Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

UHPD, Students, Walk in the Dark to Improve UH Safety at Night
The University of Houston Police Department hosted its annual Walk in the Dark community event in November. This event allowed students, faculty, and staff to walk the campus at night alongside UHPD officers to identify areas that could benefit from safety improvements, such as increased lighting. This year, students, faculty, and staff also walked the campus with members of Facility Services, FIXIT, Student Government Association leaders, and Justin Dart Jr. Student Accessibility Center staff. Read more about this community safety event.
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
Festive celebrations, twinkling lights, and sharing meals with family, friends, and colleagues are some of the defining features of the upcoming holidays. However, certain fire hazards that arise from the holiday season can swiftly transform this joyful time of year into a disastrous one. Read the Fire Safety tips to learn more.
Jenga, Tacos, and Smiles at National Night Out
National Night Out at the University of Houston made its outdoor return after being moved to an interior space last year at the last minute due to the inclement weather. The 372 attendees made up of students, faculty, and staff joined in the National Night Out festivities which included shooting on an inflatable basketball goal, giant Jenga, improvised group dancing, snow cones, and many resources related to student on-campus safety. Learn more about this year’s National Night Out celebration.
UHPD Hosts Coffee With A Cop at Moody Towers
The University of Houston Police Department held a Coffee With a Cop event this month at the university's Moody Towers and shared coffee, bagels, and conversations with residents. The event, typically held at the Student Center South once a month, was spurred by a request from a residential advisor during a meeting with UHPD. Read more about what students and UHPD talked about during this event.

UH CERT Members Volunteer at Local National Night Out Event
Irma Ferriz, a dedicated member of the University of Houston’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), demonstrated her commitment to community service by volunteering at a CERT table during Denver Harbor Civic Club’s National Night Out. The event bridges the gap between first responders, particularly police officers, and the communities that they serve. CERT members play a vital role in response and recovery phases by assisting first responders when disaster strikes. Ferriz is an Executive Secretary in the UH Scholarships and Financial Aid department and has been a UH CERT member for many years. Learn more about the CERT program at UH.
UH Fire Marshal’s Office shines in recent audit by TCFP
The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) conducted two audits of the UH Fire and Life Safety Office and the Fire and Life Safety Office training facility. The audits included: reviewing individual employee training and continuing education records, reviewing Fire and Life Safety Office’s standard operating procedures, appraising the online training portal. The University of Houston Fire and Life Safety Office received no violations, a testament to their commitment to safety and compliance. TCFP is the state agency that regulates Texas fire departments, fire marshal offices, fire service training facilities, and certified fire service individuals. TCFP conducts these unannounced audits on a regular basis.
UHPD Receives Reaccreditation by IACLEA
The University of Houston Police Department was awarded Reaccreditation by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. The accreditation constitutes the recognition that a department conforms to the highest professional standards for campus law enforcement and protective services. The accreditation process consists of five steps: Candidacy, Self-Assessment, On-site assessment, Commission Review and Award, and Maintain Compliance.
Campus Safety Launches New Website
Campus Safety launched a brand new website that houses information about the four units that make up the department. Site visitors can find information about Environmental Health & Safety, Fire & Life Safety, Occupational Health Services, and the Office of Emergency Management. The website offers visitors an opportunity to learn about each Campus Safety department and their roles on campus. Learn more about these units by visiting the Campus Safety website.

Campus Safety Department Provides Preparedness Training to the UH Law Center
Ginger Walker, Director of Emergency Management, and Chris McDonald, Director of Fire and Life Safety, recently took center stage during the Law Center's preparedness sessions, aiming to enhance the readiness for disasters in the Law building. Their series of presentations for faculty, staff, and students with disabilities, focused on practical strategies and resources to ensure safety and resilience in the face of emergencies. "If something we said resonates with those in attendance and enhances their safety mindset, we have had a successful preparedness session,” said Walker.
Department of Campus Safety Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan
On July 27, the Department of Campus Safety launched its new strategic plan for the next five years. Assistant Vice Chancellor/Assistant Vice President of Campus Safety, Kelly Boysen, presented the new strategic plan to the staff members of Campus Safety during their Campus Safety Reimagined breakfast in order to share the roadmap for the next five years. Read more about the five-year strategic plan.
Permitless Carry Update
The Texas Legislature enacted the Firearm Carry Act, HB 1927, which provides for Permitless Carry (sometimes referred to as “Constitutional Carry”) in certain places and under certain circumstances. HB 1927 excludes universities from the places where permitless carry is allowed. More information can be found at MAPP 07.01.05 – Campus Carry Policy and on the UH Police Department campus carry website.
UH Police Department
The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) strives to enable students, faculty and staff, and visitors to be safe while pursuing their on campus endeavors.

Resources

Emergency Call Boxes Across Campus
Emergency call boxes are placed at various locations across the University of Houston campus. The call boxes can place a call directly to the UHPD dispatch center to request police assistance, security escorts, and any other police service. The call boxes are on free-standing towers or mounted on light poles and are labeled 'Emergency.' See the locations of the emergency call boxes on this interactive map.
UH Bike Registration
Students, faculty and staff who have a bicycle on campus are required to register it. Registration takes only minutes to complete and is free. A registration sticker will be provided and should be placed on the bicycle. Log in to your myParking account through AccessUH to register.
Cougar Ride - After-Hours Shuttle
The Cougar Ride After-Hours Shuttle Service is a new program from Parking and Transportation Services that provides rides to and from all on-campus shuttle stops, as well as MD Anderson Library and Cougar Village/Moody Towers. The service is part of the multi-faceted approach of the Transportation & Security Work Group.
UH Police Help Only One Click Away
UHPD offers a variety of crime prevention programs to our community members: Personal Safety Awareness, Operation ID, Residential and Office Security, Sexual Assault Awareness, Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention, New Student and Employee Police Service Orientation, Community Dialogue Failure to Safeguard Program, Bike Registration, Rape Aggression Defense (RAD), Alcohol Awareness, Drug Awareness. Contact Sergeant Dina Padovan at 713.743.0596 or preventcrime@uh.edu.

Videos

Tips to Prevent Scooter Theft
The University of Houston Police Department shares tips to help prevent scooter thefts on campus. These include using a high-quality U-lock and registering your scooter and serial number through your MyParking account. Watch the video to learn more.
UH Hurricane Preparedness Training Video
The University of Houston Office of Emergency Management would like to make sure you're prepared for the next Hurricane Season with this brief training video.
UHPD Tips to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Residents are urged to follow some prevention tips to help lessen chances of becoming the next in a long line of property crime victims. Check out the tips to prevent catalytic converter theft.
Active Shooter Training
The UHPD Crime Prevention Unit is available for presentations on Active Shooter situations and other topics. We conduct regular Civilian Response to Active Shooter (CRASE) training, and are available for training for campus groups upon request. You may contact UHPD Crime Prevention at 713.743.0596 or preventcrime@uh.edu.