The University Police Department rests in Pride Hall on campus. Those who fill the newly vacant officer positions will make this building their home away from home.  The Lion's Roar/ Cyprien Campeaux

The University Police Department is looking to fill positions within the department. 

Five police officer positions and one police dispatcher position have recently become vacant. The department has been making changes in their operations, structure and strategic plans. They have also welcomed a new Director of University Police Harold Todd. They believe these changes will help them better serve the community. 

There are several qualifications for those wishing to apply.

“Candidates for police officer positions must have an active passing score on the Louisiana State Civil Service exam, at least one year of experience as a law enforcement officer or 30 hours of college credit and must follow the application submission process through the Human Resources Office,” said Police Lieutenant and Patrol Supervisor Patrick Gipson. 

Potential employees must be outgoing, service-oriented candidates with a combination of experience and education that will help them be engaging, understanding and responsive in the community. 

Members of the department stay busy, and according to the Southeastern Police Department page, they are “on-duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays, university closures, natural disasters and any other time when the remainder of the university is closed.”

Within a year, all officers must be certified according to the Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council’s requirements. 

“This requires the successful completion of an accredited police academy,” said Gipson. “Some candidates with prior law enforcement experience will have already completed this requirement before applying to Southeastern.  Others will have to attend the academy after they are hired.  After completing the academy, all officers must then complete an additional Field Training Program before they are released to full, independent duty.” 

Those wishing to apply for the officer positions must perform a multitude of law enforcement duties. 

“They are responsible for answering calls for assistance, protecting life and property, presenting crime prevention and safety programs, writing detailed reports about incidents and conducting follow-up investigations,” said Gipson. “As sworn law enforcement officers, they are vested with powers of arrest, are trained in CPR and first aid and are armed.” 

Those wishing to apply for the police radio dispatcher position will serve as the operator for the campus’ version of a 911-call center. 

“They receive, process and transmit emergency and other information and instructions by radio, phone, computer and teletype,” said Gipson. 

All applicants for the University Police Department will be subjected to a full background check and drug test prior to employment. 

Anyone wishing to know more information about the positions can contact the University Police Department at 985-549-3835 or at [email protected].