The Division of Public Safety is looking for service-minded people to protect our community.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a rich experience with unique opportunities, and the Division of Public Safety takes that a step further.

We value, respect, and support all employees and emphasize the diverse ways that employees carry out and support the university’s mission. Join the over 31,000 faculty and staff along with the 59,000 students that make up the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Like and follow us on social media to be notified when jobs are posted and to receive other pertinent recruiting information from the Division of Public Safety.

The University of Illinois Police Department has a number of highly specialized units that work in different capacities throughout the community. These units are opportunities to build expertise in a certain area and diversify your work as a law enforcement official. Some of those opportunities include:

• Patrol
• Investigations
• K9 Unit
• Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST)
• Behavioral Health (REACH)
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal
• Bicycle Unit
• ATV Unit
• Motorcycle Unit
• Crime Scene Investigations
• Street Crimes Task Force
• METRO Unit (SWAT)

You can hear from some of the officers in these units.

The University of Illinois Police Department is now accepting applications from officers who already work at another law enforcement agency.

Lateral transfers must meet the same minimum qualifications as entry-level officers, with the added requirements that you must already be certified as a police officer in good standing at another agency and have a minimum of two years’ experience.

Working as a police officer at UIPD has many benefits over a traditional law enforcement agency. Here are just a few:

• Competitive pay. Lateral transfers are credited for their service time at another agency and come in at that pay level at UIPD. For example, if you’ve been a police officer at another agency for five years, you come in at the same pay level as officers with five years’ experience at UIPD.
• Exciting overtime opportunities. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is home to Big Ten athletics and hosts all kinds of popular shows and musicians at its campus theaters. You can experience these events on the court, on the field or behind the scenes — and get paid to do it.
• Flexible scheduling. UIPD officers sign up for shifts every six months. They work a 10-hour shift, have 3-4 days off per week and rotating weekends.
• Paid workout time. UIPD recognizes that physical fitness is an important part of an officer’s ability to keep the community safe. That’s why we allow every officer up to three hours per week of paid, on-shift workout time.
• Uniform allowance. The department gives its officers an annual allowance (typically more than $1,000) to make sure they are well equipped and properly dressed for their jobs.
• In-house mental health services. Just like physical fitness, mental wellness is the foundation to allow officers to stay motivated, think clearly in rapidly-evolving situations, and make good decisions for the safety of the community. UIPD employs a licensed clinical social worker who is available to speak with officers in a safe and confidential manner to promote good mental health.
• Work with the community. UIPD puts emphasis on its community outreach work, and there are a lot of opportunities to get involved. If you are someone who likes to interact with community members and support young adults as they advance their education, then UIPD is the place for you.
• Tuition benefits. Employees at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are eligible for a 100% tuition waiver at any state university, making it a perfect option for professionals looking to continue their education or earn an advanced degree. Employees with seven years of service earn a 50% tuition waiver for their children.
• World-class campus. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a renowned research institution in a “microurban” community that consistently ranks among the nation’s best college towns. A great place to raise a family.

Submitting your information here will get you on our contact list for when we have open positions and are conducting interviews. You will be informed of next steps soon after submitting this application.

We hire on an as-needed basis throughout the year with no set schedule. Unfortunately, we cannot always predict the next time we’ll be hiring, but submitting this form will guarantee that you’ll be notified.

The University of Illinois Police Department is part of the Division of Public Safety. The Division has 74 sworn police officers at full staffing, and 65 full-time, non-sworn staff. It responds to over 21,000 calls for service annually.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus serves more than 59,000 students, plus another 31,000 full-time staff and faculty. The University of Illinois Police Department also serves the Champaign-Urbana community and its 127,000 residents.

One of the most compelling reasons to work at UIPD is the diversity of work that happens within the department and the opportunities for advancement, including:

• Patrol
• Investigations
• K9 Unit
• Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST)
• Behavioral Health (REACH)
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal
• Bicycle Unit
• ATV Unit
• Motorcycle Unit
• Crime Scene Investigations
• Street Crimes Task Force
• METRO Unit (SWAT)

You can hear from some of the officers in these units.

Lateral transfers come in at a pay level based on their service time at another law enforcement agency.

Hourly rates as of Jan. 8, 2025:

• 2-4 years: $39.76
• 4-7 years: $45.84
• 7-10 years: $46.87
• 10-15 years: $49.37
• 15-20 years: $51.04
• 20-25 years: $52.21
• 25-30 years: $53.00
• 30+ years: $54.33

On top of that, officers can anticipate approximately $10,000 to $15,000 annually in overtime.

Division of Public Safety community service officers respond to calls for service that do not involve crimes in progress or immediate threats to physical safety.

Community Service Officers identify problem areas and opportunities, develop creative solutions to safety issues and develop relationships with campus staff and faculty in order to create a safe environment where research, academics and public service can flourish. The Division of Public Safety takes pride in being a leader in community-based, progressive approaches toward safety. The Division supports its staff and encourages them to introduce creative and innovative ways to promote public safety, engage the community and be a leader on campus.

The Division of Public Safety maintains high expectations of its Community Service Officers. As a staff member, you will boast a unique experience as well as unique challenges working with a diverse student and staff population and members of the Champaign-Urbana community. With a job that keeps you motivated, you will find yourself feeling rewarded every day you come to work.

Community Service Officers keep campus safe by patrolling residential areas, recreational facilities, and more.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a world-class institution of higher education, and our campus home to more than 60,000 students, faculty and staff. From our athletic facilities, to our laboratories and student residences, Illinois takes pride in its premier campus grounds. And they need protection.

That is where our Community Service Officers come in. Guards at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign work day shift and second shift hours and enjoy a great deal of flexibility and independence in their roles safeguarding campus. You will receive all training necessary to do your job and work closely with university police officers to maintain a peaceful campus setting.

One of the great benefits of working for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign includes a full tuition waiver for yourself at any state university if you wish to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree. Employees with at least seven years of service receive a 50% tuition waiver for their children at participating state institutions, making this a great opportunity for young families planning for the future.

Additionally, the Champaign-Urbana metro area has a population of around 127,000 and enjoys a vibrant setting with many entertainment and recreational options for both young professionals and families. Whether on the clock or not, you will feel at home in our community. Community Service Officers are well compensated for their work.

As university employees, CSO’s receive a competitive salary and a strong benefits package, including:

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule with two consecutive days off per week
• Additional paid time off
• Health, life, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
• Pension through State Universities Retirement System
• Supplementary tax-deferred retirement plans

Tuition waiver

Employees receive a 100% tuition waiver for themselves at any state school in Illinois, a great benefit for those looking to continue their education. Employees with seven years of service receive a 50% tuition waiver for their children at any state university, making the Division of Public Safety the perfect choice for young families.