Lieutenant at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department



DSS Police: Patrol Services



About the Department



The University of Chicago campus is part of Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, which contains a significant amount of off-campus housing for undergraduate and graduate students. More than a third of the University's staff resides in areas surrounding the campus, and more than 50% of the University's faculty live in the Hyde Park area. The Department of Safety and Security includes the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD), Management Operations, Transportation and Parking Services, Emergency Communication and Security Services and UC Medical Center Public Safety. In agreement with the city of Chicago, the UCPD assists the Chicago Police Department in policing Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhoods. The University Police patrol an area encompassing 6.5 square miles and a population of approximately 65,000 people, many of whom have no direct connection to the University.



Job Summary



The University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Police Detective Lieutenant to supervise a dedicated team of investigators and a property custodian. This position is critical in maintaining the safety and security of the University community and supporting the investigative functions of the Department. The Detective Lieutenant oversees and coordinates the activities of the Criminal Investigations Unit, ensuring the effective investigation and resolution of criminal cases. This role involves supervising a team of investigators, managing case assignments, and ensuring thorough investigative processes and the proper handling of property and evidence. The Detective Lieutenant works closely with other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and community stakeholders to maintain public safety.


The University of Chicago Police Department is an independent state-certified police department with CALEA certification. The department handles primary calls for service on University-owned property and provides secondary patrols to support the Chicago Police Department in the surrounding area. The geographic boundaries are 37th Street on the North, Cottage Grove on the West, 64th Street to the South, and Lakeshore Drive on the East.



Responsibilities

• Directly supervises a team of investigators and a property custodian, providing guidance and training.


• Conducts performance evaluations fairly and impartially, administers corrective action when needed, and manages payroll and time off approval for investigative personnel.


• Promotes team building, resolves issues, and exchange ideas. Sets goals and follows through to ensure appropriate direction and desired results.


• Assigns cases and monitors progress to ensure timely and effective investigation.


• Provides guidance and support to detectives, assisting with complex cases as needed.


• Fosters a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, professional development, and adherence to department policies.


• Determines and tracks training goals, and establishes annual unit goals.


• Oversees and manages complex criminal investigations.


• Reviews and approves investigative reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legal standards.


• Develops and implements investigative strategies and protocols to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the detective division.


• Identifies training needs and opportunities for detectives and property custodians, ensuring they remain current with best practices and emerging trends in criminal investigations.


• Serves as a key point of contact with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office on case investigations.


• Supervises the proper handling, storage, and documentation of evidence and found property.


• Serves as a liaison between the UCPD, University administration, and external law enforcement agencies. Ensures clear and effective communication within the department and with the community.


• Applies strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address and resolve investigative challenges.


• Fosters positive relationships with University faculty, staff, students, and the surrounding community to promote safety and cooperation.


• Collaborates with other divisions and units within the police department to ensure a coordinated approach to crime prevention and investigation.


• Serves as a liaison with prosecutors, courts, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure effective case management and prosecution.


• Ensures all investigative activities comply with departmental policies, state and federal laws, and CALEA standards.


• Maintains accurate records and documentation related to investigations, personnel, and division activities.


• Ensures compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.


• Assigns cases to investigators for thorough follow-up.


• Coordinates and manages 8 or 10-hour shifts and be available for overtime during special callouts for critical incidents or significant investigations.


• Prepares plans for and the response to campus emergencies, threats, events, and demonstrations.


• Ensures that policies and procedures are implemented consistently throughout the department, including accurate reporting in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and higher education guidelines.


• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications




Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:




---




Preferred Qualifications




Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience at the rank of sergeant or above.


• Investigative experience.

Certifications:

• Current certified police officer or able to be certified in the State of Illinois.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.


• Strong leadership and management abilities.


• Excellent investigative and analytical skills.


• Proficient in using law enforcement software and technology.


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.


• Work under pressure and handle high-stress situations.

Working Conditions

• Meet the physical demands of the job, including but not limited to, extended periods of standing, walking, and responding to emergency situations.


• Primarily work in an office setting but will also conduct fieldwork, attend crime scenes, and participate in community events.


• Work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)


• Cover Letter (required)


• Applicable Law Enforcement Certifications (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.



Job Family



Police & Security



Role Impact



People Manager



FLSA Status



Non-Exempt



Pay Frequency



Biweekly



Scheduled
Weekly Hours



40



Benefits Eligible



Yes



Drug Test Required



Yes



Health Screen Required



Yes



Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required



Yes



Posting Statement



The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.


Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.


We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.


All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.


The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. Apply Now