Sergeant - VUPS

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University Public Safety seeks a capable police supervisor to lead shifts and coordinate patrols, events, and community policing on campus.

The role involves reviewing reports, training officers, and ensuring adherence to procedures and Tennessee POST standards, with court appearances as needed. Strong leadership and partnership skills are essential to maintain safety across the university community.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience with an accredited law enforcement agency.
• One year of experience as a Corporal at VUPD preferred.
• P.O.S.T. certification Tennessee or eligiblity required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise officers on shift, patrol, and event assignments.
• Review incident and other police reports; prepare and submit reports.
• Train new officers and conduct performance evaluations.
• Provide backup and coordination with local agencies as needed.
• Appear in court as prosecuting officer or witness; present testimony.
• Oversee special events security and community policing initiatives.

Skills

Law enforcement experience

Corporal experience at VUPD

P.O.S.T. certification knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Police Academy graduate

Tenn. POST certification or eligibility

Metropolitan Police Department commission requirement

Job description

About the Work Unit

Vanderbilt University Public Safety comes under the charge of the Office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor/Chief of Police for the Division of Administration. The Public Safety Department includes a staff of over 300 people. The department is organized into two Bureaus: Campus & Administrative, and VU Medical Center, which both are led by a Deputy Chief of Police. The Department employs commissioned officers, non‑academy‑trained officers for security‑related functions, and administrative personnel.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Administrative Services

• Performs and provides, at the shift level, direct field supervision of police, master police, and security officers in routine patrol, directed patrol, community policing, and special event activities.
• Reviews and assists officers as necessary on incident reports, accident reports, and any other such reports prepared by officers daily. Ensures the accuracy of all information on reports including case number, report number, and classification. Prepares routine and special reports as necessary. Submits reports to the appropriate supervisor for final review and approval.
• May train new police officers and evaluate as outlined in the Field Training Program.
• Monitor and coach others for improved work performance and participate in counseling sessions as necessary.
• Conducts performance evaluations fairly and impartially.
• Creates Operations Plans for various special events and law enforcement activities.

Calls for Service

• First responder for all emergency calls to include but not be limited to the following: alarms (fire, panic, holdup), hazardous material spills and leaks, traffic crashes, criminal activity in progress, assistance for injured/sick, and crimes in progress.
• Responder for non‑emergency calls to include but not be limited to the following law enforcement or safety and security concerns: Situations that indicate potential for violence or potential volatility and Situations that require coordination between VUPD and other VU departments including members of the VU community who have orders of protection on file, no directory or alias patients, sensitive student, staff, or faculty issues.
• Responds to general calls for service such as accessing and/or locking buildings, assisting motorist, or providing personal safety.
• Provides escorts of money and persons for protection of such.
• Assists other agencies as requested.
• Provide backup for other officers as necessary.
• Assists medical personnel in the detention of psychiatric patients.
• Provides protection and secure transportation services for psychiatric patients to other facilities or courts.

Community Oriented Policing

• Serves the community through proactive patrol of assigned areas working with zone contacts to identify potential security‑related situations and develop crime prevention strategies.
• Identifies potential security‑related conditions and takes the lead in problem‑solving through partnerships to develop prevention strategies.
• Provides safety, crime prevention, and community policing information to contacts over the course of patrol duties.
• Coordinates with VPD Community Relations personnel regarding physical security, safety information, and other related crime prevention issues within their area.
• Develops rapport with members of the university community as well as surrounding areas; participates in community relations activities.
• Assists community members as necessary when dealing with the criminal justice system and other related matters.

Investigations

• Provides initial investigation for all calls of criminal activity and accidents.
• Protects and maintains crime scene as necessary.
• Coordinates with detectives regarding cases that require the additional expertise or involvement of CIU.
• Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects and inform them of options available and additional processes to follow.
• Photographs and processes crime scenes or coordinates resources for required processing.
• May conduct photo lineups and additional investigative duties as needed.
• Provide crime prevention information to victims to reduce re‑victimization.
• Performs field stops and interviews.
• Makes arrests, issues citations, and gives warnings.
• Prepares and submits applicable offense reports, follow‑up reports, and other documentation as needed.

Judicial Proceedings

• Appears in court as a prosecuting officer or witness and presents testimony.
• Searches prisoners and provides custody of prisoners throughout the booking process.
• May be required to appear at university administrative hearings to provide testimony.
• Prepares and submits applicable follow‑up reports.

Special Events and Assignments

• Provides security for events such as athletic events, concerts, speakers, visiting dignitaries, commencement, and numerous other social activities where security personnel may be required to provide crowd control and maintain order.
• Coordinates with other agencies as necessary.
• May be assigned or assume police supervisory or command responsibilities during special events on campus, visiting dignitary details, and other assignments as necessary.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does have supervisory responsibility over assigned officers in the unit, and this position reports administratively and functionally to the assigned Lieutenant or a higher‑ranking officer.

Education and Certifications

• High School Education or G.E.D required.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
  • Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up‑to‑date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.
• Graduate of an accredited, approved Police Academy required.
• Certified police officer meeting all of the requirements for P.O.S.T. certification in Tennessee or be eligible for certification immediately upon hire required.
• Meet standards to receive a commission from the Metropolitan Police Department mandatory.

Experience and Skills

• Three (3) years of experience with an accredited law enforcement agency is required.
• One (1) year of experience as a Corporal at VUPD is preferred.
• Prior law enforcement experience as a certified officer must be within the past five (5) years is required.

Physical Requirements

In addition to meeting P.O.S.T. requirements officers must be able to:

• Stand for long periods.
• Walk, climb, and lift.
• Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming.
• Pass a thorough background investigation that demonstrates –
  • Good moral character,
  • Good driving record, and
  • No prior criminal convictions that would prohibit the individual from meeting the standards set forth by the State of Tennessee to become a law enforcement officer.
• Pass a medical examination including vision screening and drug testing; must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required to be able to work in patient care and high‑risk areas.
• Pass a Psychological Evaluation.

Working Requirements

• Required to work nights/weekends/holidays.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather or weather extremes.
• May be confined to a patrol car for an entire shift.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood‑borne pathogens, steam, car battery acid, loud noises, smoke, and fire.
• Required to be knowledgeable and able to correctly use a TB Mask and other precautionary equipment.