Expectations of Police Officers

The UCLA Police Department is a professional organization providing quality public safety services and innovative programs to serve our University community. We accomplish this by employing highly trained staff, equipped with modern technology. Our team is guided by the philosophies of outstanding customer service and community policing. Our greatest asset is our personnel; our greatest strength is our partnership with the community.

The UCLA Police Department has a vision of being a preeminent law enforcement organization that serves a multi-cultural, educational environment of over 75,000 faculty, students, staff, patients and visitors. It is a part of the statewide University of California Police system of 410 sworn personnel.

We take pride in our cultural and ethnic diversity and we strive to employ a broad cross-section of the community. The department employs approximately 64 sworn Police Officers, 46 civilians and 130 students.

Being a Police Officer is a job that comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility and willingness to be part of a team. The UCLA Police Department takes the selection process very seriously. The process requires a commitment to the department, to the community and to yourself.

Police Officers are expected to perform law enforcement duties including: foot, bicycle and vehicle patrol of University of California properties (campus, medical centers, university housing, Westwood properties and nearby residential areas), investigate and prepare preliminary investigation reports, issue citations, make arrests, assist in the prosecution of violators of law, provide crime prevention information and serve as a proactive resource to a uniquely diverse community. Officers may work as part of a security detail with other law enforcement agencies at University and athletic events.

Officers have the opportunity to participate in a number of assignments such as the following specialty assignments: University North Housing Lead Officer, University South Housing Lead Officer, Ronald Reagan Medical Center Lead Officer, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center Lead Officer, Traffic Investigator, Field Training Officer, Motor Officer, Bike Officer, Range Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Crime Prevention Officer, Background Investigator and Detective.

Police Officers meeting the requirements can also participate in the selection process for Police Sergeant. Police Sergeants meeting the requirements can participate in the selection process for Police Lieutenant