USC’s Department of Public Safety is one of the largest campus law enforcement departments in the United States employing more than 300 full-time staff and 30 students through a variety of enforcement, prevention, and educational programs. We are committed to providing the highest level of professional public service to the wide range of ethnic and culturally diverse groups that make up USC. The Department of Public Safety is looking for the best and brightest individuals – those who have the aptitude and sense of commitment — those who want to help their community, and who want to make a difference.
Career Opportunities
The Department of Public Safety offers the following career opportunities:
- Community Service Officer I and II
- Surveillance Operations Monitor
- Public Safety Communications Operator (Dispatcher)
- Public Safety Officer Trainee
- Public Safety Officer I
Public Safety Officer Trainee:
A non-sworn, probationary position and attends police academy training to learn practices, procedures, and techniques of law enforcement, crime prevention, community relations, first aid, physical conditioning and weapons handling. Trainees must successfully pass all phases of training to advance to a Public Safety Officer I position.
Public Safety Officer I:
PSOs investigate crimes, makes arrests, patrol communities to make them safer, works with the community to solve problems and provide general police services. PSOs carry a firearm and have peace officer “powers of arrest” authority pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LAPD while on-duty. Minimum requirements include:
- Completed California POST certified Level I Academy (modules A, B, and C), or equivalent out of state training, or have one (1) year experience as a USC Community Service Officer (CSO) and meet the POST or equivalency requirement
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid California Class C Driver’s license and clean driving record
- State of California Patrol Persons and Firearms permits
Selection process for PSO Trainee and PSO I:
1. Written Exam
2. Interview
3. Psychological Evaluation
4. Medical Exam
5. HireRight Background Screening
Community Service Officers (CSOs):
CSOs complement the services provided by the Public Safety Officers. The unarmed CSOs are trained as peace officers and provide security services to the campuses and surrounding community, including the university-owned residential complexes and monitoring card-key access and closed-circuit TV systems. Other duties include patrolling the University Bookstore, University Village and the USC University Hospital and Norris Cancer Hospital on the Health Sciences campus. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, 0-6 months experience, valid California Class C Driver’s License, clean driving record and guard card.
Surveillance Operations Monitors (SOMs)
SOMs perform multiple functions in the Communications Center, utilizing various security systems technology to deter crime and to assist the Department of Public Safety in providing safety and protecting the property at the university. SSOs monitor Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) digital recording programs, vehicle tracking technology, access control system, as well as fire, life, and intrusion alarms. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, 2 years related experience and knowledge of Closed Circuit Television systems (CCTV) and alarm monitoring.
Public Safety Communications Operators (PSCOs)
PSCOs dispatch to appropriate units in response to calls for emergency and non-emergency services from students, faculty, staff, and guests. PSCOs serve as vital links between the service community, Public Safety personnel, and other services available at the university and in the surrounding community. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, 6-12 months related experience, and ability to type 30 net words per minute.
Selection process for CSOs, SOMs and PSCOs:
1. Written Exam
2. Interview
3. Psychological Evaluation
4. Medical Exam
5. HireRight Background Screening
How To Apply
Join the Department of Public Safety team! There are numerous ways to help DPS do its job. Explore our open positions to find out how you can make a difference at the University of Southern California and the surrounding community. Please visit the USC Career Website and follow these steps:
- Click on “Search all jobs.”
- In the “Department” drop-down menu, select Department of Public Safety. You may also search by keyword “public safety.” If you do not find the department name or public safety jobs listed, please see “Sign up for Job Alerts” section below.
- Click on the job title to read the job posting and requirements.
- Click “Apply” to complete the online application and attach a resume.
Sign up for Job Alerts
If you do not find the department name or public safety jobs listed, we are not currently accepting applications however, we post new jobs frequently. If you would like to be notified by email whenever new jobs become available, you can sign up to receive job alerts. We’ll then send you an email with any new jobs that match your search criteria. To sign up for job alerts, please follow these steps:
- Go to the USC Career Website.
- Scroll down to the “Sign up to receive job alerts” section.
- Enter your contact information and add all job categories with “public safety.”
- Click “Sign Up” and you will see a message with “Your subscription was submitted successfully.”
