Public Safety Officer

UT Southwestern Public Safety Officers (PSO) provide service and information to students, employees and visitors, enforce rules and regulations of the UT System Administration and UT Southwestern Medical Center, and help safeguard the people, resources and infrastructure of the University.

Typical Duties

• Provide directions to locate buildings, offices, and clinics and other general helpful information to visitors
• Stand for long periods of time while directing traffic
• Patrol buildings, grounds, parking lots, garages, and stairways on foot or by vehicle, checking for fires, water leaks, and general building security
• Ensure all  personnel entering the complex or building on campus are properly identified
• Write reports on incidents occurring on campus property
• 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

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General Qualifications

• 18 years of age
• Graduation from high school, vocational school or equivalent  or passed a GED test
• Valid Texas driver's license with a satisfactory driving record that meets or exceeds UT System policy and standards to operate a state vehicle
• No previous security experience is required
• Good physical condition, capable of walking and/or standing for long periods of time without the aid of canes, crutches or similar tools
• Eyesight and hearing of sufficient acuity to accomplish the job duties
• Read, write, speak and understand the English language
• Operate a hand held radio
• Flexibility to work days, evenings, or nights; overtime may be required
• Criminal record clear of felony convictions and personal history must be above reproach; Good credit and stable employment record

Other Information

All successful candidates are required to comply with all UT System Police or departmental policies, procedures, and directives as well as the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the chain of command for the UT Southwestern Police Department, typically that of a Public Safety Officer Supervisor or a Police Sergeant. Supervision is usually available in person or by radio. Work requires the ability to make frequent minor decisions and occasional decisions of some significance. Work is reviewed for completeness, accuracy and compliance with departmental policy and procedure.

The Public Safety Officer position is essential to providing critical functions for UT Southwestern.

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

Working Conditions

Working conditions include but are not limited to:

• 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. PSOs are routinely exposed to inclement weather conditions for lengthy periods of time.
• Because of 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.

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

Assignment and Field Training

The new PSO will be assigned to a shift and an experienced PSO acting as a field training officer. The new PSO will then undergo approximately three weeks of training. The training officer is responsible for orienting and training the PSO on all aspects related to the PSO position. The training officer assists the PSO with the final phase of his or her training by observing and evaluating the new PSOs progress and performance on a daily basis.