Detective Sergeant

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 visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 04

Salary: $89,137 - $108,073; commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Works with Minors Check: Yes

About the Department:

The primary purpose/objective/mission of the University Police Department is to provide a safe and secure environment for all university employees, students, and guests. Embracing the principles of community policing, the department works collaboratively with academic and administrative units, individuals, and organizations in furtherance of the mission of the university. The Department delivers a comprehensive program in law enforcement to provide the highest level of safety, security, and service for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the university, as they pursue their daily work and study activities, consistent with Commonwealth laws and University policies.

About the Position:

The primary purpose of the Detective Sergeant is to supervise and coordinate criminal investigations, oversee investigative personnel, and ensure thorough, timely, and professional investigation of criminal activity occurring within the University’s jurisdiction. This position provides investigative leadership, case management, and guidance on investigative procedures, evidence collection, interview and interrogation techniques, and coordination with university departments, external law enforcement, and prosecutorial agencies. The Detective Sergeant also exercises general police powers and supports crime prevention, community engagement, and departmental compliance with applicable laws, policies, and accreditation standards. This position is considered Essential/Designated personnel and may be required to work a variety of schedules in a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week operational environment, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during and following natural disasters and emergency situations. The position also provides training, mentorship, and performance oversight to ensure investigative competency, professional development, and adherence to departmental standards.

Responsibilities:

Supervises and Coordinates Criminal Investigations:

• Provide direct supervision and oversight of detectives and investigative personnel to ensure thorough, timely, and effective investigations of criminal activity occurring within the University’s jurisdiction;
• Review and assign cases based on investigative priorities, complexity, workload, and available resources;
• Monitor case progress, establish investigative objectives, evaluate investigative strategies, and ensure appropriate follow-up;
• Review investigative reports, warrants, affidavits, search warrant applications, subpoenas, and other legal documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable laws, court requirements, and departmental policies;
• Ensure proper identification, collection, preservation, documentation, storage, and submission of physical, digital, and other evidence;
• Provide guidance on interviews and interrogations, witness development, suspect identification, evidence analysis, and investigative techniques;
• Coordinate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, courts, forensic service providers, and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as appropriate;
• Ensure cases are appropriately prepared for prosecution and investigative personnel are prepared to provide testimony and present evidence in court;
• Identify investigative trends, repeat offenders, and patterns of criminal activity, and recommend appropriate investigative responses; and
• Ensure timely completion of cases and appropriate communication with victims, witnesses, and departmental leadership.

Enforces Laws and Supports Law Enforcement Operations:

• Enforce applicable federal, state, and local laws and University regulations to protect University personnel, visitors, and property;
• Exercise general police powers, including conducting investigations, making arrests, issuing summonses, and providing warnings when appropriate;
• Exercise discretion in a safe, fair, balanced, and impartial manner;
• Ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements, including those governing searches and seizures, arrests, interviews, interrogations, and evidence collection;
• Respond to significant incidents, assist patrol personnel with complex investigations and incident management, and provide investigative expertise at crime scenes as needed;
• Ensure appropriate documentation of investigative and enforcement activities, including data collection required under the Virginia Community Policing Act;
• Provide operational support during major incidents, special events, emergencies, and other situations requiring supervisory police response; and
• Maintain the ability to perform general police duties and respond to calls for service when operational needs are required.

Provides Public Services and Assistance to Community Members:

• Ensure members of the University community receive courteous, professional, impartial, and compassionate police services;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, visitors, University administrators, and community partners;
• Ensure investigative personnel communicate appropriately with community members and address concerns with tact, diplomacy, and respect for confidentiality;
• Employ sound judgment and problem-solving practices to identify appropriate solutions, provide referrals, and connect individuals with available resources;
• Promote public confidence in the Department through professional interactions, transparency consistent with legal requirements, and appropriate follow-up on community concerns; and
• Coordinate with University departments and external partners to address recurring public safety concerns and support the Department’s community policing philosophy.

