knowledgeable and compliant with departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in accordance with state law and accreditation standards.
• Conducts detailed background investigations for new hires according to established department procedure.
• Performs ancillary and additional duties as assigned by a supervisor.
• Supervises Police Officers of equal grade and department employees (when acting as officer-in-charge), Dispatchers, Police Cadets, and Student Security Monitors.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Entry Level Police Officer Qualifications :

Lateral Police Officer Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications - all Police Officers :

Qualifica tions Acquired on Job (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Work Schedule

Salary Information

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. In order to ensure consideration, please apply before the priority deadline of October 31, 2025. The position may remain open until filled.

For lateral applicants applying from out of state : A person who has been employed as a police officer in another state may qualify for an exemption from recruit training. To determine whether they might qualify for this, an individual may request an advisory letter. Applicants who attended a police academy outside of Massachusetts should obtain an advisory letter from the Massachusetts Police Training Committee. This letter should indicate that the MPTC would act favorably on your request to become a police officer in Massachusetts. Advisory letter requests may be completed at https : / / www.mass.gov / how-to / request-an-exemption-or-temporary-waiver . Your advisory letter should be included with your application.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.