Community Service Officer Program

Apply to be a CSO with University Police! UPD offers a continuous recruitment open to students of all majors with work-study eligibility. At least one year commitment preferred. Bring the completed CSO Application (PDF) to UPD at any time.

Community Service Officers (CSOs) are student employees of the University Police Department, hired to provide community services to our campus and to provide support services to the Police Department.

Assignments include parking enforcement, bike patrol, campus lock-up, the Campus Connection shuttle service, bike registration, and Live Scan fingerprinting.

• Enrollment in CSU, Chico as a student. 
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
• Completion of a CSO Employment Application (PDF).
• Preference will be given to those applicants with prior law enforcement experience or those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
• All candidates must pass a thorough background investigation, but prior criminal convictions and drug use do not necessarily prohibit employment. Each case will be considered separately. Failure to disclose relevant information will result in termination.

Community Service Officers receive ongoing training from Field Training Officers and other CSU, Chico Police Department personnel.

Community Service Officers obtain valuable training, references, contacts, and work experiences that will benefit them in the future, whether they pursue careers in law enforcement or not.

The CSU, Chico Police Department recognizes that Community Service Officers are students first, and employees second. Because we recognize the importance of their education, we schedule their shifts around their class schedules. We offer shifts in the evenings, on weekdays as well as on weekends. 

Our former CSOs are close by in our allied agencies and make other agencies better for hiring them. They had this to say about their experience in our CSO program:

“I spent three and a half years in the CSO program and during that time I learned many skills and lessons that have shaped where I am today and where I am going tomorrow. Working at UPD allowed me to learn the culture of law enforcement, which has allowed me to connect with officers and made me more effective at my job. . . . [It] gave me the tools and support to take on projects, and these experiences expanded my knowledge and responsibility in ways that most college students will never have the opportunity to do. The CSO program gives back tenfold what is put in. While it is not an easy job, it is a very rewarding one.”

"Working as a CSO for UPD has enhanced my knowledge immensely. Since the beginning of my employment, I have always considered my job a privilege. Being able to provide various services to my community was always very fulfilling. In the time of my employment I was able to make strong connections with my community on and off campus. These connections worked in sync with my BA in Criminal Justice and will help aid my future tremendously.“

“I am thankful I had the opportunity to work with UPD. I am involved in many extracurricular activities and appreciate how helpful UPD has been in working around my schedule. UPD welcomed me with open arms and gave me an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with the campus community. I truly appreciate the services UPD has to offer students, faculty, and staff."

If you are interested in joining our team, fill out an application and drop it off on campus at the University Police Department at the corner of W. 2nd and Chestnut Streets.