Police Sergeant
Position Overview
The Police Sergeant works under the guidance of the Captain, Deputy Police Chief, and Chief of Police. This position is responsible for the efficient operation of patrol, investigations and community affairs while providing the proper direction of Detectives/Police Officers in the performance of their duties. This position performs duties in accordance with departmental rules and regulations, state personnel regulations, state laws, city ordinances, law enforcement codes of ethics, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and general principles of police work, and monitors subordinates for compliance with same. The Deputy Chief and/or Captain will brief the Sergeant on any special assignments or unusual circumstances, which may occur from time to time, providing all pertinent information. This position may be required to work special or emergency assignments with little or no notice at the discretion of the Chief of Police. This position requires driving of a state issued vehicle and requires a valid driver's license on date of hire and throughout employment.
Work Schedule: 8- to 12-hour workdays, and special assignments (84-hour work periods every two weeks patrol)
The Sergeant may be required to work non-traditional hours and respond promptly to specialized assignments or emergencies.
KU Police Department within KU Operations builds partnerships within the KU community to promote a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. KU Operations supports KU’s mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university’s academic and research missions.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance.
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Work Schedule: 8- to 12-hour workdays, and special assignments (84-hour work periods every two weeks patrol)
The Sergeant may be required to work non-traditional hours and respond promptly to specialized assignments or emergencies.
KU Police Department within KU Operations builds partnerships within the KU community to promote a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. KU Operations supports KU’s mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university’s academic and research missions.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance.
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Job Description
50% – Shift Leadership, Patrol/Investigations Supervision and Operational Support
- Serve as a first‑line supervisor within the Patrol or Investigations/Support Services Division.
- May manage or assist with departmental functions such as Accreditation, Clery Act reporting, de‑escalation statistics, stop‑data statistics, and departmental policy implementation.
- Organize, direct, assign, and review the work of Detectives and Police Officers.
- Manage assigned shifts; review in‑progress work and evaluate completed work through observation and report review to ensure proper delivery of police services.
- Disseminate departmental information, policies, instructions, and assignments to personnel.
- Prepare personal time records and review subordinates’ timesheets for accuracy and compliance.
- Make purchase recommendations and complete associated purchasing procedures when needed.
- Enforce departmental policies, rules, and regulations; initiate corrective action as appropriate.
- Conduct probationary and annual performance evaluations for assigned employees.
- Ensure compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action requirements in all supervisory responsibilities.
- Represent the department as a liaison with university departments, community organizations, other law enforcement agencies, and student groups; may serve on University committees.
- Provide and oversee community service or outreach programs as needed or requested.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
- Perform Detective or Police Officer duties, consistent with those position descriptions, when required by operational needs.
- Respond to emergency situations and assume command of incidents until relieved by higher authority.
- Carry out required duties with little or no notice, including extended hours, adverse weather, or special operational demands.
- Conduct special assignments as designated by the department.
- Analyze situations promptly and accurately; adopt effective and reasonable courses of action with consideration for hazards and circumstances.
- Coordinate activities with other emergency agencies, University units, and departmental personnel during incident response.
- Make notifications as required by department regulations during critical incidents or significant events.
- Evaluate department performance during emergencies and recommend policy or procedural improvements.
- Safe care and control of authorized equipment, firearms, and vehicles.
- Maintain and develop proficiency with department‑issued equipment including firearms, batons, handcuffs, and vehicles.
- Maintain working knowledge of departmental computer systems necessary for patrol and supervisory duties.
- Inspect personnel and equipment regularly for adherence to departmental policy and readiness.
- Ensure inoperable or unsafe equipment is promptly reported for repair or replacement.
Position Requirements
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be 21 years of age by the time of appointment.
- Must possess a valid driver's license by hire date and throughout employment.
- Ability to qualify annually with duty weapon.
- Must be in compliance with the University of Kansas Police Department policy: Personal Equipment, Apparel, Appearance and Grooming
- Successful completion of background check, physical exam, psychological testing and drug screen.
- Free of convictions, expunged convictions, and diversions for any crimes which are a felony or its equivalent under the uniform code of military justice imposed by any state or federal government (KSA 74-5605).
- Must be free of any diversions, convictions and expunged convictions for any misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence or their equivalent under the uniform code of military justice imposed by any state or federal government (KSA 74-5605).
- Must be able to perform all essential job functions and not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of self or others.
- Lift and carry equipment and evidence (up to 50 lbs occasionally; up to 25 lbs frequently).
- Drag, pull, or carry (150–180 lbs) a distance of 25–50 feet to simulate rescue/evacuation.
- Push/pull objects (e.g., stalled vehicles, doors, obstacles) with sustained effort.
- Frequently stand and walk for prolonged periods (up to 8–12 hours per shift) on varied terrain, including stairs, slopes, uneven ground, and in all weather conditions.
- Run short and mid‑distance (e.g., up to ¼–½ mile) over hilly or obstructed terrain; perform rapid changes of direction during foot pursuits.
- Climb and descend multiple flights of stairs carrying duty gear and emergency equipment.
- Use physical control/restraint techniques, including grappling, handcuffing, and ground control, which may require kneeling, crouching, twisting, and prone/supine positions.
- Enter, exit, and operate patrol vehicles repeatedly during a shift, including wearing full duty gear.
- Perform fine and gross motor tasks (e.g., operate firearms, TASER/CEW, radios, computer in car/handheld, baton, handcuffs, tourniquets) with both hands, including gloved use in cold weather.
- Work in extreme heat/cold, rain, snow, low‑light, and high‑noise environments.
- Sufficient hand/eye coordination and dexterity to use cameras, evidence‑collection tools, computers, radios, digital systems, and standard law enforcement equipment.
- Ability to sit for extended periods during interviews, surveillance, or computer‑based case work.
- Must be able to perform all essential job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED equivalency
- Certified as a law enforcement officer
- Three (3) years of commissioned law enforcement experience within six months of appointment date
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in criminal justice or related field
- Four (4) years of commissioned law enforcement experience
- One (1) year of supervisory experience
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete application includes:
Application deadline is Monday, August 3rd. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, August 2nd.
- Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
- Resume/CV
- List of three (3) professional references
Application deadline is Monday, August 3rd. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, August 2nd.
Contact Information to Applicants
Sandy Patchen, spatchen@ku.edu, 785-864-5900
Advertised Salary Range
$83,097
Application Review Begins
Monday August 3, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Sunday August 16, 2026