Police Officer

Become a Police Officer
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Serve the Anteater Community. Build Your Career in Policing.

The UC Irvine Police Officer role is a full-time sworn position for people who are community-minded and committed to supporting UC Irvine and UCI Health system with professionalism and care. As a 24/7, full-service agency, UCIPD serves a large, dynamic population across the Irvine campus and multiple UCI Health locations.

University policing has a different focus and environment than city agencies. You’re working in a learning and healthcare environment with a highly engaged community—students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors—where calls often blend public safety response with problem-solving, prevention, and day-to-day relationship building. You’ll spend time walking, biking, and being visible, collaborating closely with campus partners, and helping address concerns early—before they become bigger issues.

This role is an active, full-service assignment. The work is varied and it comes with its own set of challenges that many city agencies don’t routinely encounter—large-scale events, dense foot traffic, campus housing and student life issues, and the unique needs of a major academic and healthcare setting.

Because we serve a campus and healthcare community, reports and casework are often handled with an extra level of detail and care—clear narratives and strong follow-up. UCIPD takes pride in going the extra mile for victims of crime, connecting people to resources and helping them navigate next steps, not just completing a report. In this environment, comprehensive documentation and coordinated victim support are core expectations, and the standard may be more detailed than what some city agencies require on routine calls.

Over time, officers can grow into specialized assignments—like K-9, bicycle patrol, detective, field training officer, System Wide Response Team (SRT), corporal, and instructor roles—building skills and taking on more responsibility as your career develops.

Top picture shows Officer Carcamo and Officer Vasquez standing by a police car smiling while looking out into the distance. The bottom photo shows Sergeant Phou smiling in front of a police car

Quick Facts

  • Work Schedule: 3/12 Patrol
  • Uniform & Fitness Allowance
  • California POST Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisors, and Management Certificate Pay
  • Educational and Bilingual Pay
  • Specialty Assignment Pay
  • UC Retirement Plan (UCRP Safety 3% at 50; Does not conflict with PERS or Retired Annuitants status)

Position Overview

  • Conducting foot, bicycle, and vehicle patrols of the UC properties.
  • Investigating crimes and traffic collisions, preparing detailed reports, issuing citations and making arrests.
  • Providing crime prevention education and serving as proactive partners within a diverse community.
  • Maintaining professionalism and adherence to department rules, university policies, and state and federal laws.
  • Ensuring proper care, maintenance, and operation of assigned facilities, vehicles, equipment, and materials.
  • Supporting morale, teamwork, and the department's mission through professional conduct and effective communication.
  • Officers may also be assigned to support special events, athletic events, or security details, and collaborate with other agencies.
  • Specialized assignment opportunities include the System Wide Response Team (SRT), K9 unit, bicycle patrol, field training officer, detective, corporal, and specialized instructor roles.

Required Qualifications

  • Entry Level: Current enrollment in or completion of a California POST Basic Academy.
  • Lateral Level: A minimum of 1 year of full-time law enforcement experience at a California law enforcement agency that falls within Penal Code 830.1(a-c) or 830.2 (a-c) and possession of a California POST Basic Post Certificate. Employed with or employed with a law enforcement agency described in Penal Code sections 830.1(a)(b), or (c) or 830.2 (a-c) at the time of application.
  • Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English, using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Ability to use precise phrases and write in a logical, concise, and chronological manner.
  • Knowledge of radio operations, recording equipment operations, and computer equipment operations.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and court decisions.
  • Knowledge of criminal investigative techniques and procedures
  • Understanding of community engagement and community-oriented policing philosophies
  • Interpersonal skills—Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public, establish and maintain cooperation, and de-escalate situations.
  • Proficient in the care and use of firearms and other police equipment. Ability to operate law enforcement vehicles under both normal and emergency conditions.
  • Keen powers of observation, a strong memory, and the ability to prepare accurate and detailed reports.
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Knowledge and ability to provide effective customer service.
  • Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with university employees and the general public.
  • Intermediate to advanced proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel), and California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS)
  • The ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive during critical or high-pressure incidents.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess priorities, make sound independent decisions often under time-sensitive or life-threatening conditions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and factual reports
  • Knowledge of Orange County communication radio procedures, commonly used California pedal and vehicle code sections, local ordinances, and university regulations
  • A commitment to teamwork, integrity and exceptional public service.
  • High school diploma or equivalent certification.
  • Valid driver's license.

Hiring Process

  1. Applications Accepted
  2. Written Examination (Not Required for Laterals)
  3. Physical Agility Test (Not Required for Laterals)
  4. Panel Interview
  5. Polygraph Examination
  6. Background Investigation
  7. Background Review
  8. Conditional Job Offer
  9. Medical Examination
  10. Psychological Examination
  11. Chief's Interview
  12. Final Job Offer