Work with University Police
Current Job Openings
The University of Alabama Police Department is not currently accepting applications for Police Officers, Security Resource Assistants, or Dispatchers.
To view and apply for positions at UAPD as they become available, visit careers.ua.edu or click the Apply Now button below.
Not ready to apply? Submit our Recruitment Inquiry Form to be notified of future Police Officer, Dispatcher or Security Resource Officer job opportunities.
Do You Have What It Takes?
Committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of The University of Alabama community to live, learn, work and play, UAPD provides professional, 24-hour law enforcement services to the best college campus in the nation. And much like the best SEC football team in the nation, we aim to recruit the best as we add to our team.
UAPD proudly offers the best police officer pay in West Alabama! Starting pay with no experience is $65,203.20 ($31.35/hour). Starting pay for candidates with APOST certification and/or law enforcement experience is higher.
The ideal candidate possesses the following qualities and characteristics:
- Uses good judgment, demonstrates courage, and takes responsibility
- Has a community service, servant-leader mindset
- Maintains professionalism in highly stressful situations
- Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Is ethical with great integrity, regardless of who is watching
- Is motivated to learn departmental policies, procedures, and software
- Is detail-oriented and open to a culture of continuous improvement
Benefits and Opportunities
- Best police officer pay in West Alabama, starting at $65,203.20 ($31.35/hour)
- Work schedule – 4 days on and 3 days off (10-hour shifts) with set off days
- At least 15 paid holidays and 96 hours of leave per year with increased accruals based on years of service
- University-paid group term life, AD&D and long-term disability insurance, with voluntary option to increase coverages
- A choice of group medical plans with a range of coverage levels and costs – medical, dental, vision and pharmacy through BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama
- Participation in Teachers’ Retirement System – vested after 10 years, may retire with 25 years of service
- Voluntary retirement savings through TIAA’s 403(b) plan, with a University match up to 5% of gross monthly pay for regular full-time exempt staff
- Uniform, duty weapon and other equipment furnished
- Tuition benefits for the employee and their eligible spouse and unmarried, dependent children after six months of continuous eligible employment
- Access to wellness and work-life resources
- Alabama Credit Union membership eligibility
A full summary of employee benefits is available on the Human Resources website.
A Typical Day
- Responding to calls for service and emergencies
- Enforcement of state and local laws including citation or custodial arrest of offenders
- Writing reports and conducting preliminary investigations
- Preventive and directed patrol of University property
- Traffic enforcement and traffic accident investigations
- Testifying in court on criminal and traffic cases
- Providing police services at special events as assigned
Review the full position description for a more detailed summary of requirements and expectations.
Patrol and Specialized Assignments
- Three patrol shifts
- Operations support
- Special resources
- Community Policing
- Cyber Crimes
- Criminal Investigation Division
- Electronic Crimes Task Force
- FBI Task Force
- K-9 Unit
- Marshal Task Force
- SRT
- Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Task Force
- West Alabama Narcotics Task Force
- West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force
Eligibility Requirements
- United States Citizen
- Minimum of 21 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid U.S. driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle report
- Must be able to perform foot patrol and work outside in all weather conditions
- Must be able to work day, evening or night shift to include weekends and holidays
- Must be able to work various overtime events, both voluntary and mandatory, based on the needs of the department and the university community
- An honorable discharge for candidates who have served in the Armed Forces
- An individual who has had a conviction of a felony crime is not eligible for employment as a police officer per Rule 650-X-2-.05 of the Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission administrative code
- Successful completion of the Police Officer Recruitment online examination, interview panel, physical agility and physical ability examinations for law enforcement officers and comprehensive background check. The PT Assessment consists of the following exams:
- Physical Agility – Includes running the course and completing the following requirements within 90 seconds: push a vehicle on a level surface; climb a six-foot wall; climb through a window-like metal structure; walk a balance beam; drag a 165 lb. dummy
- Physical Ability – Includes completing 22 push-ups within one minute, 25 sit-ups within one minute and completing a 1.5 mile run within 15 minutes and 28 seconds
- Applicants with current APOST Certification will be exempt from written test and PT assessment requirements; proof of certification must be provided prior to the end of application cycle.
Conditional Hire/Pre-Employment Requirements:
- Complete a psychological assessment
- Pass a medical examination and drug screen
New Hire Requirements:
- Successful completion of the recruit orientation training
- Successful completion of the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission’s academy within six months of employment; or a certificate verifying the successful completion of the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission’s Academy
- Visit apostc.alabama.gov to view the new BAT (Basic Abilities Test) educational requirements that must be met prior to being enrolled at the APOSTC Law Enforcement Academy
- Successful completion of The University of Alabama Police Department’s field training and evaluation program
- Successful completion a 1040-hour probationary period of solo field assignment duty
If you are currently APOST certified, you are exempt from taking the Physical Training (PT) Assessment and written exam. You must present proof of your certification prior to the published deadline. Applicants will receive all recruitment-related communication through email.
Recruitment Timeline: What to Expect
Round One: PT Assessment
All applicants must complete the Physical Training (PT) Assessment to advance to round two of the recruitment process.
PT Assessments will be held during the week of Aug. 5-9, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Alabama Peace Officer Standards & Training Academy, 7601 Robert Cardinal Road, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401.
Applicants will receive an email regarding their scheduled time to appear.
- Important Notice: PT Assessments may be held rain or shine. Any cancellation due to severe weather will be communicated in advance. UAPD reserves the right to cancel scheduled sessions based on the hiring needs of the department.
Round Two: Police Officer Recruit Examination
Successful completion of each element of the PT Assessment is required in order to take the Police Officer Recruit Examination.
The Police Officer Recruit Examination will be held during the week of Aug. 5-9 from 1-5 p.m.
Applicants will be notified of the results of their exam within one business day via email.
Applicants who fail to show for their scheduled assessment will be removed from the hiring process. Those needing to reschedule for emergent situations must provide a minimum of 24-hours notice to be added to an alternate date.
Study materials are available from McCann Associates and include a complimentary study guide and instructions for purchasing a practice exam.
Applicants who pass the police exam will be reviewed. Those who are selected for a panel interview will be contacted via email.
After interviews, those applicants selected to move into the background process must provide the following documentation for the background review:
- Original birth certificate or a certified copy
- Social Security Card
- Driver’s License
- High School Diploma or GED
- High School Transcript
- College Diploma (May provide BAT results instead of associate degree or higher)
- College Transcript
- Copy of DD214 if applicable
Need More Information?
For additional information regarding the application and recruitment process, please email UAPDrecruit@ua.edu.