UT Police Celebrates Healthcare Security and Safety Week

Every day UT Police’s Uniformed Security Operations (USO) team serves as helping hands to the division. From assisting visitors and responding to emergencies to monitoring facilities and supporting patients, security professionals play a critical role in creating a safe, secure and welcoming environment for all.

"Through proactive patrols, customer service, hazard identification, emergency response and strong partnerships across our community, the team helps ensure a safe and welcoming experience for everyone we serve," said Roy Williams, director of Police Technology and Administrative Support, who oversees the USO team.

Their vital role in creating an environment where people feel both safe and supported is celebrated during Healthcare Security and Safety Week, which occurs Oct. 11-17.

Sponsored by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety, HSSW is celebrated by UT Police through a variety of appreciation efforts, including banners displayed across the division, certificates of appreciation presented to team members, and the distribution of light snacks and refreshments.

The Work Behind the Scenes

A typical day for a Public Safety Officer begins attending roll call, where they receive operational updates, safety information, post assignments and critical alerts. Throughout their shift, they conduct security patrols, monitor entrances and exits, verify identification credentials, respond to alarms, assist with access control concerns, and provide safety escorts for community members.

"They serve as first responders during emergencies and assist police officers, EMS personnel and other emergency responders when they arrive on scene," said Public Safety Supervisor Juan Garza.

Ready to Respond

PSOs are also prepared and trained to act when emergencies occur.

In just one example, public safety officers were in a transport vehicle when a man approached it seeking immediate help for his wife, who had become unresponsive at a nearby bus stop.

Without hesitation, the officers acted, assessed the woman's condition, and initiated CPR while calling for additional emergency assistance to the scene.

The incident serves as a reminder that PSOs are called upon to do much more than provide security. They are called on to save lives as well.

Preparing Officers for Success

For Garza, situations like that reflect positively on the level of training and preparedness of the division’s PSOs, which includes emergency response procedures, CPR, security incidents, missing persons investigations and customer service practices.

"What makes me most proud is seeing our officers take those skills and apply them in a professional and compassionate manner," he said. "Our officers are trained to respond to a wide range of situations and are expected to be ready to assist when an emergency occurs."

When reflecting on the value the USO team provides to UT MD Anderson and UTHealth Houston, Police Technology and Administrative Support Associate Director Robert Haynes echoed the praises from other campus leaders.

“In recent meetings with Facilities and Clinical leaders, I’ve heard them praise the PSO team for attentive service at our entrances and for their quick response to disruptive persons,” Haynes said. “Our team truly is viewed as partners within the hospital, and the training of our PSO team is paramount to the reputation we have with our colleagues.”

One Team, One Mission

Public Safety Officers work closely with dispatchers in the Risk Operations Center (ROC) and with police officers to identify security concerns, respond to calls for service, and assist with locating individuals who may not be authorized to enter facilities.

Success relies on familiarity with buildings, entrances and critical infrastructure throughout campus.

“Their knowledge of the campus, responsiveness, situational awareness and communication with the ROC and commissioned officers are important components of maintaining a safe and secure environment," said Public Safety Manager David Johnsrud.

Invitation to Reflect

Healthcare Security and Safety Week is an opportunity to highlight the vital role healthcare security professionals play in supporting the community, said Williams, the director of the USO team.

"Many of the team’s greatest successes are never seen because they are the incidents that never occur, the hazards that are corrected before someone is harmed and the reassurance your presence provides to others," Williams said.

He welcomes members of the community to recognize the dedicated professionals who stand ready to help every day.

He extended his own message of gratitude to the USO team.

"As your Director, I want you to know how much I appreciate what you do and the difference you make,” He said. “You are an essential part of our Combined Protection Model, and I am proud to serve alongside you."