NEPBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (November 7, 2025 through June 30, 2029)
Message from the Chief of Police
Message from the Chief of Police
Thank you for visiting the University of Vermont Police Services website. We appreciate your interest in learning more about our department and potential opportunities to join our team. Our foremost priority is ensuring the safety of all individuals on campus, which we achieve through robust partnerships throughout the university community.
Serving as Chief of Police at the University of Vermont is both an honor and a privilege. Since 1989, I have worked closely with members of our campus community, gaining extensive experience by serving in nearly every role within our agency. This experience has strengthened my commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all.
Established as a full-time agency in 1992 through state legislation, the University of Vermont Police Services is one of the few Vermont law enforcement agencies accredited by CALEA (the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.), demonstrating adherence to national standards and a commitment to professional excellence.
University of Vermont Police Services collaborates with mutual aid partners throughout Vermont, including Burlington, South Burlington, and various state and federal agencies, to maintain operational readiness. Staff members also support partner agencies as required by these agreements.
Our team comprises individuals with professional backgrounds in social services, law enforcement, and the military. Many staff members have prior law enforcement experience across various jurisdictions, including states and towns, providing insight into diverse community needs and policing strategies. Others have served in school districts as teachers, equipping them with strong skills in communication, conflict resolution, and student support. This diversity of experience enriches our department. Our UVM Police Officers also regularly instruct at the Vermont Police Academy on a variety of topics and provide the same training to neighboring agencies.
Those who join our department find meaningful work, strong support, and opportunities for professional growth. Our work is grounded in respect, professionalism, and community‑centered policing.
The University of Vermont Police is committed to exemplary service and values collaboration with our community partners. If you are seeking a meaningful career, please review our current job openings. We welcome your interest and invite you to contact us for additional information.
Respectfully,
Jim Phelps
Chief of Police
[March 2026]
Quick UVM Statistics
The University of Vermont is home to 11,000 undergraduates, 1,700 graduate and medical students, and 1,700 faculty members. On‑campus students live across four residential campuses in more than 40 residence halls, with access to over fifteen dining locations across UVM’s campus. The University of Vermont spans approximately 460 acres in Burlington, VT (city population ~44,000; metro area population ~227,000).
Our department is a fully sworn police agency with statewide authority. We protect life and property within the University; enforce federal, state, and local laws and University policies; prevent and investigate crime; apprehend offenders; and maintain open communication 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.