Police Sergeant

George Mason University; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University Police Department is seeking a Sergeant to exercise general police power within the university jurisdiction, lead staff, and oversee crime prevention, security and related public safety functions. The role requires night/weekend work in a 24/7 schedule and adherence to university policies.

The Sergeant will perform investigations, supervise patrols by vehicle/foot/bike, and provide testimony in court while maintaining high standards of public service and community

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Considerable progressive and substantive experience as a Law Enforcement Officer.
• Virginia DCJS certification and possession of and ability to maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass rigid background check and fitness requirements.

Responsibilities

• Enforces laws and investigates crimes and traffic crashes to protect university personnel and property.
• Provides leadership, training, and direction to officers under supervision and ensures performance standards are met.
• Trains, mentors, and conducts roll calls; coordinates scheduling and resources for effective public safety operations.

Job description

Department: Executive Administration

Classification: Law Enforcement Officer 2/Sgt

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visasponsorship

Pay Band: 04

Salary: $85,572 - $108,015, commensurate with education andexperience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

Important Eligibility Requirement Employees in this position are required to operate universityvehicles in accordance with George Mason University Vehicle UsePolicy 1411. Applicants must possess and maintain an active, validdriver’s license that satisfies university requirements. Finalcandidates are subject to a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) review, andsuccessful completion of the review is a condition ofemployment. Minor or major driving violations may affect eligibility foretusage. Applicants with prior driving infractions need toreview the Eligibility & MVR Review Information ( English / Spanish ) before applying.

About the Department: The primary purpose/objective/mission of the University PoliceDepartment is to provide a safe and secure environment for alluniversity employees, students, and guests. Embracing theprinciples of community policing, the department workscollaboratively with academic and administrative units,individuals, and organizations in furtherance of the mission of theuniversity. The department delivers a comprehensive program in lawenforcement to provide the highest level of safety, security, andservice for the students, faculty, staff, and visitors to theuniversity, as they pursue their daily work and study activities,consistent with the laws of the commonwealth, and the policies ofthe university.

About the Position: The primary purpose of the George Mason University Police Sergeantposition is to exercise general police power within a specificjurisdiction in order to perform law enforcement, crime prevention,security and related public safety functions while maintainingdepartment standards in community outreach efforts. This positionleads and directs staff and exercises supervisory responsibility ofpolice. The job is considered Essential/Designated personnel andwill be required to work a variety of schedules in a 24-hour, 7 daya week configuration which includes nights, weekends, holidays, andduring and following natural disasters and emergency situations.The Sergeant position also provides training to others to meetcompetency and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

Enforces laws and investigates crimes and trafficcrashes

• Enforces all applicable state and local laws and universityregulations to ensure the proper protection of all Universitypersonnel, visitors, and property;
• Arrests violators of laws, issues summonses, issues written andverbal warnings when appropriate, ensures data collection forms forthe 2020 Community Policing Act are issued when required. Exercisesdiscretion in a safe, fair, and balanced manner. Provides lawenforcement presence and crowd control at assigned activitiesand/or locations. Demonstrates professional demeanor and safetytechniques during traffic control;
• Responds to radio calls and assignments made by dispatchers andsupervisors, answers calls and complaints, and provides assistanceto fellow law enforcement officers. Investigates traffic crashesand provides assistance to the injured, control crash area, andensure the safety of other traffic until area is clear;
• Conducts interviews and writes detailed and accurate reports ina timely manner; is well-versed in laws of arrest and search andseizure. Provides complete preliminary and follow-up investigationsof all incidents in a professional, caring and timely manner.;
• Preserves crime scenes and collects and processes evidence froma variety of sources such as citizens, witnesses, suspects, crimescenes and incidents that pose a potential liability to theUniversity. Uses a variety of methods to obtain information andevidence, including interviews and interrogations; and
• Prepares for and attends court to provide complete testimonyand the presentation of evidence;

Provides public services and assistance to communitymembers

• Provides assistance to the community by utilizing sounddecision making and customer service practices;
• Ensures that the public is dealt with in a courteous andprofessional manner, displays no bias, and works to overcomecommunication barriers. Displays appropriate compassion andempathy, providing law enforcement services with a high standard ofcare;
• Looks beyond the initial problem and seeks opportunities toprovide exceptional customer service;
• Demonstrates competency and employs proper safety procedureswith handling a variety of customer service issues with tact anddiplomacy in a confidential manner;
• Through problem solving methodologies, provides solutions orthe resources to solve any problem confronting the public;
• Proactively follows up on contacts and referrals. Exercisessound judgement; decisions take into consideration department anduniversity policy, law, and fact. Renders aid and assistance tocitizens, fellow officers, and other public safety partners;and
• Responsive to requests for mutual aid.

