Police 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:$85,572 - $108,015, commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

Important Eligibility Requirement

Employees in this position are required to operate university vehicles in accordance with George Mason University Vehicle Use Policy 1411. Applicants must possess and maintain an active, valid driver’s license that satisfies university requirements. Final candidates are subject to a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) review, and successful completion of the review is a condition of employment.

Minor or major driving violations may affect eligibility for employment. Applicants with prior driving infractions need to review the Eligibility & MVR Review Information (English / Spanish) before applying.

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 the students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the university, as they pursue their daily work and study activities, consistent with the laws of the commonwealth, and the policies of the university.

About the Position:

The primary purpose of the George Mason University Police Sergeant position is to exercise general police power within a specific jurisdiction in order to perform law enforcement, crime prevention, security and related public safety functions while maintaining department standards in community outreach efforts. This position leads and directs staff and exercises supervisory responsibility of police. The job is considered Essential/Designated personnel and will be required to work a variety of schedules in a 24-hour, 7 day a week configuration which includes nights, weekends, holidays, and during and following natural disasters and emergency situations. The Sergeant position also provides training to others to meet competency and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

Enforces laws and investigates crimes and traffic crashes 

• Enforces all applicable state and local laws and university regulations to ensure the proper protection of all University personnel, visitors, and property;
• Arrests violators of laws, issues summonses, issues written and verbal warnings when appropriate, ensures data collection forms for the 2020 Community Policing Act are issued when required. Exercises discretion in a safe, fair, and balanced manner. Provides law enforcement presence and crowd control at assigned activities and/or locations. Demonstrates professional demeanor and safety techniques during traffic control;
• Responds to radio calls and assignments made by dispatchers and supervisors, answers calls and complaints, and provides assistance to fellow law enforcement officers. Investigates traffic crashes and provides assistance to the injured, control crash area, and ensure the safety of other traffic until area is clear;
• Conducts interviews and writes detailed and accurate reports in a timely manner; is well-versed in laws of arrest and search and seizure. Provides complete preliminary and follow-up investigations of all incidents in a professional, caring and timely manner.;
• Preserves crime scenes and collects and processes evidence from a variety of sources such as citizens, witnesses, suspects, crime scenes and incidents that pose a potential liability to the University. Uses a variety of methods to obtain information and evidence, including interviews and interrogations; and
• Prepares for and attends court to provide complete testimony and the presentation of evidence;

Provides public services and assistance to community members 

• Provides assistance to the community by utilizing sound decision making and customer service practices;
• Ensures that the public is dealt with in a courteous and professional manner, displays no bias, and works to overcome communication barriers. Displays appropriate compassion and empathy, providing law enforcement services with a high standard of care;
• Looks beyond the initial problem and seeks opportunities to provide exceptional customer service;
• Demonstrates competency and employs proper safety procedures with handling a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner;
• Through problem solving methodologies, provides solutions or the resources to solve any problem confronting the public;
• Proactively follows up on contacts and referrals. Exercises sound judgement; decisions take into consideration department and university policy, law, and fact. Renders aid and assistance to citizens, fellow officers, and other public safety partners; and
• Responsive to requests for mutual aid. 

Conducts patrols and participates in crime prevention activities 

• Provides proactive deterrence and high visibility patrols of all University property by vehicle, foot, and/or bicycle with a community policing philosophy;
• Utilizes unallocated time in a productive manner, demonstrates effective time management and ability to plan and organize a daily work routine, and contributes in a positive manner to department’s mission;
• Operates police vehicle and conducts foot/bike patrols to observe for and confront violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of public peace;
• Reports and addresses hazardous conditions;
• Motivates productivity and takes initiative to improve job knowledge and skills through conducting proactive patrols and engaging with the community. Maintains public peace and provides the University community with the most current crime prevention technology and methods;
• Participates in and documents community outreach activities and events as part of daily patrol routines;
• Works effectively and proactively with Community Outreach unit to identify and participate in activities, events, and training opportunities; and
• Submits annual Community Engagement Plan reflective of current needs of community for assigned unit, practices personal accountability, and ensures those under their supervision meet performance expectations as outlined. 

