Frequently Asked Questions: Riding METRO

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 and segways. MPD plays a large role in special events and emergency response situations. Plus, the MPD canine force sniffs out explosives. Behind the scenes, MPD’s investigative unit helps solve crimes and make arrests, aided by surveillance cameras on buses, trains, Park & Ride lots and transit centers.

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 Police Fusion 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. 

MPD investigates all crime that occurs on METRO property or right-of-ways. 

It acts on information received from Crime Stoppers and individuals who report criminal activity observed on METRO property or right-of-ways.

It’s defined as any part of the county in which the one cent METRO sales tax is collected. This area spans more than approximately 1,300 square miles, which includes most of Harris County and portions of Montgomery, Fort Bend and Waller Counties. The METRO service area crosses several political jurisdictions and METRO Police shares jurisdiction with those police agencies. However, MPD is the primary agency whenever an incident occurs on METRO property. MPD also has primary jurisdiction of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) / High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane network, along with other locations where transit-related incidents occur.

Yes. The Crime Stoppers phone number is 713-222-TIPS (8477).