Police Sergeant

This position is responsible for all aspects of the supervision of patrol officers. The position supervises and trains line officers and administers programs for police officers and associated staff to ensure safety and security on all institutional properties. Enforces laws, investigates complaints and incidents, maintains order, identifies criminal activity, and apprehends and arrests offenders.

A primary responsibility of the Police Sergeant is to supervise and lead subordinate police and security personnel (Community Service Officers) assigned to a shift, work unit, or special event. Among the duties of a Police Sergeant are the following: conduct daily briefings; schedule work and oversee the activity of officers; plan training; train and evaluate officers; approve payroll for employees; act to preserve order during times of crisis; effectively plan day-to-day work and long-term projects; assist the department in maintaining a well-trained, well-equipped work force; educate the public regarding security, safety, and crime prevention issues; foster trust and communication with the public, the University community, and other agencies; collect data, document, report, investigate, and analyze crime; demonstrate the use of creativity and formal problem-solving methods; protect life and property; safeguard the rights and dignity of individuals; deal ethically with the public and other department employees; delegate authority; investigate and resolve complaints about department services; and serve as a trainer.

The Police Sergeant must frequently perform the same tasks as subordinates. During the University's non-business hours the Police Sergeant is often the highest ranking law enforcement official on campus and is expected to make most decisions without consulting a higher authority. Due to the decision-making nature of the job, the Police Sergeant must be prepared to give immediate assistance to the public by making decisions for the University that may be only vaguely related to law enforcement. The Police Sergeant is under the general supervision of a Police Lieutenant.

Lateral Transfer:
Applicants with previous certified sworn law enforcement experience may qualify for lateral transfer, progressing to the pay step that coincides with 75% of their recognized experience.

Recruitment Bonus:
Police Sergeants may be eligible for a recruitment bonus!

A sign-on bonus of $1,000 will be awarded to eligible employees on the first regularly scheduled paycheck.
A bonus of $2,500 will be awarded to eligible employees after successful completion of the new hire probationary period.

Competitive Benefits:
UW Oshkosh provides a competitive benefits package for all benefit-eligible positions. Click here for more details.

30% A. Supervision of Police Personnel

1. Evaluate ongoing performance of employees.

2. Create written evaluations and set goals for employees on an annual basis.

3. Recommend training for employees.

4. Implement department policy and procedure and train employees on the same.

5. Give guidance to employees on elements of crimes and assist them in making charging decisions.

6. Review and approved completed reports.

7. Be aware of any acts or claims of harassment involving employees and refer to proper management personnel.

8. Identify strengths and weaknesses of police personnel and provide them with coaching/counseling and growth opportunities to help them excel.

9. Lead and direct subordinate employees in proactive community policing strategies.

10. Conduct training and performance improvement programs for subordinates, recruits, and officers from other departments.

11. Be aware of changing traffic and crime trends and develop long and short-term programs to deal with such. Direct police and/or security officers in the delivery of these programs.

25% B. Direct Field Supervision and Guidance of Subordinates

1. Coordinate criminal investigations and scene management during investigations.

2. Handle and prepare correspondence, operational reports, summaries, and recommendations.

3. Administer corrective and/or disciplinary action. Serve as intermediary between line personnel and management.

4. Maintain competence in essential police skills such as firearms, CPR, communications, defense and arrest tactics, alcohol enforcement, emergency vehicle operations, crime prevention, field training, criminal investigations, emergency response, and use of all police equipment. Provide training and guidance in these skills.

5. Maintain competence in law enforcement and community policing skills.

6. Assist with overseeing the department Police Officer Training Program and make recommendations as to the progress of new officers, or the need for further training.

7. Properly perform and supervise others in evidence identification, collection, preservation, and documentation.

8. Supervise the investigation of non-criminal activities (i.e., mental health, UWS rules violations, suspicious activity, and missing persons) and take the proper action/make appropriate referrals.

9. Serve as incident commander at critical incidents until relieved by a higher authority.

20% C. Proactive Community Policing Strategies

1. Use problem-solving strategies, critical thinking, confident decision-making skills, and the appropriate discretion while engaging with partners to manage human behavior.

2. Analyze data, create crime prevention strategies, and be accountable for and lead community services. Work with the community to resolve problems.

3. Speak to and engage with the community on such topics as the police department, personal security, traffic safety, drug and alcohol issues, sexual violence, and other critical law enforcement topics.

4. Conduct checks of University property and report/resolve maintenance and security discrepancies.

5. Develop knowledge of department and community resources to assist in directing public inquires to appropriate available resources.

6. Manage projects aimed at the delivery of police or security services and direct personnel that are involved in those projects.

