Detective Sergeant

California State University, Northridge; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Tuition waiver

On-campus work

Job summary

California State University, Northridge seeks a Detective Sergeant to lead major investigations and coordinate with internal teams and external agencies. You will handle evidence, case oversight, and victim support while ensuring safety and compliance with policies.

Role requires sworn experience, POST certification, and on-campus presence. On-site work schedule is Mon-Fri with potential evenings/weekends, benefits include comprehensive medical and retirement programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Three years sworn law enforcement experience; six years preferred.
• Must pass physical, psychological, drug tests and POST background check.
• POST supervisory program desirable or to be completed within one year.
• POST Certificates in good standing; driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex investigations of major and sensitive crimes and oversee case work.
• Support threat assessment cases, workplace violence, and Title IX matters.
• Ensure victim/witness support and coordination of protective measures.
• Coordinate case/file management, interagency liaison, and asset programs.
• Oversee evidence, crime scene processing, surveillance, warrants, and policy compliance.

Skills

Criminal investigations

Evidence handling

Interview techniques

Threat assessment

Interagency coordination

Victim support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

POST Supervisory Program desirable

POST Certificate in good standing

Tools

Surveillance equipment

Evidence management systems

Search warrants preparation

Job description

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
• 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.