Sworn Police Officer Hiring Information

Those applying for sworn police officer positions with the department should please thoroughly review the information provided below related to MPOETC/Act 120 Certification requirements and a summary of the department's Uniform and Appearance Policy.

Any questions related to these items may be forwarded to
upps-hiring@psu.edu.

Learn more about the overall Police Officer hiring process and employee benefits package.

MPOETC/Act 120 Certification

At the time of application, candidates must be currently Act 120 certified, be currently enrolled in a Pennsylvania MPOETC Act 120 police academy, or have the ability to obtain Pennsylvania MPOETC Act 120 certification during the hiring process (this applies to out-of-state waiver and reinstatement). Please visit the MPOETC website to learn more about certification. If you have an out-of-state certification, it must transfer to Pennsylvania and this department (transfers must be applied for through MPOETC or the candidate will have to attend a MPOETC Police Training academy).

Please indicate on your application materials your status regarding Act 120 certification.

Uniform and Appearance Policy

Because of the significant impact that an employee’s appearance has upon the public’s impression of the Department, standards for employee appearance and uniform specifications have been established, which include the following guidance. Please note this information is not exhaustive of the full Employee Uniform and Appearance Standards Policy, but instead provides an overview of major pieces of that policy.

Employee Appearance

• Officers, while in uniform, will keep hair well-groomed and above the collar.
• The face will be clean-shaven each on-duty day, unless the employee has facial hair as authorized by policy (e.g. mustache, short beard, etc.)
• Officers while in uniform will not wear visible body piercings or jewelry (except watches and wedding rings)
• Make-up, if worn, will be conservative, subdued and professional in appearance.
• Fingernails will be neatly trimmed, no longer than one-quarter (1/4) inch past the tips of the fingers, naturally shaped, and free of any ornament(s) beyond fingernail polish.
• Clothing is to be clean, neat, and pressed.
• Tattoo, body art, or brands that are inconsistent, incompatible, or in conflict with the values established by this department are prohibited. Any visible tattoos, body art, or brands on the face, head, or neck above the shirt are prohibited. 
• Sunglasses may not have reflective mirror lenses.

Uniform Specifications

• Uniforms will be clean, neat and wrinkle-free.
• Footwear will be black and consist of shined boots, low quarter oxford shoes or mid to low quarter athletic boots/shoes of a type intended for police uniform footwear with black socks.
• Officers may wear long or short sleeved shirts. Police officer wearing a long sleeve uniform shirt will wear either a clip-on tie or mock turtleneck or dickie.
• All employees will display their name on their uniform shirt.
• All employees issued a badge will wear it on the outermost garment