Investigations Sergeant
Colorado State University
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleInvestigations Sergeant
Position LocationFort Collins, CO 80523
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Type of PositionFull-time
Classification TitlePolice Officer III
Posting Number202500100P
Position TypeState Classified
Open Date09/26/2025
Close Date10/05/2025
Salary$84,936 - $118,920 annually + Full benefits
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-sc.pdf)
+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
State Classified HourlyNo
Description of Work Unit
.The work unit (Investigations Division) exists to provide specialized police services by conducting long-term or complex criminal field investigations. Often these investigations require specialized technical skills or are multi-jurisdictional in nature. Specialized services of this work unit include, but are not limited to, crime scene photography and crime scene processing (which includes evidence identification, evidence collection, evidence processing, evidence storage, evidence preservation and evidence summarization), narcotics investigations, physical and electronic surveillance operations, dignitary protection, and undercover operations.
The work unit by design, and department policy, mandates continuity of investigation on all criminal cases of significant concern to the Colorado State University community including but not limited to sexual assault, officer involved shootings, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, computer crime, illicit drug trafficking, fraud, extortion, possession/distribution of child pornography, arson, assaults and death cases. These investigations include but are not limited to gathering facts by locating and interviewing witnesses/informants/suspects, preparing affidavits for search/arrest warrants, executing warrants, collecting/examining documents and other evidence to verify facts, determining direction and actions of case investigation, writing reports and evaluating/presenting findings and evidence to support any recommended prosecution.
The current work unit also maintains, operates and interprets results of Colorado State University Police Department owned forensics instruments (i.e. Cellebrite’s Universal Cell Phone Extraction Device, Secures Global Positioning System Tracker, etc…). The work unit also serves as an informational resource, technical resource and liaison to other local, state and federal agencies (i.e. Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force ( JTTF ), Northern Colorado Regional Autotheft Task Force, Larimer County Special Weapons and Tactics ( SWAT ) Team, Colorado Information Analysis Center ( CIAC ), and the Colorado Campus Investigators Group, etc.).
Specialized services of this work unit include, but are not limited to, directing crime scene photography and crime scene processing (which includes evidence identification, evidence collection, evidence processing, evidence storage, evidence preservation and evidence summarization).
This position is also responsible for restraining and arresting violators using verbal skills and physical tactics to gain compliance of suspects and citizens at warrant executions and other tactical operations. This position is also responsible for carrying and using various firearms and less-than-lethal weapons to make arrests and gain compliance. Weapons are used in accordance with agency guidelines and proficiency is assured through rigorous ongoing training and required department qualification.
This position exists to supervise and maintain on a daily basis, the Investigations Unit’s work load and duties . This position assigns, supervises and/or conducts the response and investigation of all significant criminal incidents within the jurisdiction of the Colorado State University community. This position evaluates the effectiveness of the units’ investigations, making recommendations regarding appropriate departmental resources, training and reviewing case submissions to the District Attorney Office. This position supervises and evaluates two detectives and coordinates on-call status; supervises responses to crimes scenes; determines and directs the use of technical and human resources during investigations; determines and directs methods of crime scene processing, photography, and evidence collection.
This position is responsible, when assigned, for conducting administrative and criminal investigations of departmental employees (internal investigations) and relaying these findings to a higher authority Chief of Police/Command Staff or District attorney
Position Summary
The position directs and determines, on a daily basis, the methods and alternatives to be used in conducting complex criminal investigations and investigations requiring specialized technical skills. Guidelines used in conducting investigations are typically the requirements outlined by Colorado State Statutes, prior court decisions as delineated by the Colorado Peace Officers Legal Source Book, experience in conducting prior similar investigations, numerous formal training schools and classes pertinent to specific types of investigations, and utilization of liaison contacts with other agencies as resources. Investigations include, but are not limited to: Sexual Assaults, Robbery, Fraud, Forgery, Burglary, Arson, Theft, Extortion, Computer Crime, Embezzlement, Illegal Drugs, Unattended Deaths and Child Pornography.
The position has received specialized internal affairs investigations training, this position has been responsible for conducting very complex and confidential investigations of both a criminal and administrative nature regarding employee actions.
This position, on a daily basis, reviews requests for investigative follow-up referred either from the Patrol Division, other agencies or by direct contact information from the community. Cases are prioritized based on several factors including current unit caseload, the specific legal nature and status level (misdemeanor or felony; person crime or property crime) of the criminal event. Cases are also examined as to their solvability based on existing leads, evidence, statements and potential for contacting witnesses, subjects and victims to obtain further statements; gather more physical evidence and developing further leads. Based on this evaluation the position assigns the case to one of the other detectives and instructs on methods of follow up; declines the case and returns it to its originating point, or assigns the case to himself for follow-up.
