About the Texas Health Police Department
The Texas Health Police Department is authorized by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) with licensed police officers providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment for patients, families, visitors and employees at all Texas Health locations. Texas Health’s police officers must be sworn members of TCOLE and meet the requirements of being licensed by the TCOLE as a peace officer.
Our Roles
Texas Health Police Officers
Texas Health’s police officers greet every individual with courtesy and respect, ensuring a welcoming environment across all Texas Health locations. In addition to offering general information and assistance, our officers remain focused on maintaining safety and security, adapting swiftly to evolving needs and circumstances. Aside from providing and maintaining safety at Texas Health locations, our police officers:
- Patrol the buildings and grounds of Texas Health locations.
- Provide individual and group escorts to and from parking areas.
- Respond quickly to calls for service and emergency situations.
- Assess situations and use appropriate de-escalation measures.
- Use critical thinking skills to appropriately handle situations.
- Assist with the identification and removal of unauthorized individuals, including detaining persons involved in criminal activity from Texas Health locations.
- Complete incident/offense report forms.
Texas Health Telecommunicators
Texas Health’s telecommunicators are non-sworn members in our department that meet TCOLE requirements to be licensed as telecommunications officers. Telecommunicators monitor closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and panic/distress alarms, process requests for service and assistance, and operate a multi-channel two-way radio system.
Chief’s Message
My name is Chad Peterson, and I have the privilege and honor to serve as chief of police for the Texas Health Police Department. I am honored to lead a team of highly trained police officers and telecommunicators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting Texas Health patients, families, visitors and employees.
Our role and function in a health system is unique. Unlike traditional policing models, the majority of our interactions are with patients – often individuals in need of medical care. We recognize that these moments require not only professional skill but also compassion and understanding. We embrace a “Head, Heart, Mouth” approach, leading with knowledge, compassion and clear communication and keeping patient safety at the forefront of every interaction.
Our commitment to campus safety is strongest when our police officers and security personnel work in close partnership. By fostering collaboration and mutual respect, we ensure a unified approach to protecting our communities — because we are at our best when everyone works together.
As chief, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence and accountability and keeping people safe by adhering to our policies, procedures and regulatory requirements. Our team is trained, equipped and prepared to provide a safe, secure and welcoming environment that fosters healing and treatment of our patients.
Click here to learn more about Texas Health.