Frequently Asked Questions

 

If you don't find to your question here, please submit a question via the Ask a Cop page, or contact us directly at 713-743-3333.

 

 

What do I do if I receive a citation?
There are a few different forms of citations that you may recieve on campus. If you receive:

UH Parking or Traffic Citation - If you receive a citation you can either pay the citation fee or appeal the citation within 21 calendar days of issuance .
Warning Citation- the officer, and your copy of the citation, will provide instructions on what you need to do, if anything.
Harris County traffic citation- the officer, and your copy of the citation, will indicate if you are required to appear, and where to appear in court for the offense charged.

 

 

What exactly is the University Police Department’s jurisdiction? Can you stop somebody off campus?

The primary jurisdiction of a peace officer commissioned under the Texas Education Code includes all counties in which property is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise under the control of the institution of higher education or public technical institute that employs the peace officer. In keeping with our commitment to providing a safe environment for the UH community, you will see our officers enforcing traffic laws on the city streets near campus.

 

 

What happens to someone who is arrested by UHDPS?

UHDPS maintains a holding facility, but not a jail, so an arrestee will only be at our facility for the length of time it takes an officer to do initial investigation and processing. When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, they are generally transported to the Harris County Jail. If a person is arrested on warrants from another agency, they will generally be handed over to those agencies. As you may have noticed, those sentences were sprinkled with the word "generally", as not all arrests are the same. If you have a friend or family member who you know has been arrested by a UHDPS officer, give us a call at 713-743-3333, and we will try to provide you with information as to where they are or where they are headed.
 

 

What are the alcohol rules on campus?

Of course state laws will apply; minor in possession, public intoxication, DWI and all other alcohol related laws are actively enforced. Alcohol can not be consumed in public except under specific circumstances outlined in your student handbook. Dorms will also have their own house rules, so make sure you have all applicable information before you imbibe.
 

 

How do I obtain a copy of a UHDPS police or accident report?

You can stop by in person, our records division is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mon-Fri, or call our records division.  Make sure you have your case number handy when you stop by. Please keep in mind that if you are seeking information on a case that is active, there may be restrictions on the information we can release. Please also take a look at our section on Vehicle Accidents.
 

 

I am on campus after hours and forgot my key at home. Will University Police let me into my building and office?

Sure thing, but we will need ID, and we'll also need to be able to verify the office is yours. The officer will complete a short report to document the exchange.