Conducts patrols and participates in crime preventionactivities

• Provides proactive deterrence and high visibility patrols ofall University property by vehicle, foot, and/or bicycle with acommunity policing philosophy;
• Utilizes unallocated time in a productive manner, demonstrateseffective time management and ability to plan and organize a dailywork routine, and contributes in a positive manner to department’smission;
• Operates police vehicle and conducts foot/bike patrols toobserve for and confront violations of traffic laws, suspiciousactivities or persons, and disturbances of public peace;
• Reports and addresses hazardous conditions;
• Motivates productivity and takes initiative to improve jobknowledge and skills through conducting proactive patrols andengaging with the community. Maintains public peace and providesthe University community with the most current crime preventiontechnology and methods;
• Participates in and documents community outreach activities andevents as part of daily patrol routines;
• Works effectively and proactively with Community Outreach unitto identify and participate in activities, events, and trainingopportunities; and
• Submits annual Community Engagement Plan reflective of currentneeds of community for assigned unit, practices personalaccountability, and ensures those under their supervision meetperformance expectations as outlined.

Provides support and assistance to victims, witnesses, andpersons in need of services

• Maintains a professional working relationship with theUniversity Administration, University Life, Title IX, and theUniversity community, as well as with other elements of thecriminal justice system including the courts, the Commonwealth’sAttorney, Community Services Board (CSB), and other law enforcementagencies to render assistance to victims, witnesses, and persons inneed of resources or services;
• Provides assistance to crime victims by rendering sensitive andcaring support. Provides victims and witnesses information oncases, court procedures, and protective order statuses. Updatesvictims and witnesses on case statuses, arrests made, and serviceof processes/warrants. Assists victims and witnesses withidentifying and utilizing available support resources;
• Recognizes situations and incidents requiring crisisintervention and/or mental health resources and utilizing availableresources when appropriate and employing proper safety proceduresin custodial situations. Executes and serves Emergency CustodyOrders and/or Temporary Detention Orders as required; and
• Submits written referrals in a timely manner to the Office ofStudent Conduct and/or support resources for incidents involvingstudents for university compliance with the Drug Free Schools &Communities Act, as well as written referrals to Human Resourcesfor employee matters. Complies with Clery Act and serves as aCampus Security Authority (CSA), providing written reports of allcrimes as defined under Clery Act in conjunction with, or additionto, those defined by state code.

Practices personal accountability and follows code of conduct,laws, policies, and procedures and is in compliance with trainingand certification required of position. Performs other duties asassigned

• Reviews, follows, and maintains a working knowledge of alllaws, state, university, and department policies. Complies withFBI, VCIN, and CJIS policies safeguarding confidential/criminaljustice information. Follows department’s professional policestandards and code of conduct;
• Maintains a professional police appearance in compliance withgrooming, hygiene, body art, and uniform standards. Maintains a level of physical fitness which meets the daily requirement of thelaw enforcement profession demonstrating ability to respond tocalls for service in accordance with the Position Requirement’sphysical activities and physical requirements. Maintains allcertifications and qualifications for the position of PoliceSergeant;
• Complies with state, university, and department leave policies;submits written leave requests with reasonable notice, utilizingleave only as approved by supervisor/ department, and for thepurpose of which it is intended. Demonstrates punctualityandreports on time for roll call, court, training, and other duties.Follows assigned work schedule, requests, enrolls in, and attendstraining, obtains approval to work overtime from supervisor,complies with requests to work overtime, and reports to work duringemergencies/call-back as an essential/designated employee;
• Promotes a positive, professional image and practices personalaccountability and responsibility; demonstrating energy,enthusiasm, and commitment. Devotes full effort to jobresponsibilities during work hours performing assigned duties andresponsibilities with the highest degree of public trust;
• Conducts themselves at all times in a manner that supports themission of their agency and the performance of their duties. Reportcircumstances or concerns that may affect satisfactory workperformance to management, including any inappropriate (fraudulent,illegal, unethical) activities of other employees;
• Works cooperatively to achieve work unit and agency goals andobjectives. Demonstrate respect for the agency and toward agencycoworkers, supervisors, managers, subordinates, residentialclients, students, and customers. Demonstrates professional andethical conduct, honesty, and truthfulness at all times. Meet orexceed established job performance expectations; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Provides leadership, training, and direction to the officersassigned to their supervision

• Trains, gives direction, and provides support to each patrolofficer or detective assigned to their supervision. Maintainsactive trainer/instructor certification(s) and provides instruction(field training and/or general instruction) to officers and/ordetectives. Sergeants are also expected to provide periodic rollcall trainings;
• Builds an atmosphere which supports and encourages teamwork,high morale, inventiveness, dedication, and respect. Ensures thateach patrol officer under their supervision has the resources,guidance, knowledge, and support necessary to perform their job ina professional, caring manner to provide law enforcement andsecurity services to the George Mason University community on adaily basis;
• Ensures that each officer assigned to their supervision is heldaccountable to their goals and actions, applying recognition anddiscipline in a fair and consistent manner. Effectively handlesconflict situations, and addresses complaints and personnel mattersin a professional, caring, and timely manner. Completes requiredevaluations, monitors probationary performance, improvement plans,and makes training recommendations. Documents performancedeficiencies and works with leadership to address training andperformance needs; and
• Attends court and observes and evaluates officer performance.Ensures officers assigned to supervision maintain required trainingand certifications. Exercises good judgment and analytical skillsas needed in making decisions and solving problems. Effectivelyidentifies and addresses root problems, plans and coordinatesprojects efficiently and effectively. Fosters positiverelationships with public safety groups and liaises withlocal/regional law enforcement leaders to coordinate resources andmutual aid when required. Provides coaching and training to MPOsand Corporals to ensure learning and comprehensive knowledge offirst-line supervisor responsibilities; examples of such arescene/incident management, daily administrative tasks, command anduniversity leadership notification procedures.