Supports Crime Prevention and Identifies Emerging Criminal Activity:

• Identify and evaluate patterns, trends, and emerging threats through the review of criminal investigations, incident reports, intelligence, and other available information;
• Develop and recommend investigative and crime prevention strategies to address recurring offenses, repeat offenders, and threats affecting the University community;
• Coordinate with patrol supervisors, crime analysis and community outreach personnel, and other Department units to share relevant information and improve operational effectiveness;
• Participate in crime prevention initiatives, community outreach activities, public safety presentations, and University events as appropriate;
• Use investigative findings to identify opportunities for prevention, improve investigative practices, and inform departmental resource allocation; and
• Ensure personnel assigned to the investigative unit use available time and resources productively and contribute to the Department’s overall mission and community engagement objectives.

Provides Support and Assistance to Victims, Witnesses, and Persons in Need of Services:

• Ensure victims and witnesses receive timely, sensitive, and professional assistance throughout the investigative process;
• Oversee appropriate communication regarding case status, arrests, court proceedings, protective orders, and available victim services, consistent with applicable law and confidentiality requirements;
• Coordinate with the University’s Title IX Office, University Life, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, victim advocacy organizations, and other appropriate resources to facilitate referrals and support services;
• Recognize circumstances requiring crisis intervention, mental health resources, or additional assistance, and ensure appropriate coordination with qualified personnel;
• Ensure required referrals to the Office of Student Conduct, Human Resources, Title IX, or other University offices are completed when applicable;
• Comply with the Clery Act and related reporting requirements, including responsibilities associated with Campus Security Authority (CSA) reporting; and
• Protect sensitive investigative information and ensure victims, witnesses, and other affected individuals are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect throughout the investigative process.

Practices Personal Accountability and Complies with Laws, Policies, Procedures, and Training Requirements:

• Maintain a working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, University policies, departmental directives, investigative procedures, and professional standards;
• Ensure compliance with FBI, VCIN, CJIS, and other applicable requirements governing criminal justice information, record access, and confidentiality;
• Maintain required law enforcement certifications, qualifications, and training;
• Follow established standards for professional conduct, appearance, punctuality, scheduling, leave, and workplace responsibilities;
• Report to work as scheduled and respond to emergency callbacks and other operational needs as an Essential/Designated employee;
• Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, ethical conduct, and personal accountability in all professional activities;
• Safeguard confidential information, investigative records, evidence, and other sensitive materials from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or loss;
• Identify and report misconduct, policy violations, and circumstances that may affect employee performance or public trust; and
• Ensure investigative actions and supervisory decisions are properly documented and defensible.

Provides Leadership, Training, and Direction to Personnel Assigned to their Supervision:

• Provide leadership, direction, coaching, and performance oversight to detectives and other assigned personnel;
• Establish clear expectations for investigative quality, productivity, case management, report writing, professional conduct, and timely case completion;
• Ensure personnel have the resources, guidance, training, and support necessary to perform their duties effectively;
• Monitor workloads, investigative progress, and employee performance; provide constructive feedback and recommend training, professional development, and corrective action when appropriate;
• Conduct performance evaluations, monitor probationary employees, develop improvement plans when needed, and document performance deficiencies in coordination with departmental leadership;
• Address employee concerns, complaints, and workplace conflicts promptly, fairly, and professionally;
• Promote teamwork, accountability, initiative, and a respectful working environment;
• Provide or coordinate training on investigative procedures, evidence handling, interviews and interrogations, case preparation, legal updates, report writing, and other relevant subjects;
• Maintain required instructor or trainer certifications when applicable, and provide roll-call or other in-service training as assigned;
• Evaluate investigative practices and identify opportunities to improve unit performance, consistency, and compliance with departmental standards; and
• Foster productive working relationships with other units and external law enforcement partners to support coordinated investigations and effective information sharing.

