Same Day Hiring: Uniformed Security Fast-Track Recruitment Process

Wednesdays are busy days for recruiting at UT Police at Houston headquarters.

A group of individuals seeking their start with the division gather to participate in a new approach to hiring the division’s largest employee base, its public safety officers (PSOs). By the end of the day, they may have a job offer in hand.

The division’s Hire-In-A-Day initiative is a collaborative program between UT Police and MD Anderson’s Human Resources and Employee Health teams. The effort is designed to expedite the hiring process for public safety officer positions while maintaining high recruitment standards. Similarly, the timeframe for hiring for the division’s vacancies that fall under UTHealth Houston, has also been quickened, with job offers being extended on the next day.

A key feature of the process is a 158-question assessment, which eliminates the need for the division’s previously required polygraph exam. The new assessment helps evaluate candidates’ suitability for the role.

“It featured a mix of different and basic questions that allowed me to showcase different aspects of myself to the organization,” said newly hired Public Safety Officer Juan Garcia.

The hiring process starts like any other. MD Anderson’s Human Resources team receives applications, assesses candidates, and identifies qualified individuals. UT Police’s Recruiting team then contacts the qualified candidates and invites them to the next Hire-In-A-Day event.

On Wednesdays, candidates complete the assessment on site. Those who pass the assessment are then interviewed by Uniformed Security Operations leadership.

“During the Hire-In-A-Day process, I was truly impressed by the professionalism of UT Police and how clear and informative the interviewers were,” said Nolan Shed, who also started with UT Police in 2025.

Successful candidates – like Garcia and Shed – are offered provisional job positions by MD Anderson’s Human Resources team, pending further requirements.

Those accepting the provisional job offer undergo drug testing and additional screenings at MD Anderson’s Employee Health later in the day. The final steps include a fingerprinting process that screens individuals and uniform fittings to prepare candidates to promptly begin their employment.

“I was really impressed with and enjoyed the Hire-In-A-Day process,” stated Public Safety Officer Kimberly Davis, the division’s latest PSO hire. “It was encouraging to receive a job offer so soon after my panel interview rather than going through multiple interviews and hearing the usual ‘Thanks for coming, we’ll be in touch.’”

Davis, who previously worked in food service management, was seeking a new way to serve the community and use her talents to positively impact lives.

“The expedited hiring process made me feel confident about joining such an elite and amazing organization,” she said.

Since its launch in 2024, the Hire-In-A-Day initiative has interviewed 92 individuals and hired 50. Once hired, Public Safety Officers are placed in a training program that includes three weeks of classroom instruction.

“This field training provides firsthand experience in navigating the facilities, understanding daily responsibilities, and developing the skills needed to excel in the role,” stated Public Safety Supervisor Catrina Smith, who is among the team members who administer the training program.

Newly hired Public Safety Officers Juan Garcia and Nolan Shed close out their classroom training in March and will join Davis and other new PSOs with three to four weeks of in-the-field training alongside a Senior Public Safety Officer.

“My advice to future candidates is simple: Be yourself and shine!” said Davis. “This is a great organization and the start of an amazing opportunity.”

To learn more about career opportunities visit UT Police Careers.