Furthermore, this position also functions as the liaison for many state and federal law enforcement entities including, but not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force ( JTTF ), Northern Colorado Regional Auto theft Task Force, and the Colorado Campus Investigators Group. Additionally the JTTF positions require additional training and experience as well as a Federal “Secret / Top Secret” National Security Clearance.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this position, candidates must demonstrate in the application materials:
+ Current, valid Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification or can obtain Colorado P.O.S.T. certification within 6 months of hire if coming from different state.
+ Three (3) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position, which must include at least two (2) years in an investigations role.
+ Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid Colorado Driver License
Please Note: Out of state Investigations Sergeant (PO III ) applicants must obtain aColorado provisional POST certification letter (https://post.colorado.gov/certification/certification-types/provisional-certification) before first day of employment and must successfully challenge Colorado POST within 6 months of obtaining a Colorado provisional POST certification letter. CSUPD will support applicants in challenging Colorado POST by providing time to study, time to take the exams and paying for the testing exams required for challenging Colorado POST . It is up to the applicant to successfully challenge Colorado POST and obtaining a Colorado POST certification is a condition of employment.
Must have NO:
+ Felony convictions
+ Domestic violence convictions
+ Acquiring more than seven points in the last year and/or more than 12 points within the last two years on a driver’s license.
+ Alcohol/drug related traffic convictions in the last three years and repeat alcohol/drug convictions after the age of 18 within the last ten years.
+ No more than two at-fault accidents in the past three years (includes accidents resulting in claims, regardless of citation)
+ Any Type A violation in the past three years
+ No more than three or more Type B violations in the past three years
+ Have for the past two years a current, valid driver’s license issued in the US or by a US territory
+ A full description of driving requirements can be found in theUniversity Vehicle (https://wsnet2.colostate.edu/cwis549/csufc/policyprint.aspx?id=548) policy
Note:Positions are subject to a background investigation in accordance with the administrative procedures of the State Personnel Director. Physical and psychological evaluations are required in accordance with section 24-31-303 (5) (b), C.R.S.
Substitutions
Preferred Qualifications
+ Strong leadership , decision-making, and interpersonal skills.
+ Experience working with Title IX, Clery, or student conduct investigations is highly desirable.
+ Proficient in case management software, records systems, and digital evidence tools.
+ Familiarity with campus environments and the unique challenges of university policing preferred.
+ Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and integrity
+ Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Essential Job Duties
Job Duty CategorySupervision
Duty/Responsibility
+ Position directly supervises daily operation of the Criminal Investigations Unit, overseeing 2 full-time detectives.
+ Evaluates solvability and prioritizes case investigations.
+ Assigns monitors and evaluates case progress and resolutions.
+ Determines and directs methods of case investigation, on-call response, crime scene documentation and processing and evidence collection.
+ Reviews work product for quality and quantity, provides guidance and training to subordinates in matters of criminal law, policy and procedure, case investigation, crime scene processing, court proceedings and case filings.
+ Position evaluates and reviews subordinate positions, recommends external training, writes policy and procedure, researches and directs new unit processes and procedures, and trains within areas of specialty, prepares midyear and year end evaluation of subordinate’s performance.
Percentage Of Time35
Job Duty CategoryPreliminary Investigation
Duty/Responsibility
+ Conducts primary and follow-up investigations by gathering facts by locating and interviewing witnesses/informants/suspects, preparing collecting/examining documents and other evidence to verify facts, determining direction and actions of case investigation, following up on case leads, and initiates formal criminal charges and/or administrative review hearings.
+ Position is responsible for affecting arrests of persons; either by probable cause gathered through case investigations, or through obtaining and executing court ordered search/arrest warrants.
Percentage Of Time20
Job Duty CategoryReporting Writing/Testimony
Duty/Responsibility
+ This position is responsible for preparing reports of incidents and findings.
+ Prepares affidavits and court documents in accordance with state, federal and city laws and ordinances.
+ Creates reports for various university entities for administrative sanctions against affiliated university personnel.
+ Creates intelligence reports in accordance with state and federal law.
+ Documents information in an accurate, clear and concise manner.
+ Utilizing specialized equipment to analyze data to create reports.
+ Verbally communicates findings, theories and ideas with various personnel.
+ Effectively testifies in court and/or Grand Jury proceedings.
+ Prepares monthly/quarterly/yearly individual job “anchor” sheets that track and record duties for statistical analysis. These specific anchor reports are unique to the Investigations Unit (these differ from other departmental unit’s anchors) and are used to track unit progress and are reviewed by department administrators as well as high ranking university officials.
