Become a University of Alabama Police Officer

The application process for the position of Police Officer is now closed.

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 application process for Dispatcher is now closed. The application process for Security Resources is now closed. To view and apply for Police Officer, Dispatcher or Security Resource job openings, visit careers.ua.edu. 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, twenty-four 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.

The ideal candidate possesses the following qualities and characteristics:

Uses good judgement, 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

Current Job Openings

The Police Officer application period is now closed. To view and apply for Dispatcher or Security Resource Officer positions, visit careers.ua.edu. Submit our Recruitment Inquiry Form to be notified of future Police Officer, Dispatcher or Security Resource Officer job opportunities.

If you are currently APOST certified, you are exempt from taking the PT test 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 are required to successfully complete the PT Assessment in order to advance to round two of the recruitment process. Until further notice, the PT Assessment will be administered every week on Monday mornings. PT Assessments will be held at the Alabama Peace Officer Standards & Training Academy, located at 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 to in order to take the Police Officer Recruit Examination. 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.

Location/Date/Times: Until further notice, the Police Officer Recruit Examination will be administered every week on Monday afternoons. Applicants who pass the PT Assessment Monday morning will take the Police Officer Recruit Examination Monday afternoon.
Results: Applicants will be notified of the their test results within one business day post exam via email.
Study materials available from McCann Associates include a complimentary study guide and instructions for purchasing a practice test.

Round Three: Applicant Review Board and Chief Interview

Applicants with a passing score of 70% or higher on the Police Officer Recruit Examination will be invited to interview with the UAPD applicant review board and Chief of Police. Until further notice, interviews will take place on Thursday of the same week the candidate successfully passes the PT Assessment and the Police Officer Recruit Examination.

Need More Information?

For additional information regarding the application and recruitment process, please email UAPDrecruit@ua.edu.