Detective Sergeant

California State University, Northridge; California; On-site; USD 109,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Northridge is seeking a Detective Sergeant to lead major and sensitive investigations, support threat assessment and victim services, and coordinate with internal teams and external agencies. The role requires extensive investigative experience and POST certification eligibility, with on-site work at Northridge.

The position emphasizes case oversight, evidence handling, and compliance with university and state safety standards, with a competitive benefits package and

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of criminal investigation techniques, evidence collection and preservation.
• Ability to analyze complex incidents and coordinate with external agencies.
• Must meet POST requirements and hold California POST certification when applicable.
• On-campus, in-person work with available on-site resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex criminal investigations as primary case investigator.
• Support threat assessment, victim/witness services and coordinated responses.
• Oversee evidence and property management, scene processing, and warrants.
• Coordinate administrative functions and liaison with external partners.
• Ensure compliance with POST standards and safety policies.

Skills

Criminal investigations

Evidence handling

Court proceedings

Interviews & interrogations

Coordination

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

POST Certificate preprocessing

POST Basic Certificate

Job description

• Unit 8 - SUPA - State University Police Association 1

Job Search Category/Discipline

• Safety 1

Time Basis

• Full Time 1

Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac)

• On-site (work in-person at business location) 1

Detective Sergeant

Job no: 556098
Work type: Staff
Location: Northridge
Categories: Unit 8 - SUPA - State University Police Association, Probationary, Full Time, Safety, On-site (work in-person at business location)

CSUN strives to be a destination workplace, where everyone understands that they belong to a community that is vital in advancing student success and providing exemplary service to all stakeholders. We foster an environment of success, both for our students and our employees. We have a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as being an employer of choice. You will also have the opportunity to realize your own personal goals and be recognized for the work you do, and enjoy the unique value the CSUN community can offer. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more: https://www.csun.edu/about-csun .

Major Duties

Under the general direction of a commander, the Detective Sergeant focuses on investigative work across major and sensitive crimes, threat assessment, victim/witness support, and specialized coordination functions. The incumbent will be responsible for spanning evidence handling, case oversight, and collaboration with internal teams and external agencies to support safety and investigative outcomes.

• Conducts and oversees complex criminal investigations as the lead case investigator, handling major and special/sensitive crimes while coordinating investigative activities within the Investigations Unit.
• Provides investigative support for threat assessment cases, including workplace violence, mental health-related incidents, and Title IX matters, ensuring appropriate evaluation, response, and coordination.
• Ensures comprehensive victim and witness support services, including protective measures, resource referrals, and consistent application of victim assistance programs across all cases.
• Coordinates key administrative and operational functions, including case/file management, sex offender registrant tracking, VIP security, asset forfeiture programs, and liaison activities with external agencies and partners.
• Oversees evidence and property management, crime scene processing, and supports specialized operations such as surveillance, search warrants, interdepartmental collaboration, training, and policy compliance. Performs other duties as assigned.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Equivalent to three years of law enforcement experience, in a sworn capacity, which would provide a reasonable expectation of success in this class. Six years of active law enforcement experience, in a sworn capacity, and two years of investigative experience preferred.
• Must be free of any felony convictions; have good moral character; meet pre-employment requirements, including physical exam, psychological exam, drug test, and pass a comprehensive POST background investigation.
• Completion of a POST Supervisory Program is desirable or must be completed within one year of appointment.
• Possess a valid POST Certificate of Eligibility or a POST Basic Certificate in good standing. California POST Intermediate certificate preferred.
• Eligible to be a peace officer in the State of California.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Extensive knowledge of criminal investigation techniques, including evidence collection and preservation, interview and interrogation methods, and case development strategies. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex incidents, apply legal standards, prepare search warrants and subpoenas, and coordinate investigative activities through to court proceedings.

• Proven ability to conduct and coordinate sensitive investigations involving mental health incidents, missing persons, juvenile matters, and Title IX cases. Skilled in surveillance and undercover operations, with the ability to plan and execute investigative actions while ensuring compliance with legal, procedural, and safety requirements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of threat assessment principles and violence risk evaluation, including workplace and domestic violence dynamics. Demonstrated ability to assess potential threats, conduct detailed investigations and interviews, and implement strategies to mitigate risks and enhance personal and community safety.
• Strong ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including behavioral intervention groups, university services, and law enforcement units. Skilled in managing complex, sensitive situations, supporting stakeholders, and facilitating communication to address safety concerns, operational needs, and incident response effectively.
• The university offers an excellent benefits package, including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, retirement & savings, tuition waiver, and more.
• Classification: 8354 / Sergeant/ 0
• The anticipated HIRING RATE is $ 9759- $ 11449 per month, dependent on qualifications and experience. The salary range for this classification is: $ 7763 - $ 11449 per month.
• HOURS: Full Time; 40 hours per week; Monday through Friday. May include evenings and weekends.
• This is a Regular position with a one-year probationary period.
• The individual hired for this role will physically work on-campus in Northridge. This is not a telecommute position.

General Information

• This job opening has been re-posted and will remain OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
• This position is sensitive as designated by the CSU.
• In addition to a thorough background investigation in compliance with POST standards, the selected candidate must pass a fingerprint clearance (LiveScan).
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
• The person holding this position may be considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
• Per the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California.
• California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
• 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.
• The CSU recommends that faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities at any university location be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus.

CSUN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on Age, Disability (physical or mental), Gender, Gender Identity (including Nonbinary or Transgender), Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Nationality, Pregnancy or related conditions, Race or Ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), Religion or Religious Creed, Sex (including Sex Stereotyping or Sex Characteristics), Sexual Orientation, and Veteran or Military Status. Our nondiscrimination policy is outlined in the Interim CSU Nondiscrimination Policy . Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Talent Acquisition at 818-677-2101.

Advertised: Nov 05, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: Open until filled