Provides support and assistance to victims, witnesses, and persons in need of services

• Maintains a professional working relationship with the University Administration, University Life, Title IX, and the University community, as well as with other elements of the criminal justice system including the courts, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Community Services Board (CSB), and other law enforcement agencies to render assistance to victims, witnesses, and persons in need of resources or services;
• Provides assistance to crime victims by rendering sensitive and caring support. Provides victims and witnesses information on cases, court procedures, and protective order statuses. Updates victims and witnesses on case statuses, arrests made, and service of processes/warrants. Assists victims and witnesses with identifying and utilizing available support resources;
• Recognizes situations and incidents requiring crisis intervention and/or mental health resources and utilizing available resources when appropriate and employing proper safety procedures in custodial situations. Executes and serves Emergency Custody Orders and/or Temporary Detention Orders as required; and
• Submits written referrals in a timely manner to the Office of Student Conduct and/or support resources for incidents involving students for university compliance with the Drug Free Schools & Communities Act, as well as written referrals to Human Resources for employee matters. Complies with Clery Act and serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA), providing written reports of all crimes as defined under Clery Act in conjunction with, or addition to, those defined by state code. 

Practices personal accountability and follows code of conduct, laws, policies, and procedures and is in compliance with training and certification required of position. Performs other duties as assigned 

• Reviews, follows, and maintains a working knowledge of all laws, state, university, and department policies. Complies with FBI, VCIN, and CJIS policies safeguarding confidential/criminal justice information. Follows department’s professional police standards and code of conduct;
• Maintains a professional police appearance in compliance with grooming, hygiene, body art, and uniform standards. Maintains a level of physical fitness which meets the daily requirement of the law enforcement profession demonstrating ability to respond to calls for service in accordance with the Position Requirement’s physical activities and physical requirements. Maintains all certifications and qualifications for the position of Police Sergeant;
• Complies with state, university, and department leave policies; submits written leave requests with reasonable notice, utilizing leave only as approved by supervisor/ department, and for the purpose of which it is intended. Demonstrates punctuality and reports on time for roll call, court, training, and other duties. Follows assigned work schedule, requests, enrolls in, and attends training, obtains approval to work overtime from supervisor, complies with requests to work overtime, and reports to work during emergencies/call-back as an essential/designated employee;
• Promotes a positive, professional image and practices personal accountability and responsibility; demonstrating energy, enthusiasm, and commitment. Devotes full effort to job responsibilities during work hours performing assigned duties and responsibilities with the highest degree of public trust;
• Conducts themselves at all times in a manner that supports the mission of their agency and the performance of their duties. Report circumstances or concerns that may affect satisfactory work performance to management, including any inappropriate (fraudulent, illegal, unethical) activities of other employees;
• Works cooperatively to achieve work unit and agency goals and objectives. Demonstrate respect for the agency and toward agency coworkers, supervisors, managers, subordinates, residential clients, students, and customers. Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct, honesty, and truthfulness at all times. Meet or exceed established job performance expectations; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Provides leadership, training, and direction to the officers assigned to their supervision

• Trains, gives direction, and provides support to each patrol officer or detective assigned to their supervision. Maintains active trainer/instructor certification(s) and provides instruction (field training and/or general instruction) to officers and/or detectives. Sergeants are also expected to provide periodic roll call trainings;
• Builds an atmosphere which supports and encourages teamwork, high morale, inventiveness, dedication, and respect. Ensures that each patrol officer under their supervision has the resources, guidance, knowledge, and support necessary to perform their job in a professional, caring manner to provide law enforcement and security services to the George Mason University community on a daily basis;
• Ensures that each officer assigned to their supervision is held accountable to their goals and actions, applying recognition and discipline in a fair and consistent manner. Effectively handles conflict situations, and addresses complaints and personnel matters in a professional, caring, and timely manner. Completes required evaluations, monitors probationary performance, improvement plans, and makes training recommendations. Documents performance deficiencies and works with leadership to address training and performance needs; and
• Attends court and observes and evaluates officer performance. Ensures officers assigned to supervision maintain required training and certifications. Exercises good judgment and analytical skills as needed in making decisions and solving problems. Effectively identifies and addresses root problems, plans and coordinates projects efficiently and effectively. Fosters positive relationships with public safety groups and liaises with local/regional law enforcement leaders to coordinate resources and mutual aid when required. Provides coaching and training to MPOs and Corporals to ensure learning and comprehensive knowledge of first-line supervisor responsibilities; examples of such are scene/incident management, daily administrative tasks, command and university leadership notification procedures. 

