Police Officer / Law Enforcement Officer I (00224)

Location: Farmville, VA Category: Classified Posted On: Fri Mar 27 2026

Job Description Longwood University invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Police Officer (Law Enforcement Officer I 00224) in the Department of Police and Public Safety.

Successful candidates will provide professional police service to the Longwood University community and the Town of Farmville. Police Officers are an essential part of Longwood Universitys diverse and vibrant community as they ensure a secure environment for one of the Commonwealths Division I universities.

As a 24/7 law enforcement agency, staff may be assigned to work multiple shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs. This position is considered emergency personnel. Staff must report to work or be called in during inclement weather emergencies or staff shortages. Selected candidates are expected to work 12-hour shifts (day or night) based on department needs. Overtime work outside normal shift hours may be required.

This position is located in Farmville, Virginia and is required to work in person on Longwood Universitys campus.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide professional police services to the University community and the community at large while conducting patrols and responding to calls for service within the Longwood University police jurisdictional area.
• Investigate complaints, suspicious activity, and crime; traffic accidents.
• Execute arrests, prepare and issue citations, preserve and document evidence, and deliver legal papers.
• Ensure the safety and security of individuals and property by upholding laws and responding effectively to emergencies.
• Respond promptly to safety hazards, mitigate risks, and coordinate with designated staff members.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and regulations, including parking enforcement, and refer infractions to the appropriate campus jurisdictional process.
• Operate police and communication equipment, including assigned vehicles, to support law enforcement operations.
• Direct and regulate crowds, traffic, parking, and pedestrian flow as needed to maintain safety and efficiency.
• Prepare reports, conduct investigations, testify in court, and attend hearings as needed.
• Ensure campus facilities are safe, secure, and properly maintained by conducting routine patrols, taking appropriate corrective actions, and reporting issues to designated staff for follow-up.
• Foster positive interactions with students, staff, faculty, and visitors while conducting patrols and presenting educational outreach programs as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Applicants must meet all requirements to be law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth of Virginia as listed in Virginia Code 15.2-1705, as well as Longwood Universitys specific requirements, to include:
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess a valid Virginia drivers license or the ability to obtain one with a satisfactory driving record.
• Selected candidates must be U.S. Citizens.
• Upon successful completion of field training, selected candidates must fulfill a two-year contractual service commitment.
• Proven ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Successfully pass all required medical, drug, and psychological evaluations.
• Successfully pass an extensive background investigation, including a fingerprint-based criminal background investigation.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must be available to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must serve a twelve-month probationary period.
• Must successfully qualify for the use of department-issued weapons.

Preferred Qualifications

• Directly related experience in high-stress environments such as military, fire, or rescue services is preferred and will be considered in the selection process.
• Current Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement Certification, advanced DCJS certifications, or instructor-level training is preferred.
• Prior experience in higher education law enforcement or campus security is preferred.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time classified non-exempt position in a pay band 3.
• A successful fingerprint-based criminal background investigation is required.
• AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
• If a DCJS-certified applicant is selected, the hiring date will be set once all selection processes are complete.
• If an uncertified applicant is selected, the applicant will likely be hired as soon as possible and will be required to attend the next available basic law enforcement course at the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (CVCJA).
• The training academy will be held at the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (CVCJA) in Lynchburg, VA, anticipated to start in July 2026.
• Police recruits must provide their own transportation for travel to and from the academy.

Benefits Commonwealth of Virginia benefits accompany this position, including:

• State health and dental benefits & flexible spending accounts.
• Paid leave, which may include sick leave, personal leave, annual leave, etc., and 13 holidays.
• Retirement savings plans (some with limited employer match available).
• VRSLife & Long-Term care insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee discounts for various services, including Verizon.
• Educational benefits for most employees.
• Cost-effective Fitness Center membership for employees.

Accommodations and Compliance In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Longwood University will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodations to applicants in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on your application.

If, however, you require accommodations in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 434-395-2074 or humres@longwood.edu.

Per CFR Title 34, the Title IX Coordinators contact information can be located through this link: http://www.longwood.edu/titleix.