Police Captain

The Police Captain works under the guidance of the Deputy Police Chief or Chief of Police. The employee performs duties in accordance with the departmental rules and 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 will monitor subordinates for compliance with the same guidelines. The Deputy Chief or Chief will brief the Captain on any special assignments or unusual circumstances which may occur periodically, providing all pertinent information. This position may be required to work special or emergency assignments with little or no notice at the discretion of the Chief of Police. This position requires driving of a state issued vehicle and requires a valid driver's license on date of hire and throughout employment.

This position may be required to work non-traditional hours and respond promptly to specialized assignments or emergencies.

KU Police Department within KU Operations builds partnerships within the KU community to promote a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. KU Operations supports KU's mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university's academic and research missions.

KU offers great benefits to employees with 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 & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

40% - Leadership, Operations and Strategic Management

• 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.

30% - Supervisory Leadership and Personnel Management

• 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 personnelrelated recommendations to command staff.
• Maintain strong communication throughout the chain of command; sustain a positive working environment.

15% - Community and Campus Safety Partnerships, Communications and Public Information

• 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.
• Demonstrates professionalism in all interactions.

15% - Investigative Oversight, Special Events, Training and Professional Standards

• Direct and assign Sergeants, Detectives, and Officers to investigate criminal offenses, internal investigations, and sensitive matters.
• Coordinate activities for special events, athletic events, and interagency law enforcement requests.
• Oversee training, community education, media functions, and purchasing.
• Testify in court as required.
• Provide legal updates, crime trends, and professional information to department personnel.
• Perform duties of Sergeants/Detectives when needed.
• Conduct special assignments, including extended or inclement-weather operations.
• Interact with community groups to obtain information related to activity on campus.
• May assume command of departmental operations in the absence of the Deputy Chief or Chief; serve as incident commander during emergencies.

1. Must be a U.S. citizen.
2. Must be 21 years of age by the time of appointment.
3. Must possess a valid driver's license by hire date and maintain it throughout employment.
4. Ability to qualify annually with duty weapon.
5. Must be in compliance with the University of Kansas Police Department policy: Personal Equipment, Apparel, Appearance and Grooming
6. Successful completion of background check, physical exam, psychological testing and drug screen.
7. Must be free of convictions, expunged convictions, and diversions for any crimes which are a felony or its equivalent under the uniform code of military justice imposed by any state or federal government (KSA 74-5605).
8. Must be free of any diversions, convictions and expunged convictions for any misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence or their equivalent under the uniform code of military justice imposed by any state or federal government (KSA 74-5605).
9. Must be able to perform all essential job functions and not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of self or others.

Physical Requirements

1. Lift and carry equipment and evidence (up to 50 lbs. occasionally; up to 25 lbs. frequently).
2. Drag, pull, or carry (150-180 lbs.) a distance of 25-50 feet to simulate rescue/evacuation.
3. Push/pull objects (e.g. stalled vehicles, doors, obstacles) with sustained effort.
4. Frequently stand and walk for prolonged periods (up to 8-12 hours per shift) on varied terrain, including stairs, slopes, uneven ground, and in all weather conditions.
5. Run short and mic-distance (e.g., up to 1/4 - mile) over hilly or obstructed terrain; perform rapid changes of direction during foot pursuits.
6. Climb and descend multiple flights of stairs carrying duty gear and emergency equipment.
7. Use physical control/restraint techniques, including grappling, handcuffing, and ground control, which may require kneeling, crouching, twisting, and prone/supine positions.
8. Enter, exit, and operate patrol vehicles repeatedly during a shift including wearing full duty gear.
9. Perform fine and gross motor tasks (e.g., operate firearms, Taser/CEW, radios, computer in car/handheld, baton, handcuffs, tourniquets) with both hands, including gloved use in cold weather.
10. Work in extreme heat/cold, rain, snow, low-light, and high-noise environments.
11. Sufficient hand/eye coordination and dexterity to use cameras, evidence-collection tools, computers, radios, digital systems, and standard law enforcement equipment.
12. Ability to sit for extended periods during interviews, surveillance, or computer-based case work.
13. Must be able to perform all essential job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.

A complete application includes the following,

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met
2. Resume or curriculum vitae
3. Name and contact information for three professional references

NOTE: Applicants who are considered for an interview will be required to submit a writing assignment as part of the interview process.

Incomplete applications will not be considered

Application review begins Monday, June 22nd and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Sandy Patchen, spatchen@ku.edu, 785-864-5901

Starting at $90,000.00, commensurate with experience

Monday June 22, 2026

Monday August 10, 2026