Campus Police Officer III, Sergeant/Shift Supervisor

Salem State University; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem State University seeks a Campus Police Officer III, Sergeant/Shift Supervisor, to lead a multi-disciplinary team and ensure the highest standards of safety on campus. The role commands on-shift operations, mentors staff, and maintains strict adherence to laws and university policies.

You will serve as a field commander, manage incidents, and work with university leadership as the after-hours liaison. A strong focus on mentoring personnel and maintaining proactive campus safety is essential.

Qualifications

• Three years of full-time (or equivalent) governmental police or law enforcement experience with at least one year in a supervisory role.
• Bachelor's degree or higher may substitute for up to two years of the required experience; associate degree may substitute for up to one year.

Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of security, law enforcement, and clerical personnel on shift.
• Act as primary field commander and oversee shift operations and incident response.
• Mentor and develop officers, ensure compliance with laws, policies, and standards.
• Oversee incident reporting and coordinate with university leadership as needed.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Law enforcement

Mentoring

Incident reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate degree substitution

Job description

Overview

The Campus Police Officer III, Sergeant/Shift Supervisor for the Salem State University Police Department is a critical leadership role responsible for the direct oversight, operational readiness, and professional conduct of a multi-disciplinary team. Serving as a primary field commander, the incumbent exercises direct supervision over security, law enforcement, and clerical personnel, ensuring that all shift activities strictly adhere to the laws of the Commonwealth, university policies, and departmental standards. This position balances high-stakes operational management, including assuming command during major incidents and serving as the after-hours liaison to university leadership, with active personnel development through mentoring, and the rigorous oversight of incident reporting. By fostering community partnerships and maintaining a proactive, disciplined presence, the sergeant ensures the continuous protection of life and property while upholding the integrity and professional standards of the university’s safety operations.

Please Note

There are three vacancies for this position.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in a governmental police force or in law enforcement work and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

1. An associate degree with a major in police science, law enforcement or criminal justice may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

2. A bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in police science, law enforcement or criminal justice may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements

Applicant must have a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Appointee must be eligible for appointment as a special police officer under Chapter 147 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree
2. Previous supervisory experience
3. Experience working in a high education environment
4. Ability to mentor, train and motivate officers in a professional law enforcement setting

Working Location

This is an onsitepositionin Salem, MA with on-campus, in-person responsibilities,which may require occasional, frequent, or regular work on evenings and weekends, based on shift assigned.

Campus Police Officers work under exposure to injury resulting from dangerous weapons, physical and verbal abuse and adverse weather conditions; may carry firearms; may operate motor vehicles at high speed for pursuit or emergency response purposes; work with people under physical and/or emotional stress; work alone in isolated or high-crime areas; walk and stand for prolonged periods of time; lift and carry heavy objects or people; may travel for job related purposes; and may be required to furnish private transportation for job-related travel for which mileage is reimbursed.

Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university.

This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship.

EEO Statement

The university considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

ADA Statement

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Foraccommodation information or requests please email [e-mail].

Recruitment Agencies

Salem State University does not partner with or accept candidates from outside staffing agencies. All hiring is managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team.