Open-Rank Police Officer: Sergeant, Lieutenant, or Captain

POSITION SUMMARY

Columbia College invites applications for an open-rank sworn police officer position with the Columbia College Police Department (CCPD). Appointment will be made at the rank of Sergeant, Lieutenant, or Captain , dependent upon qualifications.

CCPD seeks a law enforcement professional who will protect the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and the public; enforce College rules and policies along with local, state, and federal laws; and build collaborative relationships with campus partners and external agencies.

All ranks perform specialized police work, respond to routine and emergency situations, and remain on call for campus emergencies. The position requires an extremely high degree of honesty and integrity due to access to sensitive records, including internal affairs files, personnel records, and case investigation files.

Qualifications

RESPONSIBILITIES

All Ranks

- Patrol College property, respond to calls for service and campus emergencies, and implement the College Security Plan and emergency procedures.

- Secure crime scenes, assist in criminal investigations, prepare case files, and provide court testimony.

- Assist the FBI, SLED, and county and local agencies with special criminal cases, crisis situations, and events.

- Maintain required training, physical fitness, and firearms proficiency.

Sergeant (reports to the Lieutenant)

- Command the Road Patrol.

- Responsible for aspects of training in accordance with South Carolina regulations.

- Assist the Lieutenant in overseeing investigations.

- Assist with background investigations of job applicants.

Lieutenant (reports to the Captain)

- Command the Road Patrol, Training, and Investigative Divisions as a member of command staff.

- Execute training under South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, SLED, and federal requirements; ensure all officers meet mandated training standards.

- Prepare Patrol and Administrative Division schedules.

- Assist administration with budget preparation, purchasing, discipline, and personnel matters.

Captain (reports to the Chief of Police)

- Serve as second-in-command, directing daily operations and strategic planning for patrol, investigations, dispatch, emergency response, and special event security.

- Oversee internal affairs and professional standards investigations; serve as lead investigator for Title IX-related public safety incidents, as assigned; maintain departmental Standard Operating Procedures.

- Serve as Clery Compliance Coordinator and Campus Safety Survey Administrator, including the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, Campus Security Authority training, timely warnings, emergency notifications, and the crime log.

- Serve as departmental Training Officer and Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC), overseeing FBI CJIS compliance, the Field Training Program, and officer recruitment and onboarding.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required of All Ranks

- Certification in basic law enforcement through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (Captain candidates may obtain Class 1 certification within six months of hire).

- NCIC certification, or the ability to complete it.

- Valid drivers license (Captain candidates must hold or obtain a South Carolina license within 60 days).

- No felony convictions.

- Physical ability to operate firearms, restraining devices, and vehicles; exert up to thirty pounds of force occasionally; lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, and run; defend against physical assault; and restrain, lift, or carry adults of varying weights.

- Ability to perform under stressful, high-risk conditions.

Required Education and Experience by Rank

- Sergeant: High school diploma and four years of progressive law enforcement experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Lieutenant: Associates degree and seven years of progressive law enforcement experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Captain: Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field (Masters preferred); ten years of progressive law enforcement or public safety experience, including three years in a supervisory or command role; strong working knowledge of the Clery Act, Title IX, and FBI CJIS security standards; U.S. citizen or legal resident.

Preferred

- Experience in higher education or campus law enforcement.

- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit a single PDF through the online application portal containing the following:

- A cover letter identifying the rank(s) sought and summarizing law enforcement experience.

- A current rsum.

- Copies of current law enforcement certifications.

- Names and contact information for three professional references.