Lateral Police Officer

The Division of Public Safety at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Lateral Police Officer! This position exists to maintain order, prevent, solve, and document criminal activity. Officers' duties can include the following: conduct various methods of patrol, arrest violators, file criminal cases with prosecuting attorneys' offices, respond to emergencies, and provide a wide range of citizen assistance. Police Officers work special events including athletic events, distinguished speakers and lecturers, and concerts. Police Officers will routinely solve issues that require heightened decision-making abilities, and use analysis and individual discretion to make choices affecting others and the campus at large.

We are seeking a POST Academy Graduate for the position of Lateral Police Officer. Lateral Police Officers (POST-certified) have experience at another law enforcement agency within the last twelve months. They can begin the duties of the position of Police Officer after completing training requirements of CUPD including on-the-job training.

The Division of Public Safety seeks to facilitate and coordinate a culture that supports the Boulder campus’ commitment to maintain the highest level of ethics, integrity, and safety in the conduct of its operations. We do this through services to enhance community safety, protect life and property, and foster safe, secure, and ethical practices.

The University of Colorado (CU) Boulder is one of America's leading research universities and the flagship of the CU System. As a comprehensive public doctoral Research University, CU Boulder is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified as an R1 University. The university has nine schools and colleges offering over 150 academic programs and enrolling 35,000 degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students.

At CU Boulder, we believe in supporting each other and valuing everyone who is part of our community. Our values are expected of all Buffs and lead our actions in the classroom, on campus and in our community. At CU Boulder, we commit to building a more diverse and inclusive campus community. We value different backgrounds, identities and perspectives and believe that engagement with a wide range of ideas and viewpoints can help students learn and grow.

Police Operations - Patrol

• Promote public safety by preventing, detecting, and identifying criminal and suspicious activity, issuing summonses, making probable cause arrests and/or incarcerating offenders, completing arrest and search warrants for violations of federal, state, and municipal laws and traffic offenses.

Special Event and Contract Assignments

• Provide for orderly public events by maintaining crowd and traffic control and specialized enforcement at political rallies, demonstrations, concerts, and sporting events, as well as providing money guards and collaborating with other agencies for security for dignitaries.

Emergency and Citizen Responses

• Assist the public with non-criminal emergencies such as medical emergencies, fires, hazardous materials accidents, natural disasters, stranded motorist, and missing persons, as well as provide directions and information to the public.

Filing of Cases

• Submit criminal cases directly to federal, state, or municipal prosecuting attorneys, or university officials for filing of criminal charges or referrals for violation of university rules/regulation by writing detailed reports, affidavits for search warrants and other paper work as required, as well as preparing and delivering courtroom testimony.

Evidence Recognition, Preservation, Collection, and Submission

• Collect and preserve evidence by photographing, videotaping, and sketching crime scenes, collecting fluid specimens, hair and fiber samples, fingerprints, and other items of evidentiary value, while maintaining chain of custody requirements.

Interviewing and Interrogating

• Obtain accurate accounts of incidents by conducting interviews of victims, witnesses, complainants, and obtaining statements from suspects by conducting lawful and appropriate interrogations.

Proficiencies and Liability Reductions

• Limit person agency and institutional legal liability, by maintaining certified peace officer status through the State of Colorado and the city of Boulder, by maintaining strict proficiency in knowledge of laws, use of computer-based resources, crime scene processing methods, arrest control techniques, non-lethal weapons methods, and firearms skills through regular training sessions.

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police, Commander, or Sergeant. The Police Officer might also need to act independently and assume a duty not assigned by the position. These additional duties could include being the Department representative at campus meetings and groups, City of Boulder meetings, State Boards or a citizen ride along.

• This department operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Must be available to work various shifts when needed, including overnights, swing shifts, weekends, holidays, events etc.
• This position operates University vehicles and requires an active Drivers' License. This position is subject to a background investigation, including criminal, financial, and motor vehicle records background check; job suitability exam; polygraph; an Excluded Parties List System check; a review of a personal history statement; reference and employment checks; and a drug screen. Pre-placement physical and psychological evaluations are also required.
• This position is considered Essential Services and a Campus Security Authority.

The annual salary range is $76,197.14 - $105,497.

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of experience & education.
• Possession of current Colorado P.O.S.T. certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire if certification is from another state.
• At least one year of patrol law enforcement experience.
• Experience from other settings will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on job duties, training, and experience.

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to manage relationships in a way that promotes the best interest of all parties.
• Ability to de-escalate tense situations.
• Adapts well to changing priorities/situations.
• Possesses mental vigor and has the ability to sustain analytical thinking under pressure.
• Ability to evaluate courses of action, determine priorities, determine a course of action, and justify/defend their decisions.
• Acts with respect towards authority, while at the same time maintains integrity and strong ethical behavior.
• Possesses ability to evaluate courses of action, determine priorities, determine a course of action, and justify/defend their decisions.
• Demonstrates a willingness to take action, while maintaining a respect for human life.
• Demonstrates cultural competency.
• Demonstrates a willingness to grow.
• Willingness to meaningfully engage with the community.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• A current resume.
• A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by November 12, 2025, for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.