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Officer Recruitment

Begin Your Career as a Southern University at New Orleans Police Officer

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of our team! Be a part of one of the nation’s premier campus law enforcement agencies at SUNOPD. We think you'll find our department to be progressive, community-oriented, and focused on excellence.  We are excited to announce a $5,000 one-time incentive payment for entry-level Police Officers. 

SUNOPD is an internationally accredited law enforcement agency. Our goal is that with the help of the students, parents, faculty, staff, and community, we can create a productive and safe environment for everyone to learn and grow. SUNOPD's philosophy of community engagement embodies the importance of cooperation, education, and police-community member partnerships.

SUNOPD is a full-service law enforcement agency staffed by professional, highly trained, commissioned police officers 24 hours a day. Our goal is to provide a safe, secure, enjoyable, and fulfilling university experience and to further improve conditions in and around Southern University at New Orleans.

Is SUNOPD currently hiring?

Current vacancies can be found on the Louisiana Department of State Civil Service.  If no vacancies are shown on the website, the department will gladly accept the applicant's resume for employment for Police Officer positions in anticipation of future hiring needs. This is not an application, but you will be personally notified when the next vacancy is open.

Applicants must have Civil Service test scores for the 2100 - Protective Services Exam in order to be considered for this vacancy unless exempted by Civil Service rule or policy.  If you do not have a score prior to applying to this posting, it may result in your application not being considered. 

Applicants without a current test score can apply to take the test here.

This test is used for entry-level through intermediate-level protective service jobs in state government.

For PSE sample test questions, click here.

Salary & Benefits

PS-107 Police Officer 1A 
$38,646.40/yearly
*$46,146.40/After 1st Yr.
PS-108 Police Officer 2A
$41,350.40/yearly
 *$48,850.40/After 1st Yr.
PS-109 Police Officer 3A 
$44,241.60/yearly
 *$51,741.60/After 1st Yr.

*Salary is commensurate with the applicant’s competencies as well as budget, equity, and market considerations.

*Officers receive $7,500/year supplemental pay from the Louisiana Office of Supplemental Pay after one year of service. Also from the Louisiana Office of Supplemental Pay, newly hired law enforcement officers (LEOs) hired after June 30, 2023, and who have never worked as a law enforcement officer before are eligible for a $5,000 one-time incentive payment.

Southern University at New Orleans offers competitive benefits that prioritize safety, health, and wellness for our employees. Employees have access to the following benefits:

  • Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance options
  • Long-Term Disability Plan
  • State of Louisiana LASERS state pension program
  • Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) with employer match
  • Paid Louisiana State Holidays; and paid Annual and Sick Leave
  • Tuition waiver program for studies to attend any undergraduate or graduate school Program within the Southern University System, along with opportunities for professional development and career advancement
  • Dependent / Spouse Tuition Waiver
  • Eligible for the Federal Student Aid Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Minimum Qualifications

Police Officer 1A:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Must have attained eighteenth birthday at the time of application.
  • An applicant who has been convicted of a felony, or who is under indictment on a felony charge, will be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.
  • Will be required to possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license at the time of appointment.
  • Will be required to complete a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) course.
  • For some positions, evidence of POST certification must be submitted at the time of application.
  • Will be required to qualify annually with a firearm.
Police Officer 2A: 
  • All criteria for Police Officer 1A, plus: 
  • One year of experience in law enforcement or Military Police in the Armed Forces. 
  • College credits may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of thirty semester hours for one year of experience. 
Police Officer 3A:
  • All criteria for Police Officer 1A, plus:
  • Two years of experience in law enforcement or Military Police in the Armed Forces. 
  • College credits may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of thirty semester hours for one year of experience. 

Required Qualifications

Police Officer 1A

No specialized experience or training is required.

Police Officer 2A

One year of experience in law enforcement is required.

Police Officer 3A

Two years of experience in law enforcement is required.

All applicants must possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license and must have attained their eighteenth birthday at the time of application. An applicant who has been convicted of a felony, or who is under indictment on a felony charge, will be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.

Special requirements: Willingness and ability to perform physically strenuous activities relative to the nature of law enforcement.

NOTE: An offer of employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment background check, psychological test, and drug test.

Please call 504-286-5290 for specific questions about available opportunities within the SUNO Police Department.

The SUNO Police Department serves Southern University at New Orleans by providing effective and professional public safety services to the university community. At various times during the year, the Department seeks applicants who are interested in a career in law enforcement

Applicant Process

Step 1: Entrance Exam

The Protective Services Exam (PSE - series 2100) is a pass/fail exam. Results are emailed within 72 hours of taking the exam. You can only take this exam every 90 days. Your passing score is valid for two years.

More information for testing locations, days, and times may be found at https://jobs.civilservice.louisiana.gov/TestInformation/TestLocations.aspx

To register to take the PSE - series 2100, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana/jobs/3147666/2100-protective-services-exam-pse.

