About UHDPS

The University of Houston Department of Public Safety (UHDPS) is a component of the Administration and Finance Division, which is committed to providing the core framework to facilitate the accomplishments of the UH System Strategic Principles. UHDPS is comprised of four main divisions:

Police Department

The Police Department is made up commissioned police officers who are granted the  authority and responsibility to investigate all crimes occurring on the property owned or controlled by the University. As with any University police agency in the State of Texas, our police officers have jurisdiction in any county within the State in which the University has property that is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise under the control of the institution.
UHDPS officers are fully empowered by the state to stop vehicles, make arrests and enforce all laws. UHDPS officers provide the same level of service offered by a municipal police department, as well as other services unique to an academic institution. The department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The department works closely with administrators, students, faculty and staff to create and maintain a secure atmosphere.

Parking Enforcement

The UHDPS Parking Enforcement Division currently manages and maintains over 15,000 parking spaces on the University of Houston campus. They provide a variety of services at no cost to the university community, such as vehicle jump starts, flat tire assistance, out of gas assistance, vehicle door unlocks, security escorts, vehicle location assistance, and they are always available to provide directions and information about the campus.

 Security Services

UHDPS security officers work in conjunction with commissioned police officers, to enhance the overall safety of the University. As UHDPS police officers are patrolling the campus, the University’s Security Services Division is also on the lookout for suspicious activities or emergency situations. The Security Officers are hired, trained and supervised by the Police Department and are assigned to the University's central campus as well as System-wide units, who contract for, and fund the positions.

Fire Marshal

Fire and Life Safety involves everyone in every area of the university and refers to the prevention of fire, accidents, injury, and property damage. Through inspections, fire safety equipment is checked and maintained, food safety standards are adhered too, and safety concerns such as frayed electrical cords, trip hazards, broken or inappropriate equipment and fire hazards are identified and removed. Through design and plan review, architects and engineers are assisted in ensuring that fire and life safety measures are built into areas under construction. Through emergency management, assistance is available to develop specific evacuation plans. Through training, classes are available for evacuation planning, fire and life safety, fire extinguishers, and food safety.