Commissioned Officers

The Field Operations Division functions as the tactical operations division for the department. The 60 commissioned police officers are the most publicly visible representatives of the department and are dispatched by police communications operators by radio.

As the primary responsibility of this division, UT Austin officers are on constant patrol of the campus to prevent crime, to preserve the peace, and to protect life and property by enforcing the Texas state laws, and The University of Texas Regents Rules and Regulations.

UTPD officers patrol the campus by car, bicycle, and foot. Uniformed police officers provide safety to students living in campus housing by monitoring resident’s late-entry access, checking exterior doors and patrolling halls.

Job description (Human Resources)

Salary

Cadets — $3,008/month ($36,096/year)
First year Officer — $3,492/month ($41,900/year)

Certification Pay

Master Peace Officer Pay $150 (monthly)
Advance Peace Officer Pay $100 (monthly)
Intermediate Peace Officer Pay $50 (monthly)
Field Training Officer $150 (monthly while actively training)

Requirements

Complete requirements are available from UT System. The following is a summary:

Education Requirements

High school diploma or GED and
Minimum 60 college hours from an accredited college or university. The following will substitute no more than 30 hours:
- One year of continuous employment as a police guard, dispatcher, telecommunications operator, or parking controller with a UT System component institution
- Two years active military service
- Two years experience as a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or jailer

Health and Physical Requirements

Age 21 on commission date
Vision correctable to 20/30; uncorrected cannot be greater than 20/200
Able to hear conversation from at least 15 feet
Able to pass the physical fitness test with a minimum of:
- 27 sit-ups
- 16 sit-and-reach
- 18 push-ups
- Run 1½ miles within 15:20

Additional Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen
No felony convictions
No DWI or DUI convictions within the past 10 years
No Class B misdemeanor convictions within the past 10 years
Not currently on probation for any criminal offense above a Class C misdemeanor
No convictions, court-ordered community supervision, or probation for any Class B or above criminal offense
Acceptable driving record and eligible to operate a university-owned vehicle in accordance with UTS 157.

Application Process

The selection process is comprised of eleven phases in which a series of tests and examinations, integral to the background investigations, are administered. A rigorous and challenging selection process will identified those individuals best qualified for employment with this department.
(* indicates order may be changed due to scheduling.)

Phase 1 — Application for employment with UT Human Resources
Phase 2 — Tests
1. Written examination
2. Physical fitness test
Phase 3 — Police Application Packet
1. Personal History Statement
2. Pre-Employment Polygraph Questionnaire
3. Conditional Offer of Employment
Phase 4 — Oral Interview Board
Phase 5 — Background Investigation
Phase 6 — Background Board
Phase 7 — Chief’s Interview
Phase 8 — Polygraph Examination *
Phase 9 — Medical Test *
1. Extended physical
2. Vision examination
Phase 10 — Psychological exam *
Phase 11 — Drug screen *

The University of Texas at Austin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special disabled veteran's status, or sexual orientation.