7. Provide leadership and mentoring for Community Service Officers.

15% D. Law Enforcement Services

1. Enforce State Statute and University Code violations through the apprehension of violators, while preserving their constitutional rights, dignity, and safety. Physically arrest; incarcerate, when appropriate; issue citations; and testify in court.

2. Take appropriate enforcement action for violations of motor vehicle traffic laws in conformance with statutes and University policies.

3. Identify persons in need of protective custody and place them in the appropriate facility.

4. Operate computer equipment to conduct inquiries in State and Federal data files.

5. Use MS Word and Excel to prepare complete, timely, concise, accurate, and detailed reports and special correspondence related to activities, incidents, and arrests.

6. Identify and obtain evidence in accordance with the Constitution, state law, and case law. Protect evidence throughout an investigation. Preserve evidence through photography and other collection and processing techniques. Secure and store evidence according to department procedures.

7. Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; obtain written statements from the same. Inform victims of their rights and resources; develop personal contacts in the community to aid in crime prevention and detection efforts. Assist other agencies with investigations.

8. Conduct legal searches in conformity with the Constitution, state law, and court guidelines.

9. Conduct on-scene and follow-up investigations related to violations of State law, violations of UWS rules, accidents, and other investigations as assigned. Document investigations using appropriate reports and forms.

10. Assist subordinates with investigations of alleged law violations.

11. Make decisions on whether to incarcerate individuals consistent with rules of law.

12. Perform the job duties of a Police Officer, as required.

10% E. Miscellaneous Duties

1. Attend staff meetings.

2. Attend in-service and special training sessions.

3. Conduct on-the-job training for new employees, when assigned.

4. Maintain liaison with media, civic and professional groups, and University departments.

5. Identify, assist, and make recommendations related to grants and other funding sources.

6. Develop, evaluate, and schedule training for the Community Service Officer Program. Coordinate this training with other department supervisors and police officers.

7. Other duties, as assigned.

1. At least three years of full-time experience in a certified law enforcement capacity.

2. Associate's Degree or higher.

3. Certification, or eligibility for certification upon hire as a law enforcement officer, by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB).

4. Effective communication skills to communicate, interact with, and foster relationships with a diverse community.

5. Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and principles embodied in case law (court decisions and the ability to apply this knowledge with discretion as it pertains to the laws of arrest, search and seizure, collection and preservation of evidence, and use of force).

6. Knowledge of current investigatory techniques, legal practices, and procedures.

7. Ability to quickly assess situations and rapidly consider various options in choosing a course of action.

8. Ability to read, comprehend, and execute complex written material and verbal instructions.

9. Ability to write clearly and concisely, proofread, and edit.

10. Ability to complete multiple tasks under stressful or crisis conditions.

11. Computer skills to perform data entry and retrieval, word processing, and other law enforcement functions.

12. Skilled in the use of equipment such as: use of force tools, cameras, radar, and other police equipment.

13. Working knowledge of criminal court proceedings, court records, and administrative court decisions.

14. Knowledge of Fair and Impartial Policing coupled with a demonstrated ability to work closely with underrepresented populations.

15. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

1. Bachelor's Degree

2. Experience or additional training in a leadership capacity (i.e., law enforcement instructor position, Leadership in Police Organizations, Field or Police Training Officer, etc...).

3. Proven record of fostering relationships with community stakeholders, other law enforcement agencies, and non-profit organizations.

4. Advanced training in Law Enforcement mental health/developmental disability intervention or other types of CIT (Crisis Intervention Training), other than what is provided in police recruit academy.

5. Knowledge of Clery, NIBRS, and other State and Federal reporting requirements.

6. Experience working for, or closely with, a University Police Agency.

7. Knowledge of administrative, supervisory, and management principles and techniques.

8. Ability to properly evaluate the work performance of subordinates according to departmental performance standards.

9. Ability to develop and implement training programs.

10. Knowledge of progressive, corrective discipline measures.

Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application:

Cover Letter and DJ-LE-330 (with questions).

For questions regarding your application and additional options to apply, contact Human Resources at recruitment@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by January 26, 2025, are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.

If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

AA/EO Statement
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. We strongly encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans to apply. UWO, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.

DEI Statement
Diversity drives innovation, creativity, and progress. At the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the culture, identities, life experiences, unique abilities, and talents of every individual contribute to the foundation of our success. Creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment is of paramount importance to us. This pursuit prepares all of us to be global citizens who will contribute to the betterment of the world. We are committed to a university culture that provides everyone with the opportunity to thrive.

Reasonable Accommodations
UWO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact afaction@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWO is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWO will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Work Authorization
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWO Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://uwosh.edu/police/, or call UWO Police Department, at (920) 424-1212 for a paper copy.