On August 4, 2025, The University of Texas at Austin Police Department created a designated Executive Protection Unit (EPU) which includes our School Resource Officer (SRO) position at the University of Texas at Austin Elementary School (UTES).
The purpose behind the newly formed EPU unit was to enable UTPD to provide the highest level of dedicated service and protection to both prominent members of our community and distinguished guests participating in university-sponsored activities and events. Because UTPD is a state police agency, the Executive Protection Unit can function in the same capacity outside of our campus while providing the same level of service to our members. The reflection of the Executive Protection Unit is directly correlated to what brings individuals to The University of Texas at Austin, whether for academics, athletics, special events, or its role as a global center for research and dialogue.
Our SRO position fulfils the requirements as mandated by the Texas Legislature and is an integral part of ensuring the safety and security of our youngest student population at UT Austin. Through engagement, presence, and knowledge specific to the demands of working within an elementary school, the SRO’s responsibilities center on prevention, relationship‑building, and early intervention while maintaining readiness to respond to safety concerns with professionalism and care.
Responsibilities and Functions
The Executive Protection Unit’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing direct and indirect planning, concierge services, uniformed and non-uniformed protection, intelligence analysis, and threat mitigation for VIPs and events.
- Supporting visits from foreign, federal, state, and local dignitaries, including current and former heads of country and state, corporate executives, high-profile speakers, entertainers, and other public figures.
The goal of the Executive Protection Unit is to ensure the safety and security of those within their care, regardless of affiliation, while delivering seamless access, movement, and convenience with the intention of providing a world-class experience on behalf of The University of Texas at Austin.
The School Resource Officer’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Coordinating with UT Elementary School staff to ensure timely communication of information related to daily operations and safety concerns.
- Maintaining awareness of daily developments impacting the security and safety of the campus.
- Responding to and addressing threats to the safety of the campus and adjacent areas.
- Performing traffic control during drop-off and pick-up while supporting safety during times of high-traffic volume.
- Providing proactive patrol of the campus for violations of law and suspicious activity.
- Assisting UT Elementary School administrators in matters involving child custody, temporary restraining orders, and family protective orders.
The goal of the School Resource Officer position is to support a safe, secure, and developmentally appropriate elementary school environment at UT Austin by fulfilling Texas legislative requirements while prioritizing prevention, trust-based relationships, and early intervention.
Consistent with elementary-only SRO models implemented throughout the State of Texas, this role emphasizes visibility, approachability, and collaboration with educators to address concerns at the lowest appropriate level. Law enforcement action is reserved for situations involving safety or criminal behavior, with responses guided by professionalism, care, and an understanding of the unique needs of young students.
Partnerships and Collaboration
The Executive Protection Unit partners with both internal departments and external agencies to support safe, coordinated, and professional operations.
Internal partners include:
- The Offices of the President and Provost
- University Events and Experience
- UT Athletics
- LBJ Presidential Library, Moody Center, Performing Arts Center, and University Unions
- Various academic deans and administrations
- Parking and Transportation Services
External partners include:
- Federal agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- UT System Police and the Board of Regents
- State police agencies in Texas and nationally
- Austin Police Department
- Travis County Sheriff's Office
Community Engagement
Community engagement is reflected throughout the Executive Protection Unit and School Resource Officer’s daily responsibilities, including relationship-building, prevention, safety planning, visibility, and support for university events, visitors, students, staff, and families.
Additional Information
Officers within the Executive Protection Unit are required to attend regular training specific to their duties, including but not limited to:
- Protection detail
- Site advance
- Concealed firearm usage
- De-escalation
- Motorcade operations
The School Resource Officer is required to attend regular training specific to their duties, including but not limited to:
- School-based law enforcement training
- ALERRT response and command
- FEMA incident command
- De-escalation
- Special populations
- Elementary outreach
- Informed response
Notable visitors with whom the Executive Protection Unit regularly assists include:
- U.S. Presidents and Vice Presidents
- Supreme Court Justices
- Presidential Cabinet members
- Federal and state senators and members of Congress
- High-ranking members of the U.S. military
- State governors
- CEOs and high-ranking corporate executives
- Musicians, actors, and other public figures
Notable events coordinated or initiated by the School Resource Officer include:
- Christmas Sponsorship Program
- Police K-9 demonstration
- Officer Appreciation Day