Police 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
• 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.

Expectations

UW Oshkosh Police Sergeants carry out the University’s safety culture. They are expected to:

• Model our values.
• Balance enforcement with empathy, recognizing that every contact is an opportunity to build trust and reduce fear.
• Demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and cultural competency in serving a diverse campus community.
• Uphold the Department’s commitment to being approachable, proactive, and deeply invested in the success and safety of every person on campus.

Recruitment Bonus

Police Sergeants may be eligible for a recruitment bonus! A sign-on bonus of $1,000 will be awarded to eligible employees on the first regularly scheduled paycheck. A bonus of $2,500 will be awarded to eligible employees after successful completion of the new hire probationary period.

Competitive Benefits

UW Oshkosh provides a competitive benefits package for all benefit-eligible positions. Click here for more details.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of full-time experience in a certified law enforcement capacity
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and principles embodied in case law (court decisions and the ability to apply this knowledge with discretion as it pertains to the laws of arrest, search and seizure, collection and preservation of evidence, and use of force).
• Effective written and oral communication skills to communicate, interact with, and be respectful of a community of students, co-workers, faculty/staff, guests, and the general public.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and principles embodied in case law (court decisions and the ability to apply this knowledge with discretion as it pertains to the laws of arrest, search/seizure, collection and preservation of evidence, and use of force) as well as knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting employee health and welfare.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current investigatory techniques and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to observe and accurately recall facts or details about persons, events, accident or crime scenes, physical conditions, and behaviors of individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly assess situations and rapidly consider various options in choosing a course of action.
• Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend, and execute complex written material and verbal instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to complete multiple tasks under stressful or crisis conditions.
• in basic computer skills including, but not limited to: the use of Microsoft Office programs, TraCs, and various Records Management systems.
• Skilled in the use of enforcement and other types of equipment such as firearms, various enforcement devices, photographic equipment, voice recording equipment, etc...
• Prior customer service experience.
• Previously, or currently certified or trained as an instructor in a law enforcement discipline (DAAT, firearms, EVOC, Taser, ICAT, etc...).

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application: Cover Letter DJ-LE-330 (with questions).

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by August 29th, 2025 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Contact Information: For questions regarding your application and additional options to apply, contact Human Resources at recruitment@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166. Legal Notices: Reasonable Accommodations UWO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact hroffice@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWO is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWO will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Work Authorization Unless otherwise indicated in the job posting, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. UW Oshkosh is not an e-verify employer; therefore, STEM extensions are not options for work authorization. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWO Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://uwosh.edu/police/, or call UWO Police Department, at (920) 424-1212 for a paper copy. EEO Statement Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Employee Benefits