Police Detective

Gordon State College; Barnesville (GA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Georgia in Georgia is hiring a Police Detective to lead investigations into offenses reported to Public Safety, ranging from theft to serious crimes. The detective conducts scene responses, evidence collection, witness interviews, and prepares formal reports for university proceedings.

Additionally, the role partners with local, state, and federal agencies, participates in crime prevention initiatives, and may testify in court.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years of experience as a law enforcement officer.
• Valid Georgia Class C Driver's License and Georgia POST certification in good standing.
• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field preferred.
• Experience in campus or university policing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate crimes reported to Public Safety, from theft to serious offenses.
• Respond to crime scenes, collect and preserve evidence, maintain chain of custody.
• Conduct witness and suspect interviews; prepare detailed reports.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies and university personnel.
• Identify safety risks and participate in crime prevention initiatives.
• Provide investigative support and expert testimony when required.

Skills

Policing knowledge

Interviewing

Report writing

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Georgia POST Certification

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

The University of North Georgia is currently accepting applications for a Police Detective. The Police Detective is responsible for investigating criminal activities reported to Public Safety, ranging from minor offenses to serious crimes such as theft, assault, and drug-related incidents. The detective handles the entire investigative process, from responding to crime scenes, collecting evidence, conducting interviews with witnesses and suspects, and preparing detailed reports for legal or university proceedings. The detective collaborates with other law enforcement agencies and university personnel to ensure investigations are thorough, legally compliant, and timely resolved. In addition to conducting investigations, the detective plays a key role in preventing future incidents by identifying security risks and participating in crime prevention initiatives. This includes working with university administrators, faculty, and student organizations to promote campus safety through workshops, awareness campaigns, and safety programs. The position requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive or confidential cases effectively. Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. On-call availability for urgent investigative needs.

• Investigate various criminal offenses reported to Public Safety, including theft, assault, vandalism, fraud, sexual assault, and other crimes. Utilize forensic investigative techniques, technology, and data analysis to identify suspects and build cases. Respond to and secure crime scenes. Collect and preserve evidence, including physical evidence, photographs, and witness statements. Ensure the chain of custody for all evidence is maintained. Conduct interviews with witnesses, victims, and suspects. Use both formal and informal techniques to gather reliable information for investigations. Conduct interrogations of suspects in compliance with legal standards.
• Work with university administration and student groups to promote safety awareness, crime prevention strategies, and personal safety workshops for students and staff. Assist in ensuring campus security by proactively identifying potential threats or vulnerabilities. Assist with emergency response efforts during critical incidents or disasters. Provide secondary supervision and guidance to the Campus Safety Ambassador program.
• Work closely with other law enforcement agencies (local, state, and federal), sharing information and coordinating joint investigations when necessary. Provide UNG public safety officers and officials with investigative support and guidance.
• Prepare detailed, accurate reports on investigations, arrests, and other activities. Ensure documentation is thorough and ready for use in legal proceedings, hearings, and court. Represent the university police department by providing expert testimony in court cases or university hearings. Present evidence clearly and confidently.
• Serve as a backup evidence custodian.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of modern police methods, practices, and techniques. Thorough knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, and university regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and practices of police administration.
• Considerable knowledge of the functions and objectives of other state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Skill in the use and care of firearms and firm administration of department policies and procedures.
• Must possess exceptional moral character and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex police problems.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinates and to advise, instruct, and train personnel.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and accurately.
• Ability to exercise command under the most difficult of conditions, based upon recognition by subordinates of the technical competencies, character, and emotional suitability of the superior.
• Ability to assist community members fairly and courteously under stressful conditions and to establish working relationships with the public, university members, and others.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years of experience as a law enforcement officer.
• Valid Georgia Class C Driver's License; Georgia POST Law Enforcement Certification in good standing.

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a related field preferred.
• Experience in campus or university policing is preferred.

$28.31 - $31.14

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at https://ung.edu/about/mission-vision-values.php.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an affirmative action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

This is not a supervisory position.

This position does not have any financial responsibilities.

This position will be required to drive.

This role is considered a position of trust.

This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).

This position may travel 50% - 74% of the time.

Please note: the University of North Georgia career board updates daily, positions are subject to be removed without prior notice or before the posting expires.

• Position of Trust + Credit