Patrol Sergeant

Overview

Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the primary department charged with creating a safe and secure environment at Princeton University. DPS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of 159 staff members, including professional university police, security officers, dispatchers, and administrators dedicated to providing best‑in‑class service to the community.

DPS was officially recognized with Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in July 2015, and has subsequently received reaccreditation in July 2018 and July 25 2022. In addition, DPS earned accreditation status from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission on March 14 2019 and has received reaccreditation in March 2022 and March 2025.

These honors underscore the department's compliance with national and state standards.

DPS sworn University Police Officers hold the authority of commissioned police officers with full power of arrest derived from New Jersey statutes (Title 18A, Sections 6-4.2 and 6-4.5) and the Trustees of Princeton University. Officers are licensed law enforcement officers as defined in NJSA 52:17B-67.

All university police officers complete the same police academies and annual training as their municipal counterparts. They are unarmed daily, but may access a service rifle in limited situations, such as an active shooter or serious bodily injury scenario. Officers undergo mandatory in‑service firearms training throughout the year to maintain proficiency.

The Patrol Sergeant supervises a specific shift as assigned by the Patrol Captain or their designee (e.g., Patrol Lieutenant). As part of the management team, the sergeant assists in planning, directing, coordinating staff, and organizing operational resources to accomplish university goals and the department’s mission of community caretaking.

• Patrol the campus by foot, bicycle, and/or vehicle to maintain order, prevent crime, and make arrests as needed.
• Respond to incidents within the campus jurisdiction and assume control to protect the crime scene.
• Assign officer(s) to investigate and follow up on incidents.
• Enforce all university, state, and local policies, rules, laws, and ordinances.
• Notify the chain of command on all personnel matters and major incidents.
• Assume temporary command of operations during emergencies until a higher ranking officer arrives.
• Supervise events and other situations on the assigned shift, including crowd control and fire safety.
• Review and evaluate work quality and quantity.
• Prepare and correct criminal incident reports and logs.
• Request backup from local police, fire department, and Princeton First Aid and Rescue as needed.
• Carry department‑issued radio at all times when serving as the Officer in Charge.
• Identify safety hazards in patrol areas and take corrective action.
• Administer first aid and CPR to injured people; transport them to University Health Services, Princeton Medical Center, or other facilities as needed.
• Work closely with the Communications Center Manager to ensure strong dispatcher‑officer collaboration.
• Monitor officer compliance with policies and procedures for incident and alarm response.
• Ensure proper handling of subjects under arrest and protective custody.

• Attend and participate in supervisor and command staff meetings.
• Provide support and resources to expand investigative services.
• Ensure proper documentation, investigation, and follow‑up of incidents.
• Call staff to meet the needs of emergencies or other situations.
• Evaluate staff, provide field training, coaching, and counseling, and give oral and written feedback.
• Work closely with the Administrative Lieutenant and/or Training Coordinator to maintain certifications.
• Ensure staffing levels meet established procedures and policies.
• Replace officers on sick leave, short‑term disability, or worker’s compensation to maintain staffing levels.
• Monitor staff time balances in the Police Officer Scheduling System and approve overtime slips.
• Review union contracts and represent management in dispute…