Police Captain

Position Overview

The Police Captain works under the guidance of the Deputy Police Chief or Chief of Police and performs duties in accordance with departmental rules, regulations, state personnel and purchasing regulations, state laws, city ordinances, law enforcement code of ethics, the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, and general principles of police work. The employee monitors subordinates for compliance and may be required to work special or emergency assignments with little or no notice at the discretion of the Chief of Police.

The position may require driving a state‑issued vehicle and maintaining a valid driver’s license throughout employment. This role may also require non‑traditional hours and prompt responses to specialized assignments or emergencies.

KU offers up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, State of Kansas discounts, and educational and professional development opportunities including tuition assistance for up to 12 credit hours per year and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities.

• Assume responsibility for efficient operation of Patrol, Investigations, or Community Affairs sections.
• Monitor unit activities and operations; oversee reports for procedural conformity.
• Receive and resolve routine complaints; verify internal consistency of information.
• Analyze statistical information to determine scheduling and staffing needs.
• Direct the section in meeting departmental goals; research and report on departmental projects.
• Continuously evaluate policy and procedure compliance; recommend changes to improve operations.
• Maintain knowledge of and contribute to the departmental budget process.
• Represent section in staff meetings; communicate effectively with the Deputy Chief and Chief.
• Determine when emergency response is necessary; respond to major emergencies and assume command.
• Oversee accreditation, Clery compliance, policy manuals, and department‑wide documentation.
• Monitor and evaluate crime trends and patterns; produce crime‑pattern reports.
• Respond to requests for information, internal and external.
• Maintain law enforcement certification, weapons qualification, and required training.
• Serve as resource to units; disseminate legal and procedural updates.
• Oversee safe care, maintenance, and replacement of departmental equipment and vehicles.

• Organize, direct, assign, and review the work of Sergeants and Detectives.
• Determine resources and time needed by subordinates; coordinate manpower and scheduling.
• Disseminate departmental policy, instructions, and assignments.
• Review and approve timesheets; enforce rules and regulations.
• Provide probationary and annual performance evaluations.
• Ensure consistency in discipline and regulatory enforcement.
• Assist personnel in performing duties; ensure adherence to EEO/AA policies.
• Lead and participate in hiring processes; make recommendations on applicant qualifications.
• Make personnel‑related recommendations to command staff.
• Maintain strong communication throughout the chain of command; sustain a positive working environment.

• Serve as departmental representative on campus traffic safety issues (movement, control devices, ordinances).
• Maintain relationships with KU Parking & Transit, City of Lawrence traffic officials, and media partners.
• Provide crime and public‑safety information to media per policy.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with KU administrators, faculty, staff, students, and partner agencies.
• Use effective communication techniques with a variety of individuals, including those emotionally distressed or from varied cultural backgrounds.
• Serve on University and community committees.
• Provide information on police policies, techniques, and procedures to the public and staff.
• Demonstrate…