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.

No, you don’t need a permit to take photos. We just ask that you don’t interfere with the safe movement of people or vehicles. 

For example, camera lights or flashes should never be aimed in the direction of an oncoming vehicle or used within a moving vehicle. Tripods and other equipment must not be placed in any location that interferes with the safe movement of people or vehicles.

Photography is prohibited in any areas of the METRO system not accessible to the general public.

The law permits photography of private citizens in public places but, as a courtesy, we ask that you request permission of people before snapping their pictures.

For commercial or media photography requests, you can email the METRO Media team 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 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. 

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

If you’d prefer to submit a report, you can access the METRO Police form in the Contact Us section of the RideMETRO App.

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.