Detective Sergeant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

*We are recruiting for three Sergeants to fill two vacancies in the area of University Police Department and one in the area of University Housing Services.*

Reporting to the Police Lieutenant, the Sergeant is responsible for supervision of an assigned shift of officers and support personnel and is responsible for the protection of life and property and enforcement of pertinent laws within the jurisdiction of the University Police Department. The Sergeant is responsible for the performance of his/her duties under the general supervision of the Operations Division Commander.

*Please know all finalists will go through an intensive background check which entails the following: a background screening by an investigator, psychological screening by a licensed psychologist, polygraph exam by a licensed polygraph examiner, and a comprehensive medical examination by a licensed physician.*

Key Responsibilities

• Supervises and directs officers in conducting patrols within UPD jurisdiction to ensure the safety and security of residential communities
• Provides guidance on enforcement of university policies and applicable laws; ensures accurate and thorough documentation of incidents and reports prepared by security officers
• Oversees preliminary investigations of officers assigned incidents occurring within campus and ensures proper escalation when necessary
• Provides direction, mentorship, and performance oversight to officers during assigned shifts
• Patrols area within the jurisdiction of UPD, arrests violators of federal, state, and/or local laws, and prepares factual reports concerning the arrests
• Investigates and prepares complete reports of crimes occurring on the university campus wherein the perpetrator has evaded arrest or detection
• Cites violators of traffic regulations within the specified jurisdiction; conducts initial investigation of crimes occurring on state property, and investigates potential safety hazards either observed or reported
• Provides security for large gatherings, assemblies and/or other university activities or events
• Collaborates, enhances, and develops relationships with the campus community and students
• Sergeants are designated Watch Commanders and mentoring security officers
• Supports patrol by assisting on calls and supervising events
• Makes notifications when appropriate and coordinate responses by other entities both on and off campus
• Provides public representations and workshops in support of department programs such as safety tours, National Night Out, etc.
• Coordinates scheduling for shifts which include days off, vacation and sick leave
• Reviews and authorizes overtime and subordinate calendars
• Reports directly to Command Staff on any issue deemed necessary
• Develops and implements training programs tailored to security officers
• Author memos and inter-departmental communication when necessary
• Provides training/professional development during brief
• Provides public presentations and workshops in support of department programs
• Acts as a liaison between UPD and other campus stakeholders
• Participates in community activities and public presentations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of law enforcement, public safety and security methods
• Knowledge of crowd and traffic control techniques used in maintaining public safety
• Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding investigation and arrest
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and California Administrative and Education Codes
• Ability to learn quickly and apply specific University rules and regulations
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others
• Ability to relate and gain the confidence and the cooperation of members of the academic community
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a widely diverse population
• Ability to act calmly and rationally in emergency situations
• Ability to assist in the administration of public safety program in a fair and objective manner
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and graduation from a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) academy
• Three or more years of active law enforcement experience
• Completion of a P.O.S.T. Supervisory Program is desirable or must be completed within one year of appointment
• Eligible to be a peace officer in the State of California
• Possess a valid P.O.S.T. Certificate of Eligibility or a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate in good standing
• Valid California driver's license

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• P.O.S.T. Advanced or Supervisory Certificate
• Three (3) years in a supervisory position or 5 (five) years total as a sworn officer in various disciplines

Compensation

Classification: Sergeant
Anticipated Hiring: $9,988/month - $10,453/month (Step 16 - Step 18)
CSU Salary Range: $7,763/month - $11,449/month (Step 5 - Step 22)
San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• P.O.S.T. Certification

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: June 1, 2026 through June 16, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus (including all booster doses of an approved vaccine for which an individual is eligible per current CDC recommendations) or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so. As a condition of employment, any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement as well as with other safety measures established on the campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all SJSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).