Assists in managing the university police department. Sergeants may be assigned or rotated to various units and shifts in the department based on department need and training/qualifications 

• Assists in coordination, communication, and management of the university police department in the absence of the chief, deputy chiefs, commanders, captains, and lieutenants in that order;
• Provides command and direction for the university police department, providing support and cooperation at all times to the command, as a member of the command, of the Police Department;
• Exercises sound judgement and timeliness in relaying information regarding significant events affecting the community, the university, and the department to the department’s command staff;
• Provides appropriate notifications through chain of command and notification matrix as required. Creates and facilitates open channels of communication between front line staff and commanders. Completes shift duty reports with thorough detail and maintains accurate records;
• Reviews and approves reports in a timely manner and ensures NIBRS compliance. Provides oversight to the communications center and satellite campuses in the absence of the direct supervisors of those units;
• Manages and coordinates scheduling, adequate staffing levels for their unit, and reviews leave and training requests in a timely manner and makes responsible decisions without negatively impacting staffing when approving requests;
• Routinely inspects and accounts for equipment and vehicles, conducts roll calls and roll call training, and facilitates communication across units; and
• Responsive to subordinates and supervisors and ensures email, phone, written, and verbal communications are attended to in a timely manner. 

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Considerable progressive and substantive experience (typically three or more years) as a Law Enforcement Officer evidenced by accomplishments in meeting goals and objectives;
• Considerable skill in the use of police equipment relevant to the position;
• Substantive knowledge of law enforcement/public safety and emergency management practices;
• Considerable experience working with the public and/or customer service experience;
• Knowledge of complex law enforcement operations and technical tasks;
• Knowledge of law enforcement supervisory concepts and practices;
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and university and department policies;
• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, and verbal/written communication skills;
• Excellent public relations/customer service skills;
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills;
• Ability to pass rigid background check;
• Ability to pass a physical fitness examination and psychological examination;
• Ability to provide professional/caring community-oriented service;
• Ability to communicate respectfully to internal and external customers, appreciate diversity and respects differences, maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to identify options and develop solutions for unique or unprecedented situations;
• Ability to work within teams or independently with minimal/intermittent supervision;
• Ability to perform well under stress in a calm, efficient manner;
• Ability to provide mentoring, coaching, and training to other sworn officers;
• Ability to provide effective leadership, training and direction to personnel and to supervise and evaluate employees effectively;
• Ability to analyze all emergency situations to determine course of action and solve problems;
• Ability to communicate verbally with adequate radio voice with no speech limitations;
• Ability to make complex decisions independently;
• Ability to work independently and solve problems involving many variables;
• Ability to be compliant with Virginia State Police/FBI/Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)policies;
• Other attributes include having a dependable work ethic, have a high level of integrity, honesty, and accountability;
• Possession of a valid driver's license is required;
• Required to obtain and maintain NCIC/VCIN operator certification in compliance with Virginia State Police and FBI regulations.
  Must have legal authority to carry and possess issued firearms; required to obtain and maintain Virginia DCJS firearms proficiency/qualifications on an annual basis, at minimum;
• Required to maintain biennial in-service education credits regulated by Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement Officer recertification process;
• Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Law Enforcement Officer certification; and
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/.  The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in related field;
• CIT training;
• Prior security, public safety, or military experience;
• Advanced experience as a trainer/instructor;
• Law Enforcement first-line supervisor and/or advanced leadership training;
• Considerable knowledge of law enforcement training and supervisory practices;
• Extensive knowledge of law enforcement/public safety and emergency management practices; and
• Exceptional public speaking skills and abilities.

Instructions to Applicants: 

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

Posting Open Date: August 28, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  September 11, 2026

Posting Close Date: September 12, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes