FAQs Police at University Park

How do I report a crime or emergency?

Where does Penn State University Police have police powers?

Can I get a copy of a police report?

What types of security are in place for the residence halls?

What are the parking regulations on campus?

What resources are available to victims of crime?

Are there any rules or regulations about weapons on University grounds?

I locked my keys in my room/office/vehicle, what can I do?

What types of fingerprinting services does the University Police offer?

I received a summary citation, what do I need to do?

How do I report a crime or emergency?

There are several ways in which victims or witnesses can report crimes. For crimes in progress or crimes that just occurred, or for an emergency, the best way is to dial 911 or (814) 863-1111. Dialing 911 will connect you to the Centre County Emergency Communications Center and dialing 814-863-1111 (or 3-1111 on campus) will connect you directly to the University Police dispatcher. You may also use the Emergency Phones located at various locations throughout the University Park campus. Pushing the emergency button will connect you directly to a University Police dispatcher. People may also report a crime in person at the Penn State University Police Station located in the Eisenhower Parking Deck.

Where do the Penn State University Police have police powers?

University Police have police powers in their primary jurisdiction, which is defined as any grounds (property owned, controlled, leased, or managed by Penn State University) or within 500 yards of the grounds. University Police are also entered into mutual aid agreements with all surrounding police jurisdictions and may respond to police calls when requested to do so.

Can I get a copy of a police report?

University Police Records Department cannot release police reports, with the exception of traffic crash reports. Records can provide to a victim a synopsis letter of an incident that the victim's insurance company might need when filing a claim, such as in theft incidents. If you were involved in a traffic crash you may receive a copy of the official police report. You may only make the request in person at the Records Department (located at UNIVERSITY SUPPORT BLDG 1 effective Nov. 16, 2016). When making the request, make sure you have some form of government issued identification. The Records Department is open for walk-ins Monday through Friday, 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  For additional questions contact University Police Records at 814-865-1865.

What types of security are in place for the residence halls?

The residence halls on campus have a card access system in operation 24 hours a day and seven days a week. A student's Penn State id+ Card will only access their appropriate doors. In addition, auxiliary officers patrol the commons and the exterior of the residence halls from the evening until the morning. The auxiliary officers check for propped doors and monitor activities around the residence halls. University Police also ask students to do their part in keeping the residence halls safe. Students can do this by not allowing persons to enter a residence hall unless they live in the building or are being escorted by a resident of the building and by keeping their room door locked.

What are the parking regulations on campus?

All parking lots on campus are controlled and restricted. Signs are posted at the entrance to every parking lot advising you of the appropriate parking permit required for the parking lot and what hours and days the parking lot is restricted. Visitors can purchase a parking permit from the Parking Office for certain lots or can pay to park in the HUB Deck, East Deck, Nittany Deck, or at various metered spaces located throughout campus. You can find out more information at the Penn State Transportation Services web site.

What resources are available to victims of crime?

University Police is not only committed to serving the Community, but more importantly we are committed to serving and supporting victims of crimes. There are many services available to victims of crime both on and off campus. On campus, there are many support groups and assistance programs available through University Health Services, as well as the Center for Women Students in Boucke Building. The Centre County Women's Resource Center is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for counseling and support services as well as emergency shelter. University Police may be contacted at (814) 863-1111.

Are there any rules or regulations about weapons on University grounds?

Yes, there is a University policy for the use of Weapons, Fireworks, and Paintball Devices which defines weapons and lists the regulations. Generally, you may not possess, carry, or use any weapon, ammunition, or explosive on University grounds. University Police maintains a secure storage facility for housing weapons at no charge. You may sign your weapon in and out at the University Police Station 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I locked my keys in my room/office/vehicle, what can I do?

Students that misplace their keys or get locked out of their rooms can be issued a replacement key at the appropriate commons desk. Students will need to present photo identification and will have 48 hours to return the replacement key. If the student knows their key was lost and/or stolen, they should report it immediately to Housing.

University Police will provide key services to both employees and students when they get locked out of their rooms. You will need to provide positive identification and it must be determined that you are allowed into the office/room.

University Police also offers vehicle entry to persons that lock their keys in the car. (Note: Neither Penn State University or the University Police are responsible for any damage that may occur.)

What types of fingerprinting services does the University Police offer?

University Police provides applicant fingerprinting services for all PSU students and employees. University Police also provides applicant fingerprinting services for the state Department of Education and the state Department of Public Welfare.

I received a summary citation, what do I need to do?

If you were issued a summary citation, you have 10 days to respond to the citation from the date of issue. If you received a citation in the mail you have 10 days from that date to respond to the citation. Instructions to respond to the citation are printed on the reverse side of your citation. The two options to respond are in person or via mail to the appropriate Magisterial District Judge's Office. The address is printed at the top of the citation. You cannot respond to your citation at the University Police Station.