The Student Officer in Training is WPI's paid training pathway to becoming a full-time Campus Police Officer.

Candidates selected for this program will be hired by WPI into a temporary, full-time, non-sworn position with the WPI Police Department and sponsored by WPI to attend the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Police Academy in Marlborough, MA. WPI will provide the required training pathway and pay Student Officers in Training $25 per hour on a full-time basis while they attend the academy and complete required departmental training.

Upon successful graduation from the police academy, the employee will transition directly into a full-time, sworn Campus Police Officer position with the WPI Police Department. At that time, compensation will increase to the Campus Police Officer starting rate under the WPI Campus Police union contract.

The anticipated training appointment runs from November 16, 2026, through graduation from the police academy on April 23, 2027. During this period, Student Officers in Training will attend the academy and complete required WPI Police Department training in preparation for their transition to the sworn Campus Police Officer role.

Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete the MPTC Recruit Officer Course, including all academic, physical fitness, firearms, and skills components, and meet all attendance and conduct requirements of the academy.
• Complete the WPI Police Department dispatch and field training programs.
• Assist WPI Police staff by performing safety and security inspections of campus buildings and grounds and backfilling the position of WPI Police Dispatcher.
• Provide public safety-related services, including escorts and lockout assistance, to members of and visitors to the WPI community.
• Render assistance to those in need and make referrals to campus resources as appropriate.
• Provide information to the public and community members while promoting positive relations between the department and the community.
• Respond to calls for police service in a support capacity.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze emergency situations and assist sworn officers in developing incident action plans.
• Conduct initial fact-gathering for emergency incidents and submit written reports, as required.
• Perform traffic control and parking enforcement.
• Report violations of University policies related to safety and security concerns.
• Collaborate with WPI community members to enhance public safety, with specific emphasis on crime prevention and awareness.
• Act as a Campus Security Authority pursuant to the Clery Act.
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Criminal Justice or a related field preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
• Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of appointment.
• Must be of good moral character and fit for employment in law enforcement.
• Must be eligible to obtain a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms prior to the firearms segment of the academy.
• Must be able to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Must be physically fit and able to pass the MPTC pre-entrance physical fitness assessment (Cooper standards) and successfully complete the academy.
• Must successfully complete an oral interview, a background investigation conducted by WPI Police, state and national criminal background checks, a CORI check, and a medical examination, including any examinations and drug testing required for academy admission.
• Must successfully complete a psychological evaluation meeting Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission standards upon conditional offer.
• Must be able to obtain POST certification and an SSPO warrant of appointment upon graduation from the academy.
• Must be able to work all hours and in varied weather conditions, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned. For any week of academy training that is less than 40 hours, the Student Officer in Training must report to the WPI Police Department to fulfill the 40-hour-per-week commitment.
• Must be able to maintain professionalism during periods of stress.
• Must be able to physically perform the essential functions of the position.

Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the police academy. Failure to successfully complete the academy will result in termination of the Student Officer in Training appointment.