+ Responsible for recommending goals for the work unit on an ongoing basis and can be used to influence the nature, scope, and focus, of future criminal investigations.
Percentage Of Time15
Job Duty CategoryCrime Scene Management
Duty/Responsibility
+ Position is responsible for major crime scene management, either individually or as a unified Investigation group. The Investigation’s unit by design, and department policy, mandates continuity of investigation on all criminal cases of significant concern to the Colorado State University community including, but not limited to: sexual assault, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, computer crime, illicit drug trafficking, fraud, extortion, possession/distribution of child pornography, arson, assaults and death cases.
+ This position is referred cases by officers that surpasses their training, expertise, and/or exceeds the available time they can dedicate to complete a thorough investigation.
+ Responsible for notifying department and university personnel about case status and ongoing changes/developments. Department policy also dictates that this position is responsible for officer involved shootings including on-scene and follow-up investigative procedures outlined by the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office.
+ Maintains and utilizes various forms of specialized equipment and employs said equipment when applicable.
Percentage Of Time10
Job Duty CategoryField Operations
Duty/Responsibility
+ The position plans, organizes, directs and participates in field operations to facilitate criminal investigations and criminal intelligence gathering. Operations include conducting stationary/mobile/electronic forms of surveillance, executing search/arrest warrants, apprehending suspects, preparing and deploying specialized equipment to aid in their gathering of evidence and/or the tracking and detection of suspects.
+ Position is responsible for providing resources, technical experience and equipment for special operations: conducts field surveillance utilizing stake-outs, surveillance cameras, night vision equipment, photography and GPS tracking devices.
+ This position also provides plain clothes dignitary protection for visiting officials and VIP’s and security for administrators/faculty/staff as required.
+ Department policy also dictates that this position is responsible for intelligence gathering and dissemination during critical incidents, specifically hostage or barricaded individual situations.
Percentage Of Time10
Job Duty CategoryInteragency Collaboration
Duty/Responsibility
+ This position functions as the liaison and/or active taskforce/team member for many state and federal law enforcement entities including, but not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force ( JTTF ), Northern Colorado Regional Auto theft Task Force, and the Colorado Campus Investigators Group. Additionally the JTTF positions require additional training and experience as well as a Federal “Secret / Top Secret” Security Clearance. These liaison and taskforce/team memberships require attending regular monthly meetings/trainings and maintaining and operating specialized equipment (i.e. specialized lethal weapons, specialized non-lethal weapons, explosive and chemical dispersion devices, etc…) if required.
+ Assists with cases by providing assistance gathering intelligence, following-up leads, interviewing witnesses/suspects/subjects, executing arrest/search warrants, and other tasks as needed. This position is also responsible for maintaining close and effective working relationships with other local, state and federal agencies to facilitate information exchange, requests for assistance and resource sharing.
+ Works closely with several Colorado State University departments (Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct Services, Emergency Consult Team, Office of Women’s Programs, Office of General Council, University Counseling Center, etc.) on an ongoing basis to provide law enforcement expertise and experience to assist in decision making and problem resolution.
Percentage Of Time5
Job Duty CategoryMentoring/Training
Duty/Responsibility
+ Prepares and instructs classes on specific law enforcement related training topics (i.e. active shooter, building searches, narcotics identification, etc.) and instructs other community safety classes (i.e. police responses to emergencies, identity theft, etc…). Classes are provided to local law enforcement agencies and a variety of citizen organizations to include community citizens and faculty, staff, and students at Colorado State University.
+ Continually learns from peer organizations, researches new laws, techniques, and technologies to recommend changes to department/unit policies or procedures.
Percentage Of Time5
Job Duty CategoryOn-Call Assistance
Duty/Responsibility
+ Responsible for providing on-call investigative assistance available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, to assume responsibility for complex or major criminal cases.
+ Position participates in an on-call rotation as directed by department policy and is issued a department mobile device and are required to carry it on them at all times.
+ On-call investigators are required to answer all telephone calls, text messages, or emails from department personnel as soon as possible.
+ Required to be available for on-call duty any days or times when an Investigator is not normally on duty and shall include nights, weekends, and holidays. Furthermore, the on-call Investigator is required to be able to respond within one hour.
+ This position receives consultation requests from various department units as to the necessity of an official Investigations Unit response.
Percentage Of Time5
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
+ Clearly document job duties you have performed that relate to minimum qualifications, preferred qualifications, and essential job duties in theWork Experiencesection on the application. Human Resources must be able to evaluate your experience based on this information.
+ Clearly outline dates of employment and hours worked per week for each employment experience listed in theWork Experiencesection of the Application so that Human Resources can calculate full-time work experience. Please note: Part-time experience will be calculated to determine the full-time equivalent.