Step 2: Job posted on the Louisiana Department of State Civil Service Website

Applicant must submit an application through the Louisiana Department of State Civil Service website with a passing civil service exam score. Applicants can check the Louisiana Department of State Civil Service website for job postings at Louisiana Jobs.

Step 3: Oral Interview

Oral interview applicants will receive a phone call or email informing them of their scheduled date for appearance before an oral interview board.

Step 4: Background and Reference Check

A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants. This phase does not require any action by the applicant. SUNO Police Department staff will investigate each applicant’s criminal, and driving history. The applicant’s former employers, neighbors, and family may be interviewed. Each applicant must sign a waiver permitting SUNO Officers to conduct a background check.

Required Documents for Background Investigations:

  • Proof of Valid Driver’s License (must possess a valid LA driver’s license prior to hiring)
  • Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Social Security Card
  • High School Diploma or GED Certificate
  • Sealed College Transcripts
  • Department of Defense Form 214 (Military Discharge) stating “character of service”, if applicable
Step 5: Selection of Candidates

Upon completion of the applicant process, applicant information will be assembled in a candidate pool. This information will be reviewed for available positions by members of the selection board. Candidates will then be selected in a non-discriminatory manner.

Step 6: Interviews of Applicant’s References

The applicant’s friends, family, employers, and neighbors may be visited and interviewed by SUNO Police Department Officers to gather more information about the applicant.

Step 7: Conditional Offer of Employment

Selected applicants will be offered conditional employment pending final review by the Hiring Committee and successful completion of step 9.

Step 8: Medical Examination, & Drug Test

Candidates will be required to report for a medical exam and drug test. 

Step 9: Final Offer of Employment

Selected applicants will be contacted with a final offer of employment.

Step 10: Start of Employment

All applicants who accept the final offer of employment will receive information regarding the initiation of employment.

Police Officer Duties

Police officers protect the lives and property of citizens. An SUNO Police Officer’s duties and responsibilities can vary from day to day. These duties and responsibilities can often range from highly dangerous and highly physical work to paperwork or desk tasks. Whatever the assignment may be, a police officer is expected to carry out the commands of his supervisors and to enforce the law ethically in the area under his/her jurisdiction.

Duties Include:
Patrol

SUNO Police Officers patrol assigned areas on foot, bicycles, or motor vehicles to control traffic, prevent or deter crime, arrest violators, and issue warnings or citations when violations of the law are observed. Patrolling provides a police presence which can deter crime and make people feel safer.

Working with the Community

Community Policing is a collaborative effort between the SUNO Police Department and the community that identifies problems of crime and disorder and involves all elements of the community in the search for solutions to these problems. It is founded on close, mutually beneficial ties between SUNOPD and community members.

Victim Assistance

One of the most important duties of SUNOPD is victim assistance. It is an SUNO Police Officer’s duty to patrol with a view toward prevention; however, providing victim assistance is another duty. This means providing comfort and an escort to a safe place. The officer should also know the protocol for psychological and legal support.

Policy Enforcement

SUNO Police Officers enforce Louisiana State Laws, the City of New Orleans Ordinances, and Southern University at New Orleans Policies, Regulations, and Rules on all university property, including residence halls. Anyone caught in violation of these laws or policies is subject to disciplinary action and/or arrest by law enforcement personnel.

Cite, Reprimand & Arrest

Cite or reprimand individuals who have broken the law. This can involve writing tickets or apprehending people and taking them to jail. Apprehending and arresting people can be dangerous and could involve chases, violence, and weapons. SUNO Police Officers may also be asked to escort prisoners to jail.

Control Crowds & Traffic

After an automobile accident, SUNO Police Officers may assume control of traffic. For events with large crowds, such as athletic or other university events, SUNO Police Officers help to maintain order and provide a security presence to deter or top illegal activities.

Investigate

SUNO Police Officers investigate all types of crimes and accidents, perform follow-up duties on crimes/accidents as directed by their supervisors; interview suspects and witnesses; and collect evidence.

Record Keeping

Officers write crime reports and daily activity reports of disturbances, accidents, crimes, and tickets issued in the prescribed format. These reports are required for record-keeping and may be used by local, state, and federal agencies.

First Aid

SUNO Police Officers may have to administer basic first aid and will also have to call in medical and fire personnel when more extensive medical attention or emergency response is necessary.

Respond to Calls

Responds to emergency alarms and dispatched calls that require police assistance. This could be a crime tip or a call to the police dispatcher. SUNO Police Officers respond in the manner necessary, including multiple police officers going to the scene of the crime or special forces being brought in for a dangerous situation.

Testify

SUNO Police Officers testify in court in response to subpoenas as a witness and/or reporting officers to crime.

 

Please contact us at 504-286-5291 if you have any additional questions!
"Southern University at New Orleans is an Equal Opportunity Employer"