Police Lieutenant

CSU Careers•Bakersfield, CA
•Onsite

About The Position

Under the administrative direction of the Chief of Police and in coordination with other Police Department administrators, the Police Lieutenant is responsible for the administration and operation of assigned departmental functions, which may include patrol, investigations, dispatch, parking, transportation, security technology, and administrative support. The Lieutenant works with minimal direction to address complex operational and administrative issues and ensure assigned programs achieve established goals. As a member of the executive management team, the Lieutenant participates in departmental planning, policy administration, resource coordination, and organizational decision-making. The position helps ensure a comprehensive, 24-hour law enforcement and security program for the University community and represents the department with campus administrators, external agencies, and community partners. The Lieutenant may command major incidents, demonstrations, special events, and other critical situations. The role includes administrative, field, operational, shift, and sworn law enforcement duties; emergency consultation outside normal business hours; and work at night, on weekends, and on holidays as operational needs dictate. The position reports to the Chief of Police.

Requirements

  • Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social sciences, or a related field from an accredited university, and at least six years of recent (within three years) progressively responsible law enforcement or public safety experience; a combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
  • At least two years of experience supervising law enforcement or public safety staff.
  • Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one by the date of hire.
  • Current P.O.S.T. Advanced Certificate and P.O.S.T. Supervisory Certificate.
  • Knowledge of law enforcement procedures related to University jurisdiction, crime prevention, patrol, and communications units.
  • Ability to establish and communicate a vision for a university police department and engage the University community in carrying it out.
  • Ability to lead groups through challenges and achieve results in complex conditions; hold subordinates accountable for work product and compliance with laws, procedures, and policies.
  • Commitment to the University’s mission, inclusiveness, access, and ongoing learning and professional development for staff and leaders.
  • Ability to identify current and future challenges and implement effective solutions; make sound decisions using analytical ability, judgment, and operational focus; and create and implement short- and long-term goals.
  • Knowledge of the California Peace Officers Bill of Rights, community policing, public safety procedures, law enforcement and security methods, California Penal Code and related state laws, and first aid techniques.
  • Ability to apply emergency preparedness and disaster control procedures; knowledge and skill in the use and care of firearms and other police equipment.
  • Ability to follow University policies, procedures, and guidelines, including safety, civility, information security, and nondiscrimination requirements.
  • Ability to interpret and evaluate policies and procedures and develop proposals for implementation and improvement.
  • Knowledge of personnel management theories, principles, practices, and techniques; experience directing multiple complex tasks and projects simultaneously.
  • Understanding of the Incident Command System, Unified Command Structure, Standardized Emergency Management System, National Incident Management System, and the roles of local responders and local government in emergency response.
  • Ability to interpret budgetary needs and recommend improved allocations and cost savings.
  • Customer service experience requiring a high level of diplomacy and professionalism; ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations, conflicts, and diverse personalities tactfully.
  • Ability to foster communication, teamwork, and effective working relationships in a diverse University community and with people from various cultural backgrounds.
  • Excellent communication skills and thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation; ability to interpret, communicate, and apply policies and procedures.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage multiple assignments, priorities, and time-sensitive deadlines effectively.
  • Excellent computer skills and competence with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online systems, the Internet, online calendaring, and email.
  • Ability to learn University infrastructure quickly; willingness to travel and attend off-site professional development training.
  • Ability to work occasional holidays and adjust working hours for special assignments; may be called back for emergency work.
  • Satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, is required.
  • Applicants must meet applicable employment authorization and documentation requirements. Final-stage applicants must complete the described disclosures and authorizations concerning substantiated misconduct allegations.
  • The position is a general mandated reporter, a designated Campus Security Authority, and a designated position under the CSU Conflict of Interest Code; the employee must meet associated reporting, training, and filing requirements.

Nice To Haves

  • California P.O.S.T. Command College or FBI National Academy graduate.
  • Expertise and practice in NIMS and familiarity with current emergency preparedness techniques, laws, procedures, and related regulations.
  • Demonstrated skills in an institutional or educational environment with a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.
  • Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social sciences, or a related field from an accredited university.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee assigned patrol, support services, and/or parking functions to provide a comprehensive, 24-hour law enforcement and security program.
  • Assume departmental leadership during non-business hours and, when assigned, in the absence of the Chief of Police.
  • Oversee investigations and follow-up on criminal, civil, internal, and citizen complaint matters; review reports and records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
  • Represent the University before federal, state, and local regulatory agencies on law enforcement and safety matters as required.
  • Serve as field commander at major incidents, demonstrations, and special events.
  • Perform sworn police duties, including emergency response, incident management, investigations, report review, and enforcement activities.
  • Coordinate new alarms, cameras, and safety technology, including authorization, vendor quotes, installation, repairs, service requests, campus access, and communications.
  • Represent management in the department’s organizational wellness program and promote staff programs, team building, and family events.
  • Keep the Chief of Police informed about significant activities, operational conditions, personnel matters, emerging risks, unresolved issues, and progress toward goals.
  • Remain available for emergency consultation and perform assignments outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as operationally required.
  • Establish working relationships with University administrators, department heads, supervisors, campus partners, law enforcement agencies, and community partners.
  • Communicate department policies, procedures, expectations, and public safety information; receive, evaluate, and disseminate critical operational information.
  • Coordinate department participation in University events, committees, working groups, and task forces as assigned.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate community-oriented policing and crime prevention strategies with campus and community partners.
  • Direct work through subordinate supervisors, managers, and assigned personnel, ensuring accountability, service delivery, and compliance with policies and expectations.
  • Oversee recruiting, testing, interviewing, and background investigations for police officer, dispatcher, and parking candidates as needed.
  • Provide oversight of parking staff and programs and communications center operations as needed, in coordination with UPD administrators.
  • Provide administrative oversight of attendance, payroll, staffing, and related personnel processes.
  • Guide supervisors and staff in resolving difficult operational, personnel, public safety, and service-related issues; identify and correct operational deficiencies.
  • Monitor professional credentialing, certification tracking, and personnel records for continued eligibility and compliance.
  • Direct systematic review, evaluation, and updating of department policies, procedures, general orders, directives, and related operational documents.
  • Recommend policy modifications and participate in policy development and administration affecting the department, University, or broader law enforcement operations.
  • Develop procedures, directives, training materials, and related resources in response to legislative changes, accreditation requirements, operational needs, or identified deficiencies.
  • Develop and coordinate training on new or revised policies, procedures, directives, and general orders; prepare or coordinate training bulletins and policy communications.
  • Coordinate or assist with accreditation audits, compliance reviews, policy assessments, corrective actions, and supporting documentation.

Benefits

  • Excellent health, dental, and vision benefits.
  • PERS Peace Officer Retirement at 2.5% at 57; employee contribution is 10.5%.
  • Pay incentives for P.O.S.T. Intermediate and Advanced Certificates.
  • 14 paid holidays, including one personal holiday.
  • Tuition fee waiver for employees and dependents.
  • Pay incentives for special assignments.
  • Annual uniform allowance.
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