Career Opportunities

• Cadet/Police Officer
• Guard
• Communication Officer
• Application Process and Frequently Asked Questions

The function of the UT System Police Officer is to provide service, information and aid to all citizens as circumstances require, prevent crime, suppress disturbances, investigate criminal offenses, and arrest offenders.

Other duties include but are not limited to: Performing follow up investigations, obtaining and/or executing search or arrest warrants, processing persons into detention or jail facilities, enforcing state law including traffic laws, enforcing UT System Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, institutional rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

UT System Police Officers are sworn peace officers licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) and have all powers, privileges and immunities as other TCLEOSE licensed law enforcement officers in the State of Texas.

The UT System Police Officer's primary jurisdiction is property owned, leased or otherwise under the control of the UT System. However, officers also have countywide jurisdiction.

The officers of the UT System Police possess integrity, strong communication skills, a firm reassuring manner and exercise sound judgment under pressure. Most of all, they are committed to public service, professionalism and serving the University community.

If you think you possess these qualities and are willing to meet the challenge of at least a two year commitment, read on for further information!

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General Qualifications

• High School graduation or GED equivalent and must have a minimum of 60 semester college hours from an accredited college or university. An applicant may fulfill the college requirement by submitting one of the following:
• 30 semester college hours from an accredited college or university and 1 year of continuous employment as a police guard, dispatcher, telecommunication operator, or parking controller with a component institution within The University of Texas System OR;
• 30 semester college hours from an accredited college or university and 2 years of active military service. Military experience is defined as having received an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States after at least 2 years of active service OR;
• 30 semester college hours from an accredited college or university and 2 years experiance as a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or jailer. CAREFULLY NOTE: 1. Law enforcement officer or jailer experience is defined as time spent as a full-time payed employee performing police or jailer duties in a position that requires a license as a Texas Peace Officer, Jailer or the equivilent in another state. 2. Correctional Officer experience is defined as time spent as a full-time paid correctional officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, or the equivilent in another state.
• Ability to meet prerequisites established by the Office of the Director of Police, the Board of Regents and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) concerning age requirements and physical, mental and educational standards.
• Possess a valid Texas driver's license with a satisfactory driving record that meets or exceeds UT System policy and standards.
• Ability to pass a written examination.
• Ability to pass a physical agility test.
• Pass a thorough background investigation that includes a criminal history check, credit check, drug/alcohol screening and psychological testing.
• Pass an oral review panel.
• In addition to the above qualifications, The Lateral Police Officer position requires two years Texas experience & a TCLEOSE Peace Officer license.
• Posses a current TCLEOSE Peace Office license and less than a two-year break in service as a commissioned police officer.
• Unless otherwise specified, lateral police officer candidates are not required to attend the UT System Police Academy.
• Interested candidates should contact a recruiter to determine Police Officer position availability!

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Other Related Information

• Successful candidates sign an educational agreement that generally states that training expenses will be reimbursed to the University in the event the officer resigns prior to the completion of their two year commitment. (Except Police Officers)
• Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the Basic Peace Officer Training Course conducted by The University of Texas System Police Academy, which includes the passing of the TCLEOSE license examination within 15 calendar days after completion of the Basic Peace Officer Training Course. (Except Police Officers)
• All successful candidates are required to attend the UT System Police Academy located in Austin, Texas whether or not they have been previously licensed by TCLEOSE. (Except Police Officers)
• 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.

Shift Assignments

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

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

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Working Conditions

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

• Indoor assignments typically require the officers to patrol the campus facilities on foot. Occasionally an officer 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. Officers are routinely exposed to inclement weather conditions for lengthy periods of time.
• In general, due to the nature and scope of law enforcement, work does involve a degree of hazard.

UT System Police Academy

The UT System Police Academy is located in Austin, Texas. Cadets receive 24 weeks of intensive training in a variety of subjects which includes but is not limited to: applicable state laws, criminal investigations, use of force, search and seizure, physical training, emergency vehicle operation and firearms training.

Uniforms, Equipment, Per Diem and Lodging

The department issues most of the uniforms, equipment and classroom supplies. The cadet is required to purchase some training related clothing such as sweat pants, shirts, T-shirts, shorts and running shoes as specified by the academy.

Cadets may be required, depending on housing availability, to bring bedding, laundry supplies and personal grooming / hygiene related supplies.

Where permitted by applicable policies or procedures, the cadet receives a per diem for certain expenses.

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Assignment and Field Training

Upon successful completion and graduation from the academy, the officer will be assigned to a shift and a field-training officer (FTO). The new officer will then undergo approximately 3 months of training with the FTO. The FTO assists the officer with the final phase of their training by observing, evaluating and grading the new officer on their progress on a daily basis.

If the new officer successfully completes the field-training program, they are then assigned to a shift and placed on regular status.

For further recruiting information:

The University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390-9027
214- 648-8311

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