Detective Sergeant, University Police

Kingston, RI
University of Rhode Island

Salary: $79,000 – $79,995

Position Summary:

Provide supervision to Detective(s) and lesser ranking police personnel at the University of Rhode Island campuses. Shall supervise and conduct investigations for statutory violations, applicant background checks, internal investigations or special investigations assigned by higher authority. Detective Sergeant is an officer who is assigned to a non-uniform function and is responsible to investigate matters of crime to include serious misdemeanors, felonies, crimes that are usually investigated by a particular non-uniform sworn personnel and all other incidents that are deemed to need follow up. Detective Sergeant will respond and provide guidance to detectives and patrol personnel in matters of investigating serious University policy violations, serious misdemeanors, felonies, and criminal investigatory matters. With a high degree of professionalism, promote public safety, enforce laws and Board of Trustees and University of Rhode Island regulations; effect arrests in accordance with provisions of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances; maintain order and security on premises within the legal jurisdiction. Coordinate the exchange of information with other law enforcement agencies and with the institutional partners. Be available for 24-hour call back as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Investigate matters of serious and major criminal (serious misdemeanors and felonies) investigations to identify the person(s) responsible for criminal acts.
  • Knowledge of relevant department policies and procedures; knowledge of relevant state and federal statues, regulations and court decisions; knowledge of police practices and investigative procedures.
  • Investigate promptly and diligently all crimes assigned utilizing all available resources. Upon assignment of cases, immediately interview all complainants, witnesses, victims, and suspects.
  • In cases where additional expertise is required, investigate accidents/criminal incidents occurring within University premises and legal jurisdiction to determine appropriate enforcement action; assign follow-up investigations to police officers when a case in question warrants further data collection and investigation.
  • Maintain and operate all department-issued equipment, uniforms, and assigned force continuum equipment including firearms and wearable audio and video recording systems in a state of operational readiness.
  • Ensure that all evidence is properly preserved and documented to include crime scene photography, sketch mapping, and video recording.
  • Ensure that all evidence is properly preserved and documented to include evidence identification, recovery, and storage.
  • Ensure that all evidence is properly packaged and documented and transport evidence to the proper lab facility to be processed in a timely manner.
  • Prepare arrest warrants and search warrants when appropriate.
  • Work closely with patrol officers and establish working relationships with the Attorney General’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.
  • Maintain a cohesive working relationship with the Offices of Student Life, Housing & Residential Life, Student Activities, and other community resources to facilitate communication and foster positive relationships.
  • Submit written activity reports regarding assigned cases to supervisor and periodically contact victims, complainants, and witnesses to appraise them of the status of the investigation.
  • Testify in court hearings to include both civil and criminal matters and assist in the preparation of cases for Court as needed. Work closely with the Prosecution Office during different stages of criminal investigations and testimony.
  • Assist the evidence/property commander with control of all evidence/property and the temporary and permanent evidence storage areas.
  • When necessary be able to perform surveillance, undercover operations, narcotics operations, and wiretap activities.
  • Conduct internal affairs investigations as requested by the Deputy Chief(s) or Chief of Police.
  • Be able to utilize crime data and statistical information and other databases such as AFIS, BCI, Triple I to develop leads in solving criminal investigations.
  • Conduct public educational programs – as needed – aimed at the reduction of specific crime problems; utilize relevant safety education topics to strengthen communications between the department and community members.
  • Assist in rendering safety-related services to the University community, including participating in the presentation of programs related to law enforcement and safety education. Assist and take part in community policing and outreach programming that address the concerns of the community. Effectively communicate with individuals by providing assistance, information, and directions.
  • Act as a Campus Security Authority per the Clery Act.
  • Perform other related duties and services as required.
  • Maintain and operate all department issued equipment, uniforms, and assigned force continuum equipment including firearms and wearable audio and video recording systems, in a state of operational readiness.

Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license and CPR certificate. Must be skilled in the use of department-issued materials, communications equipment, records management software, mobile data terminal, firearms and weapons and interview room audio and video equipment. Must meet and maintain departmental standards on use of issued equipment.
  • Associate degree.
  • Successful completion of a police training curriculum approved by the Rhode Island Police Officers’ Commission on Standards and Training (POST) prior to hire.
  • Minimum of five years of employment as a police officer with a municipal or state police force, or other governmental law enforcement organization.
  • Minimum of two years of assignment in an investigative unit with significant law enforcement experience in investigating serious and major criminal investigations.
  • Minimum of one year of employment at the rank of supervisor or higher.
  • Demonstrated ability to work evening and weekend hours.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
  • Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and CPR certificate.
  • Must satisfactorily pass a formal review process which will include a formal interview process and may include psychological and/or competency tests.
  • Must pass a national criminal background check.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Demonstrated evidence of having attended the BCI school or have demonstrated knowledge, specialty training, and experience in criminal and or civil investigations.
  • Demonstrated experience working in an educational campus law enforcement environment.
  • Demonstrated experience in specialty training in the areas of photography, sketch mapping, crime scene processing and interview and interrogation.