Criminal Investigator

Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and more than 100 countries.

With four vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, the Liberty Campus in Hinesville, and the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment that encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned specialized accreditation from numerous professional and academic associations that set standards in their respective fields.

Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive, student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.

Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally recognized for the caliber of its academic programs and student experience. Georgia Southern University has also been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.

Statesboro Campus, Statesboro, GA

Office of Public Safety

Responsible for conducting thorough and impartial investigations of alleged criminal activity that occurs within the jurisdiction of the GSU Division of Public Safety. Performs follow-up casework, processes crime scenes, conducts interviews, prepares detailed investigative reports, and collaborates with local, state, and federal partners to support successful case resolution. Exercises first-line supervisory authority and provides field support to uniformed patrol through assumption of all duties and responsibilities required of a police corporal. This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA)under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A CSA is an individual who, by virtue of their responsibilities, is designated to receive and obligated to report criminal incidents to the institution's Clery Coordinator for publication in the Annual Security Report. This position involves shift work based on the needs of GSU  and Division of Public Safety. Employees must be able to work flexible shift hours and schedules that include weekends, holidays, and evenings. Employees may be required to remain on duty beyond a normal shift and must be available to report for duty without prior notice due to on-call status, special events, emergencies, or personnel shortages

• Lead and manage criminal investigations from inception to resolution, analyzing facts to identify suspects and establish motives
• Promotes positive campus relations through delivery of public safety programming and active involvement in campus events
• Reconstruct crime scenes, locate, preserve, and analyze physical evidence (including forensics, digital footprints, and financial records)
• Conduct strategic interviews with victims, witnesses, and suspects to gather actionable intelligence and formal statements
• Plan and execute lawful surveillance operations to gather intelligence on criminal activity
• Prepare meticulous, legally sound investigative reports and case files including preparation and execution of valid search warrants and arrest warrants
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for cross-jurisdictional investigative assistance
• Collaborate with prosecutors and present clear, factual, and objective testimony in court proceedings
• Directs, supervises, mentors, and trains subordinate personnel as a police corporal; in the absence of a sergeant, performs the duties and responsibilities of a police sergeant and/or criminal investigations sergeant
• Fulfills annual professional development/training requirements as prescribed by the Georgia P.O.S.T. Council, Georgia Southern University, and the Division of Public Safety

Educational Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Other Required Qualifications

• Georgia P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certification (in good standing)
• Georgia P.O.S.T. Supervision Certification
• Georgia P.O.S.T. Field Training Officer Certification
• Georgia P.O.S.T. Instructor Level 1 Certification or higher
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated (Class C or higher)

Required Experience

• Three (3) or more years of law enforcement experience
• At least 21 years of age

Preferred Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree

Preferred Experience

• Five (5) or more years of law enforcement experience
• Possession of requisite Georgia P.O.S.T. specialty / career development certifications

$27.43 - $33.20 per hour

This is a non-exempt position paid on a biweekly basis.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Four (4) Professional References

• Georgia P.O.S.T. Fact Sheet, if available

ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position
• Ability to independently perform investigative assignments, to apply sound investigative principles to difficult cases, and to communicate the results of investigative efforts 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships 
• Ability to prepare clear and concise records and reports 
• Ability to work calmly under conditions of high stress and physical and emotional fatigue

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success
• Knowledge of modern investigative techniques, principles, and procedures 
• Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to search and seizure, law enforcement operations and investigative procedures 
• Knowledge of collection and preservation techniques associated with securing evidence at a crime scene and analysis required for successful prosecution 
• Knowledge of specialized evidence collection and processing methods, equipment, technology and trends 
• Knowledge of the application of information technology to assigned tasks 
• Knowledge of social media outlets and sources of open-source information

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills
• Skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment, and in the application of self-defense tactics 
• Skill in mentoring others to establish, align, and achieve organizational and work unit objectives, as well as to develop the performance of others 
• Skill in interviewing witnesses and suspects 
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution

Open Until Filled

Application review may begin on September 15, 2026.

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at hrservice@georgiasouthern.edu.

For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University.

Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community.

Proof of a valid Georgia driver's license with a suitable DMV record upon hire and throughout employment

Must be able to successfully pass Departmental background check. Please see position description for complete Conditions of Employment.

Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.

• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation  
• Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours  
• Evening and weekend work will be required  
• Operating motor vehicle equipment (position is required to drive)  
• Travel may be required  
• Working with high stress situations  
• Stand, bend, walk and lift as needed throughout the day  
• May at times, be required to perform work in harsh conditions  
• Work generally performed in an office environment  
• Exposure to noise, distractions, unpredictable behaviors, and/or to bio-hazardous material  
• Ability to move and or drag a weight of 150 pounds  
• Work requires the use of protective devices such as ballistic vests, masks, goggles, gloves, etc.  
• Exposure to hazardous or physically dangerous situations and combative persons 

• Position of Trust + Education