Detective Sergeant

AgUpdate; California; On-site; USD 87,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement & savings

Tuition waiver

Job summary

CSUN is seeking a Detective Sergeant to lead and coordinate investigations of major and sensitive crimes on campus, providing threat assessment support and victim/witness services. The role involves overseeing evidence handling, case management, and collaboration with internal teams and external agencies to ensure safety and effective investigative outcomes.

The position requires a strong background in law enforcement, POST certification, and the ability to manage complex cases while ensuring

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex criminal investigations, especially major and sensitive crimes; coordinate with internal teams and external agencies to ensure safety and investigative outcomes.
• Oversee evidence handling, case/file management, and support for surveillance, warrants, and trainings; ensure compliance with policies and legal standards.

Job description

Detective Sergeant

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.

Qualifications

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.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Work with purpose at the CSU.

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