Assists in Managing and Coordinating Department Operations:

• Assist with overall management, coordination, and administration of the George Mason Police Department;
• Provide supervisory support and operational direction in accordance with the chain of command and established departmental procedures;
• Communicate significant incidents, investigative developments, operational concerns, and other matters requiring leadership awareness through the appropriate chain of command and notification protocols;
• Maintain accurate records, prepare supervisory and investigative activity reports, and ensure assigned administrative responsibilities are completed in a timely manner;
• Review reports and investigative documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable reporting and National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) requirements;
• Coordinate staffing, case assignments, scheduling, leave requests, training, and other personnel matters to maintain effective operations;
• Conduct inspections and ensure accountability for Department equipment, vehicles, technology, evidence, and other assigned resources;
• Facilitate communication and coordination among investigative personnel, patrol, communications, University departments, and external partners;
• Assist with special assignments, emergency response, major investigations, and other departmental priorities as directed;
• Support departmental leadership in implementing policies, procedures, strategic initiatives, and operational improvements; and
• Perform supervisory duties and assume additional responsibilities as required by operational needs and the established chain of command.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Law Enforcement Officer certification;
• Active General Instructor and/or Field Training Officer certification;
• Valid driver's license and legal authority to possess and carry issued firearms;
• Ability to obtain and maintain NCIC/VCIN operator certification, annual DCJS firearms qualifications, biennial DCJS in-service training credits, and all other required law enforcement certifications and training;
• Progressive, substantive sworn law enforcement experience (typically 3 or more years), including demonstrated professional accomplishments, independent judgment, and achievement of organizational goals;
• Experience conducting criminal investigations, collecting and preserving evidence, preparing investigative reports and legal documents, and preparing cases for prosecution;
• Experience providing leadership, guidance, mentoring, or training to law enforcement personnel;
• Substantive knowledge of law enforcement operations, criminal investigative techniques, evidence management, criminal justice processes, emergency response, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, court decisions, University policies, and departmental procedures;
• Knowledge of law enforcement supervisory practices, including personnel management, performance evaluation, coaching, discipline, and accountability;
• Ability to supervise and prioritize multiple investigations; allocate resources; monitor case progress; review reports, affidavits, and warrants; and ensure accurate, thorough, timely, and legally compliant investigative work;
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to evaluate evidence, identify investigative leads, develop investigative strategies, and exercise sound judgment in complex, sensitive, and high-risk situations;
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, public relations, and customer service skills, including the ability to conduct and supervise interviews, prepare reports and briefings, and communicate effectively with victims, witnesses, suspects, prosecutors, University officials, law enforcement partners, and community members;
• Ability to lead, coach, train, supervise, and evaluate personnel fairly and consistently; manage competing priorities; enforce performance expectations; and work independently or collaboratively with minimal or intermittent supervision;
• Ability to assess emergencies, coordinate resources, adapt to changing operational demands, and maintain composure and effectiveness under stress;
• Ability to provide professional, community-oriented law enforcement services with integrity, impartiality, empathy, respect for diversity, and appropriate confidentiality;
• Ability to safeguard sensitive investigative records, evidence, and criminal justice information and comply with applicable Virginia State Police, FBI, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), VCIN, and other information security and confidentiality requirements;
• Ability to use police equipment, technology, radios, and communication systems necessary to perform the essential functions of the position;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with University departments, external law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and other criminal justice partners;
• Demonstrated integrity, honesty, dependability, professionalism, personal accountability, and commitment to ethical conduct and public service;
• Ability to pass required background investigation and meet all minimum qualifications required by Virginia law; and
• Ability to serve as Essential/Designated Personnel and participate in an on-call rotation to support a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operational environment, including responding to emergencies outside normal work hours (e.g., nights, weekends, and holidays) and during or following natural disasters or other emergency situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in related field;
• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training;
• Experience in specialized investigative assignments, complex criminal investigations, or detective operations, including coordination with prosecutors, forensic specialists, and local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies;
• Completion of advanced law enforcement leadership, supervisory, or management training;
• Advanced experience as a law enforcement trainer or instructor, particularly in criminal investigations, interview and interrogation techniques, evidence handling, and investigative procedures;
• Prior military or related emergency response experience;
• Experience with specialized investigative technologies, digital evidence, criminal intelligence analysis, or advanced evidence processing;
• Considerable knowledge of investigative techniques, case management, evidence analysis, criminal prosecution, law enforcement operations, emergency management, and interagency coordination;
• Demonstrated skills in investigative leadership, case review, problem-solving, investigative strategy development, personnel mentoring, and performance improvement; and
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, presentations, and investigative report writing.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Detective Sergeant at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date: October 29, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 12, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

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

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

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran 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/