Police Sergeant

Evanston, IL
Northwestern University

Salary: $41.75 to $52.18 per hour.

Position Summary:

The Police Sergeant is a uniformed first-line supervisory position within the Northwestern University Police Department. Sergeants may be assigned to a variety of complex administrative, operational, and programmatic functions throughout the department. Exemplary supervision is exercised by the Sergeant over Police Officers. Police Sergeants work independently in performing and supervising regularly assigned duties including but not limited to: preventative patrol, responding to calls for service, investigating criminal and non-criminal incidents, building community relationships, serving as Incident Commander at incident scenes and special events, and management of department assets. Police Sergeants work under the general direction of a Commander or higher ranking manager.

Essential Functions:

  • Coordinate university-wide law enforcement and public safety operations for an assigned shift utilizing fair and impartial strategies. Ensure the general safety and security of the Northwestern University community. Determine necessary and appropriate actions required in responding to calls for service, critical incidents, enforcement actions, and emergent situations. Demonstrate a commitment to the university’s strategic priorities and emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Lead by example and maintain the highest ethical standards within the department and within the university.
  • Supervise first line law enforcement personnel. Conduct shift briefings. Coordinate field training program activities. Assist in developing schedule and staffing assignments. Monitor overtime expenditures. Have knowledge of and work within the guidelines of any applicable collective bargaining agreement. Review work performance and prepare performance review materials. Issue commendations and corrective action. Maintain relevant and appropriate standards and practices and recommend changes to them when applicable. Ensure consistent level of performance across shift. Provide mentoring, guidance and goal setting for subordinate staff.
  • Participate in the delivery of proactive patrol and situational response strategies. Promote a collaborative community-centered public safety model. Fully integrate community-oriented policing and problem-solving principles/techniques into shift operations. Build partnerships, relationships, and trust within community. Work closely with campus partners to ensure proper alignment of services and acceptable level of service delivery.
  • Review and, as required, approve computer-aided dispatch entries, citations, field contact cards, incident reports, and other documents of record submitted by shift. Evaluate officer arrest reports and citations to ensure the appropriate classification of crimes and violations. Provide guidance to officers on proper report writing techniques.
  • Assist in coordinating response to critical incidents. Implement incident command system protocols. Supervise first response personnel. Define and secure crime scene or incident location. Notify appropriate internal and external resources, and alert/advise community as appropriate. Aid in recovery efforts. Ensure complete reporting of events. Participate in post-incident debriefings.
  • Supervise the collection of evidence and property during shift. Manage crime scenes. Determine need to transfer evidence to partner law enforcement agencies. Assist in training staff in related protocols. Oversee the securing and disposal of items in custody. Provide notice of observed discrepancies in evidence handling or process.
  • Support official inquiries into citizen complaints and professional standards violations occurring on shift. Interview participants, collect and review evidence, document findings, and submit report to senior leadership. Take appropriate personnel action as directed.
  • Monitor performance of law enforcement. Supervise the delivery of requested public safety services for campus events including athletic contests, graduation ceremonies, major concerts, and similar activities. Assist with planning for campus events as assigned.
  • Integrate crime prevention and security risk management practices and principles into shift operations. Ensure that shift’s physical and technical systems are working as designed. Work in partnership with campus stakeholders to identify and diminish exposure to general security vulnerabilities. Coordinate efforts with both Risk Management and Facilities Management.
  • Specific position assignments will vary depending on the business and operational needs of the department, resulting in other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree or four years active duty service to a branch of the military.
  • Demonstrated experience with and/or commitment to working effectively within an increasingly diverse higher education environment.
  • Currently certified as an Illinois police officer or certifiable through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a firearms owner’s identification card if an Illinois resident or the equivalent for non-Illinois residents
  • Maintain State and Department firearms proficiency/qualification requirements.
  • At least two (2) years experience working as a certified police officer.
  • Worked at a sworn agency as a certified police/peace officer within the most recent two (2) years.
  • Ability to satisfactorily complete a comprehensive psychological exam administered by a licensed psychologist, and a character, financial, and criminal background investigation, including but not limited to reference review and fingerprints and driving records check.
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license in state of residency, proof of insurability, and ability to operate an emergency vehicle in a safe manner at all times.
  • Successful completion of pre-employment position-specific skills evaluation assessment and testing.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Attendance in specialized training or course work relative to supervision.
  • Experience working as a law enforcement officer in an institution of higher education.
  • Demonstrated, successful experience as a supervisor, team-leader, or project coordinator.
  • Two (2) years or more of supervisory experience as a supervisor in a sworn law enforcement setting.
  • Proven ability to effectively train personnel in accordance with law enforcement standards.
  • Training or expertise in community-oriented policing strategies/practices.
  • Knowledge of mandatory crime reporting laws and regulations relative to higher education.
  • Experience delivering community-centered awareness and prevention programming.