+ TheWork Experienceis the only document that will be utilized to determine if minimum qualifications, as outlined in the job posting, have been met.The Application is considered to be the legal document on file; resumes will not be reviewed for minimum qualification requirements.
+ Applicants may redact information from this initial application that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS
+ If an Application is considered “Incomplete”, the Application will be removed from consideration for the position.
+ An Application is incomplete if no current/ previous employment is included in theWork Experiencesection of the Application.
+ An Application is incomplete if “see resume” (or something similar) is noted, or previous employment does not contain job duties for every position in theWork Experiencesection of the Application.
+ Positions requiring a degree or if using education as a substitution for work experience (e.g.: Associate or Bachelor’s) transcripts are required in order to verify receipt of the required degree or coursework. If official or unofficial transcripts are not supplied at the time of application, the Application is incomplete.
RESUMES
+ When a resume is listed as a required document, it may be used in the comparative analysis/ evaluation process to determine the candidates that most closely meet the qualifications of the position. This process occurs after an application has passed the minimum qualifications screening.
+ Resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed application; however, some positions may still require a resume as a component for complete application materials.
+ Please see theRequired Documentssection of the posting.
NOTES
+ Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be from the eligible list created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid articulated business reason.
+ The selection process for State Classified positions may include an exam(s) and interview(s) whichrequirecandidates to physically appear (at the CSU campus in Fort Collins, CO) at the candidates’ own expense.
+ Pertinent updates to your Application status can be obtained by logging into your application account athttps://jobs.colostate.edu
+ Salary is commensurate with relevant experience and/or education, and will be determined in accordance with State Classified compensation policies.
+ All status updates for this position will be sent via email fromhuman.resources@colostate.edu,hr_ta@colostate.edu, OR the TA Team Member facilitating the search process. In addition to your Inbox, remember to check the Deleted and Junk folders for these important communications.
FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO :
+ Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30.All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately.
Department Contact Information
Human Resources – Talent Acquisition Team, athr_ta@colostate.eduor call (970) 491- MyHR(6947).
Please check the Help link online athttps://jobs.colostate.edu/help/for assistance on your application or for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
All other inquiries should be directed to the Colorado State University Human Resources Office atHR_Service_Center@colostate.eduor (970) 491- MyHR(6947).
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Pre-employment Physical, Pre-employment Drug Testing, Valid Driver’s License - Regular, Essential Services Designation - equired to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare., Shift Work - Work nights, days, weekends and holidays - law enforcement, Use of Firearms or Other Weapons - Required per Colorado POST standards, Special Requirements/Other - No Felony Convictions, No Domestic Violence Convictions
EEO
Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
Employment and Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging.
Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures are available atwww.colorado.gov/spb.
A standard appeal form is available at:www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
+ * Are you willing and able to submit to a comprehensive pre-employment background check, pre-placement physical, and a pre-placement psychological assessment as a condition of hire?
+ Yes
+ No
+ * Do you possess a current/valid driver's license? (This is a required condition of employment.)
+ Yes, I possess a current / valid driver's license
+ No, I do not possess a current / valid driver's license
+ * Are you willing and able to report to work without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare of the campus community?
+ Yes
+ No
+ * Are you willing and able to maintain availability for shift work as needed?
+ Yes
+ No
+ * Are you at least 21 years of age?
+ Yes
+ No
+ * Have you acquired seven or more points on your driver's license in the last year and/or twelve or more points on your driver's license in the last two years?
+ Yes
+ No
+ * Have you had an alcohol/drug related traffic conviction in the last 3 years and/or repeated alcohol/drug related traffic convictions after the age of 18 in the last 10 years?
+ Yes
+ No
+ * Have you used marijuana in the past 3 months?
+ Yes
+ No
+ * Have you knowingly and unlawfully used or possessed any controlled substances (cocaine, meth, LSD, etc) within the past three (3) years?
+ Yes
+ No
+ * Have you been convicted of a domestic violence offense?
+ Yes
+ No
+ * Have you been convicted of a felony offense?
+ Yes
+ No
+ * Colorado Peace Officer Standards & Training outlines de-certifying misdemeanors which may not allow an individual to become POST certified. Please go to the following link to view the complete list of de-certifying misdemeanors before responding below: http://www.coloradopost.gov/certification/decertifying-misdemeanors - Have you been convicted a misdemeanor? If "Yes", please list the misdemeanor below; otherwise, type "No".
(Open Ended Question)
+ * Do you believe there is a difference between campus policing and state/county/city policing? If yes, what are the differences between the two? If no, how are they the same?
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
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