Public Safety Officer

The UT Southwestern Medical Center, University Police Department, is a component member of the University of Texas System. The University Police Department has the duty and responsibility of providing law enforcement and security related services on a 24 hour basis to the UT Southwestern community. Services are provided to properties that are owned , leased or otherwise under the control of the UT System and component institution.

The function of the UT System Public Safety Officer (PSO) is to provide service and information to students, employees and visitors; to enforce the rules and regulations of a component institution of The University of Texas System pertaining to the operation and parking of vehicles on University property; to help safeguard property of a component institution of The University of Texas System.

Typical Duties

  • Check permits on vehicles entering and parking on campus.
  • Stand for long periods of time while directing traffic.
  • Issue permits.
  • Enforce parking regulations or maintain a security post.
  • Properly issue University parking citations to violators in a manner as prescribed by the department.
  • Patrol buildings, grounds, parking lots, garages and stairways, checking for fires, water leaks and general building security.
  • Report all irregularities, emergencies, or suspicious activity to the University Police Department.
  • Assist persons being evacuated in emergencies.
  • Hear and respond to audible emergency alarms and instructions transmitted on the police radio.
  • Respond audibly to public inquiries and transmit clearly over a police radio.
  • Provide occasional personal escort services to students, staff, faculty or visitors.
  • Provide motorist assistance when needed or requested.
  • Generally assist sworn police personnel as directed.
  • Assist sworn police personnel with detained or arrested persons. PSOs often accompany sworn officers to detention or jail facilities.

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General Qualifications

  • Requires a High School diploma/GED.
  • Must possess a valid Texas driver's license with a satisfactory driving record that meets or exceeds UT System policy and standards to operate any UT vehicle.
  • Minimum age of 18.
  • No previous experience is required.
  • Home telephone.
  • Good physical condition.
  • Flexibility to work days, evenings or nights. Overtime may be required.
  • Pass a criminal history background check.

Other Related Information

All successful candidates are required to comply with all UT System Police or departmental policies, procedures, and directives; UT System Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, institutional rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Persons with college credit hours from an accredited college or university that meet established requirements may be eligible to become Police Cadets.

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Shift Assignments

Assignments are subject to change at any time depending on the needs of the department.

  • PSOs may be assigned to any one of three shifts, working days or nights, with varying days off throughout the week.
  • PSOs may be required to work overtime assignments.
  • Shift assignments or overtime assignments may include working holidays or weekends.

Working Conditions

A general description of the working conditions is noted below but is not limited to the following:

  • Indoor assignments typically require guards to patrol the campus facilities on foot. Occasionally a PSO assumes a fixed post assignment. Any indoor assignment may require standing, sitting or walking for lengthy periods of time.
  • A motorized patrol vehicle typically performs outside patrol assignments. However, this assignment is also performed with a bicycle or on foot. PSOs are routinely exposed to inclement weather conditions for lengthy periods of time.
  • In general, due to the nature and scope of this position, work does involve a degree of hazard.

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Uniforms and Equipment

The department issues uniforms and related equipment. The PSO will be required to wear the uniform as prescribed by UT System Police and/or departmental policy, rules, regulations or directive.

The new PSO, at their own expense, will be required to provide socks and footwear as prescribed by appropriate rules or regulations.

Assignment and Field Training

The new PSO will be assigned to a shift and a field-training guard (FTG). The new PSO will then undergo approximately 3 weeks of training with the FTG. The FTG is responsible for orienting and training the PSO on all aspects related to the PSO position. The FTG also assists the PSO with their training by observing, evaluating and grading their progress on a daily basis.

If the new PSO successfully completes the field-training program, they may be assigned to a shift and placed on regular status.