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.
Are the UHDPS police real police?
Yes! UHDPS officers are commissioned as peace officers under Texas Education Code 51.203 and are certified police officers under the requirements of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).
What do I do if I receive a citation?
There are a few different forms of citations. 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 save
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 out 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.
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.
Are there any student jobs with the Police Department?
Absolutely. At the beginning of the semesters we hire work study
students for
various positions.
I have a concealed carry permit. Can I have my gun on campus?
Current law prohibits the possession of all firearms on the premises of an educational institution. University policy further prohibits the possession of compressed-air guns, pellet guns, BB guns, ammunition, and of course any prohibited weapons as defined by the Texas Penal Code (a weapon in your vehicle constitutes possession for the purposes of the policy).
