**Internal Only** Detective

*This is an internal search available ONLY to current KU employees*

This position is assigned to the Investigations/Support Services Division. Detectives investigate criminal offenses, complete administrative investigations/reviews, and contribute to the development and execution of crime prevention strategies and community engagement initiatives within the KU Police Department. Detectives are assigned either to the Community Engagement or Investigations Section. Detectives are expected to maintain proficiency in all aspects of their position, including state and local laws, departmental policies, best practices, and procedures.
Detectives are accountable for the full completion of investigations, programs, and other work products. Work is reviewed through reports, conferences with supervisors, case clearance rate, and on the basis of results achieved. 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.

30% - Investigative Reporting, Crime Scene Documentation and Case Support

• Complete investigative and supplemental reports in compliance with departmental procedures, determining when follow-up is necessary and initiating additional documentation as required.
• Document crime scenes using photographs, sketches, diagrams, and written reports.
• Properly mark, package, and preserve evidence for forensic examination or court presentation; maintain organized evidence records and investigative files for rapid retrieval.
• Serve as an investigating officer for major cases, providing expert testimony as required.
• Assist the Patrol Unit when needed, supporting major case investigations and providing field-level investigative expertise.
• Assist in the training and orientation of new officers regarding investigative processes and evidence handling.
• Maintain current knowledge of personal and property safety practices and apply them within the University environment.

25% - Community Engagement, Crime Prevention and Interagency Liaison

• Develop and deliver personal and property safety programs for campus groups or in response to emerging risks.
• Disseminate crime-prevention information through programs, literature, security surveys, community contacts, and informal outreach.
• Assist with developing section operational procedures and implementing community relationship initiatives.
• Organize crime-prevention lectures, service projects, and community safety programs.
• Serve as a liaison with university departments, community service officers, external law enforcement agencies, and community resource groups; address community concerns promptly.
• Participate in recruiting activities, including pre-employment screenings, testing, scheduling, and background investigations.

25% - Information Management, Clery/Communications Support and Departmental Administration

• Prepare and distribute informational materials for the department and campus community, including bulletins, crime alerts and Clery-related notifications.
• Ensure distributed information is accurate, timely and reflects current legal requirements and departmental updates.
• Maintain awareness of legal changes, crime trends, and departmental activities; disseminate relevant updates to staff and community stakeholders.
• Conduct administrative reviews and internal investigations as assigned.
• Support section and departmental administrative functions through documentation, reporting and internal communication.

20% - Procurement, Equipment Research and Property/Evidence Management

• Support departmental procurement processes, including tracking purchase orders, coordinating vehicle maintenance, and ensuring compliance with state and departmental purchasing guidelines.
• Research equipment, technology solutions, vendors, and software tools that may enhance investigative or departmental effectiveness.
• Manage lost and found property and evidentiary property in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Maintain inventor of department equipment as assigned ensuring accurate tracking and documentation.
• Inspect equipment to ensure functionality and policy compliance; report inoperable equipment for repair or replacement.

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 throughout employment.
4. Ability to qualify annually with duty weapon.
5. Must be in compliance with the University of Kansas Police Department policies and procedures regarding intentional body alterations.
6. Successful completion of background check, physical exam, drug screen and psychological assessment.
7. 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 a 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.

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Thursday, April 9th. For consideration, please apply no later than Wednesday, April 8th.

Sandy Patchen, spatchen@ku.edu, 785-864-5900

$68,500

Thursday April 9, 2026

Monday April 27, 2026