Commander, Patrol Operations

The Commander, Patrol Operations oversees comprehensive law enforcement and support services within CSUN Police Services, ensuring effective patrol operations, public safety, and protection of life and property. The position coordinates specialized services, emergency responses, staff development, departmental initiatives, and campus event operations while promoting accountability, operational excellence, and professional standards.

Under general supervision, the Commander, Patrol Operations administers patrol operations across multiple shifts, coordinates law enforcement and crime prevention activities, evaluates emergency responses, supports personnel development, ensures compliance with departmental standards, and collaborates with campus partners to provide effective public safety services throughout the university community.

• Plans, assigns, supervises, and evaluates the work of police officers, corporals, sergeants, dispatchers, and Community Service Officers (CSOs) assigned to patrol operations.
• Serves as the Watch Commander with primary responsibility for coordinating police operations during special events conducted during evening and weekend hours.
• Identifies organizational and individual training needs and assists in the development, coordination, and delivery of training programs that support departmental objectives, professional development, and operational effectiveness.
• Evaluates routine and emergency situations and determines appropriate operational responses during patrol shifts, including complex law enforcement incidents.
• Reviews reports, correspondence, memoranda, case files, and other documentation prepared by subordinate personnel to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• As a leader, demonstrates a commitment to student success that is mission aligned with the university’s vision, values and priorities. Establishes an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting a collaborative, accountable and inclusive team. Encourages a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the mission of the university. Participates in developing initiatives that further support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mind set.
  
  Strengthens employees by being communicative and a talent builder that develops team attributes, furthering departmental goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field, or equivalent. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Must have at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a sworn law enforcement setting, including one (1) year of supervisory experience. Management experience preferred. Working in an educational setting is a plus.
• Must satisfy all California POST minimum employment standards and possess, or be able to obtain, a POST Management Certificate.
• Eligible to be a peace officer in the state of California.
• Must possess, or be eligible to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

• Ability to coordinate complex patrol operations, emergency responses, and specialized law enforcement activities.
• Strong judgment and decision‑making skills in routine, critical, and high‑profile incidents.
• Ability to develop staff through training, coaching, performance evaluation, and professional development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for responding to inquiries, reviewing reports, and…