Assists in managing the university police department. Sergeantsmay be assigned or rotated to various units and shifts in thedepartment based on department need andtraining/qualifications

• Assists in coordination, communication, and management of theuniversity police department in the absence of the chief, deputychiefs, commanders, captains, and lieutenants in that order;
• Provides command and direction for the university policedepartment, providing support and cooperation at all times to thecommand, as a member of the command, of the Police Department;
• Exercises sound judgement and timeliness in relayinginformation regarding significant events affecting the community,the university, and the department to the department’s commandstaff;
• Provides appropriate notifications through chain of command andnotification matrix as required. Creates and facilitates openchannels of communication between front line staff and commanders.Completes shift duty reports with thorough detail and maintainsaccurate records;
• Reviews and approves reports in a timely manner and ensuresNIBRS compliance. Provides oversight to the communications centerand satellite campuses in the absence of the direct supervisors ofthose units;
• Manages and coordinates scheduling, adequate staffing levelsfor their unit, and reviews leave and training requests in a timelymanner and makes responsible decisions without negatively impactingstaffing when approving requests;
• Routinely inspects and accounts for equipment and vehicles,conducts roll calls and roll call training, and facilitatescommunication across units; and
• Responsive to subordinates and supervisors and ensures email,phone, written, and verbal communications are attended to in atimely manner.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Considerable progressive and substantive experience (typicallythree or more years) as a Law Enforcement Officer evidenced byaccomplishments in meeting goals and objectives;
• Considerable skill in the use of police equipment relevant tothe position;
• Substantive knowledge of law enforcement/public safety andemergency management practices;
• Considerable experience working with the public and/or customerservice experience;
• Knowledge of complex law enforcement operations and technicaltasks;
• Knowledge of law enforcement supervisory concepts andpractices;
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws anduniversity and department policies;
• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, and verbal/writtencommunication skills;
• Excellent public relations/customer service skills;
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills;
• Ability to pass rigid background check;
• Ability to pass a physical fitness examination andpsychological examination;
• Ability to provide professional/caring community-orientedservice;
• Ability to communicate respectfully to internal and externalcustomers, appreciate diversity and respects differences, maintainconfidentiality;
• Ability to identify options and develop solutions for unique orunprecedented situations;
• Ability to work within teams or independently withminimal/intermittent supervision;
• Ability to perform well under stress in a calm, efficientmanner;
• Ability to provide mentoring, coaching, and training to othersworn officers;
• Ability to provide effective leadership, training and directionto personnel and to supervise and evaluate employeeseffectively;
• Ability to analyze all emergency situations to determine courseof action and solve problems;
• Ability to communicate verbally with adequate radio voice withno speech limitations;
• Ability to make complex decisions independently;
• Ability to work independently and solve problems involving manyvariables;
• Ability to be compliant with Virginia State Police/FBI/CriminalJustice Information Services (CJIS)policies;
• Other attributes include having a dependable work ethic, have ahigh level of integrity, honesty, and accountability;
• Possession of a valid driver's license is required;
• Required to obtain and maintain NCIC/VCIN operatorcertification in compliance with Virginia State Police and FBIregulations.
• Must have legal authority to carry and possess issued firearms;required to obtain and maintain Virginia DCJS firearmsproficiency/qualifications on an annual basis, at minimum;
• Required to maintain biennial in-service education creditsregulated by Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement Officer recertificationprocess;
• Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) LawEnforcement Officer certification; and
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motorvehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements foroperating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle UsePolicy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review thedriver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of allcandidates selected with employment contingent upon favorablereview.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in related field;
• CIT training;
• Prior security, public safety, or military experience;
• Advanced experience as a trainer/instructor;
• Law Enforcement first-line supervisor and/or advancedleadership training;
• Considerable knowledge of law enforcement training andsupervisory practices;
• Extensive knowledge of law enforcement/public safety andemergency management practices; and
• Exceptional public speaking skills and abilities.

Posting Open Date:

August 28, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:

September 11, 2026

Posting Close Date:

September 12, 2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 researchuniversity committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperousworld. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largestand most diverse public research university in Virginia, offeringdegree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment forstudents, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. Webelieve in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancingour mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; andwe believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity oforigin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative actionemployer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in itscommunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration foretusage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability orveteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/