Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find an answer below, please e-mail your question to us at police@ucsc.edu.
How can I get in touch with UC Santa Cruz Police when I need them?
What happens to my police report?
How are sexual assault crimes handled?
Should I get my bike licensed?
I'd like to protect myself from computer theft. What can I do?
What happens to people after they are arrested by UC Santa Cruz Police?
What are the rules for skateboards, rollerblades and scooters?
I lost something on campus. Where can I find it?
Can I bring my dog on campus if it stays in my car?
How do I contest a parking ticket?
How can I get a copy of a police report?
How can I get in touch with UC Santa Cruz Police when I need them?
We are available by phone 24 hours a day at (831) 459-2231. During business hours, dialing this number will connect you with our office; after hours and on weekends it is answered by our emergency dispatchers. For emergencies, always dial 911. If you prefer to come to the police station in person, we are located near the base of campus across from the Women's Center. For non-emergency matters, you may also contact us via e-mail at police@ucsc.edu, but please keep in mind that you may not receive a response for several days.
If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1. For all non-emergency calls, call the police department at (831) 459-2231. When requesting assistance from the Police Department, realize that requests are prioritized with emergency calls having priority over non-emergency calls. An officer will respond to your call as soon as possible.
When calling, you may be asked:
What is the problem?
Where is the problem?
Is it still happening (in progress)?
How many people are involved?
Are there weapons involved?
What do the people look like (sex, age, race, height, weight, what are they wearing)?
Are there vehicles involved?
Can you describe them (year, make, model, color, license plate)?
Which way did they go?
What is your name, address, and telephone number?
For more information about reporting crimes, see our Make a Report page.
What happens to my police report?
After an officer writes the initial report, it will be forwarded to Investigation for follow-up. Not all reported crimes are solvable, and the amount of suspect information available will determine if an investigator will be assigned to follow-up. Once the investigation is complete, the report will be submitted to the District Attorney if there is a prosecutable crime.
How are sexual assault crimes handled?
If a sexual assault is reported to the police department, we will respond with an officer to interview and take a report. We will also transport the victim/survivor to a hospital or rape treatment center as needed. We keep all information confidential and victims’/survivors' names are protected. As with any other reported crime, the report will be forwarded to Investigation for follow-up. Depending on the circumstances, an Investigator may respond to the scene. Once the investigation is complete, the report will be submitted to the District Attorney if there is a prosecutable crime. Rape and sexual assault are significant issues for all members of the UCSC campus community. It is important to report incidents of rape, sexual assault and violence as soon as possible. Call UCSC Police if the sexual assault occurs on the UCSC campus. For a sexual assault that occurs off campus, report it immediately to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction. We work closely with the campus Rape Prevention Office and Title Nine Coordinator.
Should I get my bike licensed?
Here are six reasons why you should get your bike licensed:
- It’s the Law – All bikes operated on the UC Santa Cruz campus and in the city of Santa Cruz must be registered with a current California bicycle license. Unlicensed bikes on campus are subject to citation.
- Theft Prevention & Recovery – Sends a warning to would–be thieves: This bike is registered with law enforcement agencies. Enters your bike into a statewide system of identification, recovery and notification. Increases the likelihood of your stolen bike being found and returned.
- It's Free!
- It's Easy – Bring your bicycle and get it licensed at:
- OPERS Recreation Office: Monday through Friday between 10:00am–5:00pm
- OPERS Bike Maintenance Clinic, East Field House Porch: 2:00pm–5:00pm on Thursdays during academic quarters
- To schedule an individual appointment, contact Tim Ellis at TAPS (timellis@ucsc.edu or 459-5146)
- Accident Victim Identification – Provides a means of identifying accident victims.
- Money for Bike Programs – License revenue supports UC Santa Cruz bike programs which directly benefit local cyclists.
I'd like to protect myself from computer theft. What can I do?
There are several ways to protect your computer which include locks, cables and engravings. Engrave your equipment with your driver's license or ID number. License your computer software properly. Enter owner's name into the computer when installing. Send in registration cards to software companies so that there are records of your purchases. Keep records of serial numbers. If your property is stolen and you have the serial number, the police can enter the information into a national computer database. Always lock your door when you leave your room. Never leave your laptop computer unattended. If you have it in your car, keep it out of view. Another tip is to keep your backpack in your room when eating in the dining halls. Unlocked cubbyholes are not a secure location for your valuables.
Immediately report suspicious activity to the police. Call 911 for emergencies.
What happens to people after they are arrested by UC Santa Cruz Police?
Most misdemeanor arrestees are cited and released at the scene, although some are taken to county jail. Felony arrestees are taken to county jail.
What are the rules for skateboards, rollerblades and scooters?
The use of the above items is prohibited at UCSC. You must carry (not ride) these items at all times if you have them on campus. UCSC police officers give citations for violations of this policy and you may also face college judicial action. The use of these items is also a violation of the noise policy and may be enforced as such.
I lost something on campus. Where can I find it?
The campus Lost and Found office is located in the Police Department. The hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00am-4:00pm. To inquire about lost property call (831) 459-2231.
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Only property WITH A VALUE OF OVER $300 is kept for 90 days. Found keys issued by the University are forwarded to the campus Lock Shop at (831) 459-4444.
If you receive property that meets the above criteria, please forward it to the Police Department in a timely manner. Persons who have lost property begin to call immediately after the loss. For this reason, please do not collect it and wait to send it long after it is received, i.e. the end of the quarter. This dramatically reduces the chances of it being returned to the rightful owner. Due to the volume of property received, the Lost and Found office does not maintain lists of items called in from other units. Please encourage persons who have lost property to call us periodically to allow for found property to be received.
Thank you for your help in reuniting people with their valuable property.
Can I bring my dog on campus if it stays in my car?
Dogs (and cats) are prohibited from the UCSC campus, even inside vehicles, unless specifically exempted. Exemptions are granted for service dogs (dogs that are specifically trained to assist their owners with a disability), police dogs, dogs used in campus-approved research projects, and dogs belonging to homeowners in the Faculty-Staff housing area. For more information, please refer to the Non-Research Animals on Campus Policy.
How do I contest a parking ticket?
If you receive a citation and wish to contest it, you must do so within 21 days from the date the citation was issued. Administrative Review forms are available at the police department or you may submit a written explanation by mail to: UCSC Parking Citations, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064. You can also submit your appeal electronically at http://www.paymycite.com/ucsc. For questions regarding citations you may call (831) 459-4543, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm, excluding holidays. Click here for more information on contesting citations.
How can I get a copy of a police report?
If you need a copy of a report, please contact the UCSC Police Department by phone or in person during business hours. Reports are only released to authorized individuals, and a copying fee is charged, depending on the length of the report.
