If you would like to view the current Union Contract, it is available from UVM's HR Partners.
Message from the Chief of Police
Message from the Chief of Police
Thank you for considering a career with the University of Vermont Police Services Department. I’m excited to share some of the incredible work we do and the vibrant community we serve.
UVM Police Services began in 1958. By the 1970s, officers were sworn police, and in 1992, we became a full-time agency through legislation, adopting the name UVM Police Services to reflect our core mission. We are the only police agency in Vermont based within a higher education institution. Our focus remains on building trust, as our exceptional staff operates as a performance team that collaborates with many on and off campus partners, working together on the myriad of issues impacting the safety and health of our community.
As Vermont’s longest-accredited law enforcement agency through CALEA (the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.), we adhere to nationally recognized standards for policies, procedures, and operations. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to professionalism, ensuring we provide the highest standards of service and accountability.
We work closely with our mutual aid partners across the region, including Burlington, South Burlington, and federal and state agencies, to ensure we are equipped to handle any situation, from UVM events like Commencement to large-scale emergencies in the Greater Burlington area. In a reciprocal relationship with our partners, we are accustomed to working together to provide critical incident assistance, direct traffic, assist with evacuations, or helping with large events. Our goal is always to strengthen public safety and enhance community health.
Our highly skilled team brings expertise in key areas, including Fair and Impartial Policing, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault investigations, Defensive Tactics, TASER, Pepperball, Firearms, Active Shooter Response, and First Aid/CPR. Many officers also hold specialized certifications in areas like Bike Patrol, Crash Reconstruction, and Hostage Negotiation. Additionally, our officer instructors collaborate with the Vermont Police Academy to train recruits for agencies across the state. Our focus on teamwork fosters expertise across multiple disciplines, ensuring we are ready to meet the challenges our community faces. If you’d like to learn more about our department or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via the contact information provided. We look forward to connecting with you soon.
Respectfully,
Tim Bilodeau
Chief of Police
[March 2025]
Quick UVM Statistics
The University of Vermont is home to 11,326 undergraduates, 912 graduate students, 483 medical students and 4,125 full- and part-time faculty. On-campus students live across four campuses in nine residential complexes with access to over a dozen dining facilities. The University of Vermont is approximately 460-acre campus in Burlington, VT (city population, 44,595; metro area population, 214,796).
Our department is a fully sworn police agency with statewide authority, whose primary role is to protect life and property within the University; enforce Federal, State and local laws and University policies; perform crime prevention, solution of crimes, apprehension of offenders; and maintain open communications with faculty, staff, students, and area law enforcement agencies.
Positions with UVM Police
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the minimum qualifications to apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a background check, physical fitness test, and medical screening are also required. College experience and community involvement are highly valued. Please see the Police Officer position posting for further description of the role and its requirements on uvmjobs.com.
Can I apply if I am already Level III certified in another state?
Absolutely! UVM Police Services collaborates with the Vermont Police Academy to evaluate the possibility of a waiver academy on a case-by-case basis.
What makes policing at UVM different from other agencies?
Policing on a university campus means working in a dynamic, community-centered environment. Our focus includes student wellness, harm reduction, education, and long-term problem solving. We often partner with campus departments like Residence Life, Counseling Services, and the Dean of Students Office to take a holistic approach to public safety.
What are the shifts like for UVM officers?
UVM Police operates 24/7/365, with officers working rotating shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays. The standard schedule is four 10-hour shifts followed by three days off. While shifts are structured, they’re designed to support a healthy work-life balance. Shift assignments are influenced by seniority through a bidding process. Additionally, our schedule aligns with the university’s academic calendar, which affects the types and frequency of calls throughout the year.
Are UVM Police Officers the same thing as public safety officers?
In short – no! All UVM officers are certified law enforcement professionals through the Vermont Criminal Justice Council. They complete the full Vermont Police Academy and ongoing state-mandated and department-specific training requirements, just like all municipal agencies and the state police.
Can I apply if I’ve used marijuana in the past?
Applicants must be marijuana-free for at least 6 months prior to the date of submitting their application.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, however, you must be legally eligible to possess a firearm under federal law. Additionally, applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Can I have tattoos or piercings?
UVM Police Officers are allowed to have tattoos and piercings, with some restrictions. Visible tattoos are not permitted on the neck, face, or hands—except for a single band tattoo on one finger, no wider than 3/8 of an inch. Facial piercings are not allowed while in uniform. Earrings may be worn but must be modest and not pose a safety risk.
Is there a deadline to apply to be a UVM Police Officer?
No, UVM Police Services accepts applications on a rolling basis, depending on position availability. However, the hiring team primarily seeks applications during two recruitment periods each year: January–June and July–December. These timelines align with the Vermont Police Academy’s February and August class start dates.
Will I be paid while attending the Vermont Police Academy?
Yes! UVM Police Officers receive their regular hourly wage throughout the 17-week Academy. Any hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour week are compensated with either overtime pay (time and a half) or compensatory time. Officers also accrue personal time off (PTO) and are considered full-benefited employees during their time at the Academy.
Are UVM Police Officers represented by a labor union?
Yes, all Sergeants, Corporals, Officers, Dispatchers, and Service Officers are represented by the labor union New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA). Along with university and department policies and procedures, there is a collective bargaining agreement between NEPBA and UVM which addresses terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.
What can I expect from Basic Training at the Vermont Police Academy?
The 17-week Basic Training Program at the Vermont Police Academy is a comprehensive, residential experience held Monday through Friday. Recruits return home on Friday afternoons and report back Sunday evenings. The academy provides the essential foundation for a successful career in law enforcement by combining structured police discipline, physical fitness, and academic instruction.
More than just training, the program helps recruits develop the skills necessary to effectively serve and support their communities. This includes fostering personal and team discipline, building a strong understanding of the laws officers are sworn to uphold, and enhancing community trust through effective communication and collaboration.
To successfully complete the program, recruits must maintain a minimum academic average of 70% and are allowed no more than four failures on graded assignments, practicals, or competencies.
For your convenience, you can also download a copy of the Hiring FAQs in PDF format.
Questions? If you’re interested in a career with UVM Police Services, contact our recruiting team at joinpd@uvm.edu or call us at (802) 656-2027.