Sergeant

Forward Together! Under the general supervision of a Police Lieutenant, the UW Oshkosh Police Sergeant is responsible for all aspects of the supervision of patrol officers. The position supervises and trains line officers and administers programs for police officers and associated staff to ensure safety and security on all institutional properties. Enforces laws, investigates complaints and incidents, maintains order, identifies criminal activity, and apprehends and arrests offenders. UW Oshkosh Police Sergeants are sworn law enforcement professionals (State of Wisconsin LESB certified) who exercise full statutory arrest authority while carrying out the Department’s mission: to serve our community by building relationships, reducing fear, and solving problems – treating every person with the fairness and respect we would want for ourselves, and approaching every interaction as an opportunity to make a positive difference. A primary responsibility of the Police Sergeant is to supervise and lead subordinate police and security personnel (Community Service Officers) assigned to a shift, work unit, or special event. Among the duties of a Police Sergeant are the following: conduct daily briefings; schedule work and oversee the activity of officers; plan training; train and evaluate officers; approve payroll for employees; act to preserve order during times of crisis; effectively plan day-to-day work and long-term projects; assist the department in maintaining a well-trained, well-equipped work force; educate the public regarding security, safety, and crime prevention issues; foster trust and communication with the public, the University community, and other agencies; collect data, document, report, investigate, and analyze crime; demonstrate the use of creativity and formal problem-solving methods; protect life and property; safeguard the rights and dignity of individuals; deal ethically with the public and other department employees; delegate authority; investigate and resolve complaints about department services; and serve as a trainer. The Police Sergeant must frequently perform the same tasks as subordinates. During the University's non-business hours the Police Sergeant is often the highest ranking law enforcement official on campus and is expected to make most decisions without consulting a higher authority. Due to the decision-making nature of the job, the Police Sergeant must be prepared to give immediate assistance to the public by making decisions for the University that may be only vaguely related to law enforcement. The Police Sergeant is under the general supervision of a Police Lieutenant.