METRO Police Department (MPD)

Before you even ride it’s a good idea to look at the schedules and plan your trip. That way, you don’t have to wait long for your bus or train.

As you begin your trip, here are a few best practices:

• Remain alert at all times
• Walk or move with a purpose
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Don’t trust anyone around you
• Don’t flash valuables
• Keep your personal belongings close
• Try to stay in a group or near others

If you’re traveling at night, stay in well-lit areas and stay away from areas with obstructed views.

To identify suspicious behavior, some things you should pay attention to include:

Appearance

• Anyone wearing clothes unsuitable for the time of year
• Anything protruding in an unusual way underneath a person’s clothing

Behavior

• Nervousness, tension, intense sweating, hesitant mumbling
• Walking slowly while glancing right and left, or running in a suspicious manner
• Taking photos of transit operations and equipment without displaying proper credentials

Items

• Electrical wires, switches or electronic devices sticking out of a bag or pocket
• Unattended bags, packages, boxes, backpacks
• Unexplained smoke or odd odors

The best place to ride on a bus is near the front, as close to the operator as possible. Unless you have a disability, please avoid sitting in the priority seating areas for the elderly and people with disabilities, marked by the International Symbol of Access (Wheelchair Symbol).

On a METRO train, we’d recommend you ride in the front car of the train, either directly behind the operator or in the middle of the rail car, closest to the window.

To help make the journey pleasant and safe for everybody, METRO has developed a Code of Conduct for riders.

For example, smoking is prohibited in covered or enclosed facilities, including transit centers, bus stop shelters and platforms. And consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on METRO property.

Please review the full METRO Code of Conduct.

Depending on the severity of the violation, you could be fined. You could also be temporarily or permanently suspended from using the system. And you could forfeit any refund or unused funds that may expire during the time when you’re suspended from riding.

Personal, non-commercial photography is allowed on the METRO system, and no permit is required. As a courtesy, we ask that you request permission before taking photos of other riders. Photography must not interfere with the safe movement of people or vehicles.

For safety reasons:

• Camera lights or flashes should never be aimed at oncoming vehicles or used inside moving vehicles
• Tripods and other equipment must not be placed where they could block walkways or vehicle operations
  

Commercial photography, video production, and media requests require prior approval.

For commercial or media photography inquiries, please contact the METRO Press Office at media@RideMETRO.org.

The METRO Police Department (MPD) is a full-time, full-service police agency of sworn Texas Peace Officers and civilian staff members. They patrol area streets, roadways and METRO facilities on foot and by using police cars, motorcycles, bicycles, segways and other vehicles. MPD plays a large role in special events and emergency response situations. Plus, the MPD canine force sniffs out illegal contraband. Behind the scenes, MPD’s investigative unit helps solve crimes and make arrests, aided by surveillance cameras and other crime fighting technology equipment throughout the METRO facilities.

Yes. MPD maintains a cooperative working relationship with all law enforcement agencies within the METRO service area to fight crime and solve cases. 

It’s also partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to alert the community about potential threats and what to do in response.

MPD also participates in:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force
• Houston Police Department Regional Auto Theft Task Force
• Houston Police Homeless Outreach Unit
• Houston Regional Intelligence Service Center
• Crime Stoppers of Houston
• and more

Yes, MPD officers are licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. They have the same law enforcement authority as other licensed peace officers in the State of Texas, including Houston Police Department officers. 

Call or text METRO Police at 713-224-COPS (2677).

Activities that are threatening to yourself or others should be reported immediately. Please do either or both of the following:

• Call 911
• Alert the operator or fare inspector so they can intervene or contact the METRO Police Department

In a non-emergency situation, you can also report crimes by calling or texting MPD at 713-224-COPS (2677).

Call MPD at 713-224-COPS (2677). The information you give over the phone determines if a police officer will be dispatched to speak with you in person.