SEPTA Transit Police Officer (0007) - 1234 Market

OVERALL DESCRIPTION:

Since 1981, the SEPTA Transit Police Department has been dedicated to keeping customers safe and secure, while protecting SEPTA property and staff.

SEPTA Transit Police Officers are responsible for policing the entire regional SEPTA system, covering an area of five Pennsylvania counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia) and three states (Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania).

Nearly 220+ officers serve and protect within the 2,200 square-mile SEPTA service area. There are three patrol districts, allowing officers to easily respond to emergencies while empowering them to quickly make decisions and address local issues.

The SEPTA Transit Police Department extends beyond the regular beat with units of specially trained officers. These units receive an additional level of training and provide specialized support in policing a public transit system.

OVERVIEW TRANSIT POLICE OFFICER:

Join the SEPTA Transit Police Department

SEPTA’s Recruitment Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Transit Police Officer

for the next Police Academy class starting January, 2026

Salary range: Starting rate in Police Academy (as of 8/31/25) $64,529 - increases to $71,243 after graduation. Future increases up to $85k+.

SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILTIES:

1. Enforces rules or regulations. 


2. Interviews witnesses to obtain information about incidents.


3. Prepares investigation or incident reports.


4. Patrols properties to maintain safety. 


5. Maintains surveillance of individuals or establishments, records information about suspicious objects. 


6. Apprehends criminal suspects. 


7. Collaborates with other law enforcement while responding to incidents. 


8. Investigates illegal or suspicious activities. 


9. Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.


10. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• *Be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen. 


• *Must possess a high school diploma or GED, 


• *Must possess a valid driver's license. 


• *Must pass the Pennsylvania State (MPOETC) physical fitness requirements


• Click on or copy the following link into your address bar to find the specific physical fitness requirements for your age and gender:  Transit Police Officer Physical Requirements 


• Prior to undergoing formal officer training, recruits are required to pass a reading exam, medical screening, physical agility test, polygraph and psychological exams.


• Assuming recruits meet these qualifications, they will receive academy training at a program certified by the Municipal Police Officer's Education and Training Commission alongside their municipal counterparts. Upon completion of this training, they will attend in-service training and orientation. Officers will also attend an additional 40 hours of training annually to retain their certification

SEPTA BENEFITS:

SEPTA provides outstanding benefit and retirement programs: 

Medical Benefits – Current HMO annual premium contribution = 2.5% of 40-hour hourly rate

These plans have no employee annual premium contribution:

• Prescription Benefits Program


• Dental Benefits  


• Vision Benefits

Additional benefits we offer:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan


• Voluntary Governmental 457B Deferred Comp Plan 


• Life Insurance


• Tuition Reimbursement


• SEPTA employment also qualifies for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program


• SEPTA Transportation Pass – FREE travel on all SEPTA modes of transportation


• Tremendous training opportunities

TRANSIT POLICE OFFICER COMPENSATION:

SEPTA Police Officers’ salaries on the level of Police Departments throughout the Philadelphia region.

• $64,529 annually (as of 8/31/25) - Starting rate for six months at the Police Academy


• $71,243 annually - After academy to 12 months of service


• $81,091 annually - 13 to 24 months of service


• $85,191 annually - After 24 months of service

• Officers with previous service in other Police Departments, will receive up to 3 years of service credit. 


• There are no residency requirements for SEPTA Police Officers.