Detective Sergeant

California State University, Northridge•Los Angeles, CA

4d•$7,763 - $11,449•Onsite

About The Position

The Detective Sergeant works under the general direction of a commander and focuses on investigations involving major and sensitive crimes, threat assessment, victim and witness support, and specialized coordination. The role spans evidence handling, case oversight, and collaboration with internal teams and external agencies to support safety and investigative outcomes. The position conducts and oversees complex criminal investigations as lead case investigator and coordinates investigative activity within the Investigations Unit. It also supports threat assessment cases involving workplace violence, mental health-related incidents, and Title IX matters; ensures victim and witness support, protective measures, and referrals; and coordinates administrative and operational functions such as case management, sex offender registrant tracking, VIP security, asset forfeiture, and external-agency liaison activities. The Detective Sergeant oversees evidence and property management and crime scene processing, and supports surveillance, search warrants, interdepartmental collaboration, training, and policy compliance. Other duties may be assigned. This is a regular, full-time, on-campus position in Northridge, with a one-year probationary period. The schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and may include evenings and weekends. The position is classified as sensitive and requires background, fingerprint, and other pre-employment clearances.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Equivalent to three years of sworn law enforcement experience that would provide a reasonable expectation of success in the role.
Must be free of felony convictions, have good moral character, meet pre-employment requirements including physical and psychological examinations and a drug test, and pass a comprehensive POST background investigation.
Possess a valid POST Certificate of Eligibility or a POST Basic Certificate in good standing.
Be eligible to serve as a peace officer in the State of California.
Possess a valid California Driver's License.
Extensive knowledge of criminal investigation techniques, evidence collection and preservation, interviewing and interrogation, and case development.
Ability to analyze complex incidents, apply legal standards, prepare search warrants and subpoenas, and coordinate investigations through court proceedings.
Ability to conduct and coordinate sensitive investigations involving mental health incidents, missing persons, juvenile matters, and Title IX cases.
Skill in surveillance and undercover operations, with the ability to plan and execute investigative actions while meeting legal, procedural, and safety requirements.
Knowledge of threat assessment and violence risk evaluation, including workplace and domestic violence dynamics, and ability to assess threats and implement risk-mitigation strategies.
Ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, manage sensitive situations, support stakeholders, and facilitate communication for safety concerns, operational needs, and incident response.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
Six years of active sworn law enforcement experience and two years of investigative experience preferred.
Completion of a POST Supervisory Program is desirable; if not completed, it must be completed within one year of appointment.
California POST Intermediate certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct and oversee complex criminal investigations as the lead case investigator, handling major and special or sensitive crimes and coordinating investigative activities within the Investigations Unit.
Provide investigative support for threat assessment cases, including workplace violence, mental health-related incidents, and Title IX matters.
Ensure victim and witness support services, including protective measures, resource referrals, and consistent application of victim assistance programs.
Coordinate case and file management, sex offender registrant tracking, VIP security, asset forfeiture programs, and liaison activities with external agencies and partners.
Oversee evidence and property management and crime scene processing.
Support specialized operations, including surveillance and search warrants, as well as interdepartmental collaboration, training, and policy compliance.
Perform other duties as assigned.