Transit Police Officer Sergeant

VIA Metro Transit; San Antonio, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

VIA Metropolitan Transit seeks a capable supervisor for the Transit Police and security teams in the San Antonio area. The role oversees daily operations, coordinates responses with local agencies, and enforces laws to ensure rider safety and system security.

The position requires an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field, a Texas Peace Officer Proficiency Certification, and at least four years of law enforcement experience.

Qualifications

• Requires supervisory experience overseeing police personnel.
• Requires CJIS background check and eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily activities of Transit Police Officers and security personnel.
• Coordinate field operations and sector coverage with the Lieutenant.
• Direct security and enforcement to protect passengers, employees, and VIA property.
• Respond to calls for service across VIA properties, including transit centers and paratransit.
• Investigate crimes and incidents; issue citations and make arrests as needed.
• Train and mentor subordinate personnel; prepare detailed reports.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Education

Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Advanced Texas Peace Officer’s Proficiency Certification

Job description

81,000 - 113,400 USD per year

Posted 4 days ago

Description

Summary:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Oversees the daily activities of the Transit Police Officers and security personnel assigned to VIA Metropolitan Transit. This position ensures the safe and efficient delivery of police services across VIA properties, vehicles, and facilities. Acts as a liaison with local law enforcement, fire departments, and other partner agencies coordinating joint responses and supporting regional public safety efforts. The role requires strong leadership, sound judgement, and the ability to manage both criminal and non-criminal incidents within VIA’s jurisdiction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises and directs the daily activities of Transit Police Officers and security personnel, making immediate supervisory decisions.
• Oversees deployment and field operations, coordinating sector coverage and service needs in collaboration with the Lieutenant.
• Directs security and enforcement activities to ensure the safety of passengers, employees, and the protection of VIA property, including scheduling personnel and supporting specialized initiatives such as K9 patrol operations.
• Responds to and manages calls for service across all VIA controlled properties, to include all Park and Ride facilities, transit centers, bus routes, bus stops, and paratransit services.
• Implements departmental strategies and directives as established by the Chief of Police and System Security and Transit Police Department leadership.
• Enforces laws and ordinances by investigating crimes, accidents and incidents; making arrests or detentions; issuing citations and resolving disputes.
• Assists in training, mentoring, developing, and evaluating subordinate personnel to maintain high performance and professional standards.
• Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations and prepares detailed reports documenting incidents and enforcement actions.
• Coordinates and interfaces with local, state, and regional law enforcement agencies to support joint operations and ensure seamless service delivery.
• Maintains operational readiness by managing equipment, supplies, and scheduling the use of patrol vehicles, radios, and other resources.
• Investigates and responds to citizen complaints.
• Makes recommendations for disciplinary actions, and counsels staff when needed.

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field plus four (4) years of law enforcement experience, or an equivalent combination. Must have an Advanced Texas Peace Officer’s Proficiency Certification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Prior supervisory experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

*Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.

*Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.

• Must have a valid current Texas Peace Officer’s license and be eligible and qualified to be commissioned as a VIA Police Officer, as per the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License, a good driving record, and be qualified to operate a VIA police vehicle.
• Must provide approved handgun and able to show proficiency.
• Must have the ability to successfully complete joint law enforcement training programs and demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge, skills, and abilities provided in the training program(s).
• Must have a good knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws as well as public transit policing practices.
• Must possess above average communication skills, both verbal and written, to communicate effectively with all levels, both inside and outside of VIA.
• Must have a good knowledge of all VIA services and be able to provide information and assistance to the general public.
• Proficiency in report writing, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Must be proficient in the use of PCs and related software applications.
• Must be able to deal tactfully and effectively with subordinates and the public.
• Must be able to travel off-property in company vehicles.
• Must comply with dress and grooming codes.
• Must have mathematical skills to perform basic calculations.
• Must have the ability to respond to various situations and quickly analyze the facts to arrive at a just and clear-cut decision.
• Must be able to maintain good work attendance.

Safety Accountability Statement:

- Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

- Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.

- Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

- Employees are responsible, a nd required , to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach, and have sufficient mobility and strength to occasionally pursue, subdue, and restrain offenders.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

Inside and outside work with irregular hours. Work hours could involve early morning, evening, late, or overnight hours, and weekends, split shifts, and holidays.

Work involves being around moving vehicles and exposure to dust, fumes, gases, noises, and extremes in temperature/humidity.

VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.