Police Lieutenant

Main Street Daily News; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Main Street Daily News seeks a Police Lieutenant to play a vital role in leadership within the Santa Fe College Police Department. This position involves overseeing both security operations and administrative functions. Candidates should possess strong law enforcement experience, particularly in supervisory roles, while engaging with local agencies to enhance campus safety.

Your expertise in communication, analytical skills, and a commitment to a secure environment for students and staff will be key in this influential position.

Qualifications

• 5 years of sworn law enforcement experience or 7 years of combined education and experience.
• Prior supervisory experience is essential.
• Valid Florida Driver's license and FDLE certification required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise SFPD Sergeants and ensure effective operation.
• Manage daily operations, patrols, and event coverage.
• Engage with local law enforcement and community partners.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Customer service

Team orientation

Education

Associate degree in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Police Lieutenant serves a key leadership role as part of a command team with primary responsibility for either operations or administration and reports directly to the Chief of Police. While each Lieutenant maintains responsibility for an assigned area, the combined Santa Fe College Police Department (SFPD) command structure is jointly accountable for ensuring the safety and security of students, faculty, staff and visitors and supporting the mission of the college. These positions oversee sworn and non-sworn personnel and ensure compliance with and enforcement of college rules as well as federal, state and local laws protecting College personnel, students, property and equipment.

The Operations Lieutenant manages the daily safety and security activities and emergency response functions of the department providing direct leadership to sergeants and officers for patrol, event coverage and special operations. The Administrative Lieutenant manages the administrative infrastructure, overseeing specialized investigations, 911 Communications Center, regulatory compliance and accreditation. While each Lieutenant has individual responsibilities, they are expected to be cross‑functional as needed upon the direction of the Chief of Police and/or College leadership.

This position’s salary is commensurate upon an individual’s qualifications.

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

• Supervises SFPD Sergeants and other assigned personnel ensuring the effective operation of areas of responsibility and provides recommendations for employment, coaching, discipline, and evaluation of direct reports.
• Assists with scheduling overtime management and personnel accountability including review of timesheets and approval of leave requests.
• May provide front‑line supervision to officers in the absence of Sergeants and/or dispatchers as needed.
• May act as the Incident Commander for major campus emergencies, disasters or critical incidents as directed.
• Liaises with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and community partners.
• Assists in annual budget preparation and management for assigned units.
• Conducts and supervises criminal investigations, including the preparation of detailed reports and documentation of evidence.
• Participates in prosecutions and assists in the preparation of cases, including testifying in court as needed.
• Promotes a safe and secure College environment through crime prevention and safety education programs using best practices and techniques.
• May periodically attend College meetings such as Senate, Student Government, and other forums.
• Maintains a knowledge and understanding of core law enforcement and higher education concepts such as FERPA, Clery, Title IX, emergency notifications, timely warnings, uniform crime reporting (UCR), etc.
• Provides service to the college through participation in events, committees, and other college activities.
• Complies with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees, including but not limited to those related to document retention and destruction, FERPA, and confidentiality.
• Strictly honors the privacy, security, and confidentiality of records and other sensitive information according to appropriate state, federal, and college regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Operations

Operations is responsible for the management of day‑to‑day safety and security activities, special events, traffic and parking, tactical threat assessment, alarms, specialized units and emergency response functions.

Key Duties Include:

• Supervises SFPD Sergeants responsible for the direct leadership and management of sworn and non‑sworn personnel, including oversight of shift management and deployment of officers across shifts to ensure sufficient coverage for patrol functions, events and at all college locations.
• Coordinates the law enforcement response to emergencies and assists with tactical threat assessment and incident planning.
• Manages traffic and parking enforcement operations and related safety initiatives.
• Oversees the Field Training and Evaluation Program to ensure they meet departmental and state standards and maintain expected performance levels.
• Responsible for ensuring that police reports and police related documents filed by PD personnel are accurate, complete, and compliant with regulations.
• Oversees specialized operational functions, including alarm systems and related campus safety and security operations.
• Coordinates law enforcement and security logistics for special events, including graduations, athletic games, and VIP visits.
• Practices community policing through the development and implementation of proactive, problem‑oriented policing strategies to address quality‑of‑life issues on campus.

Reports to: Chief of Police

Qualifications

Required: An associate degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, business administration, organizational management, and/or a related degree with five (5) years of sworn law enforcement experience, or a combination of education and experience equal to seven (7) years is required. Prior supervisory experience is required.

Additional Requirements: Successfully pass the background investigation, physical examination, drug testing, and polygraph. Must have a valid Florida Driver’s license and be authorized to drive for the college. Completion of a state certified Police Academy and passing score on the State Law Enforcement exam. FDLE certification, Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training certification, or other relevant training. Must maintain mobility, physical strength, and stamina to ensure the ability to see, hear, stand, bend, lift, carry, walk, or run is upheld.

General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work successfully in a multi‑cultural environment.
• Adaptability to change – able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.
• Analytical aptitude & problem solving – able to analyze information, problems, situations, practices and/or procedures, collect and interpret data, reason logically, establish facts, identify and define existing and potential issues, recognize the interrelationships among elements, draw valid conclusions, develop recommendations, as well as alternative courses of action, select appropriate course, follow up, and evaluate.
• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.
• Critical thinking & judgement – able to make well‑reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors.
• Customer service – ability to respond promptly and courteously to all questions from students and faculty, demonstrating patience and persistence when helping students with little or no computer skills.
• Ethics – able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job‑related actions.
• Leadership – has demonstrated success as an entrepreneurial, high energy, driven, hands‑on leader. Possess expertise in selecting, training, developing, coaching, mentoring, and retaining a highly motivated workforce.
• Organization & time management – able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks related to the job to achieve goals within or ahead of established time frames.
• Problem solving – proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions.
• Team orientation & interpersonal – highly motivated team‑player with ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all levels within and external to the organization.
• Relationship management – able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.
• Results orientation – proven ability to set and exceed established targets.
• Systems & software – proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.
• Detail oriented – proven accuracy and attention to detail.
• Multi‑task – ability to expeditiously organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to swiftly assess a situation, determine a logical course of action, and apply the appropriate response.

Retiree Information: If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re‑employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be cancelled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public.

Inquiries regarding non‑discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: [e-mail].

Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions. Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.