Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are just some of the ones asked of KU Officers as they perform their duties. The KU Police believe that an open and honest exchange of information between the department and the community assists us in doing our job. Please feel free to approach any KU police officer with any questions you may have. You may also address questions by email or by mail to:

KU Public Safety Office
1246 West Campus Road
302 Carruth O'Leary
Lawrence, KS 66045  

Question:

Are KU Police real Police Officers?

Answer:

Yes. KU Police are commissioned Officers through the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. KU Officers are able to make car stops, issue citations, have full arrest powers and all the tools along with the training needed to investigate any crime that occurs.

Question:

What is the KU Police Departments jurisdiction?

Answer:

The KU Police Department has jurisdiction on all University of Kansas Property, and roads that border that property. We also have a Written agreement with the City of Lawrence that if a crime is committed in our presence in the City of Lawrence's limits we can act upon that crime.

Question:

What is the most common crime that occurs on the KU campus?

Answer:

The most common crime that occurs on campus is theft. Most of the thefts that occur on campus are crimes of opportunity, a backpack that was left unattended, a residence hall room that was left unsecured while the occupant was down the hall visiting or a car door that was not locked. Read the page on Protecting Your Property for some ways to avoid becoming a victim. All the crime statistics for the campus can be found at the KU Crime Statistics page.

Question:

Can I use my cellular phone to dial 911?

Answer:

Yes. Just remember when using your cellular phone to dial 911 you might get connected to a police dispatch center in a location other than the one you are calling from, so always make sure when using a cellular phone to call 911 you tell the dispatcher the city that you are in. The dispatcher will contact the correct dispatch center and relay the information for you.

Question:

I have a friend that was charged with possession of a fake identification because they had another friends identification in their pocket. My friend was only holding the identification for them. Can the police do that?

Answer:

Yes. Possession of another person's identification is the same crime as having a fake ID. To read the State of Kansas Statute # 8-260 click here just type in the statue number.

Question:

What is the best way to protect my bicycle from being stolen?

Answer:

The best way to protect your bicycle from being stolen is to get a good quality U-lock, and to make sure when you secure it to an object you put the lock through the frame and the front wheel. The object you secure the bicycle to should be solid and not easily altered as to allow the bicycles removal. Read about more tips at Protecting Your Property.

Here is contact information for various departments throughout campus that also might be able to help with some of your questions:

General campus information 864-3506 or for their web site KU Info .
Parking related question 864-PARK, or for their web site KU Parking .
Weather and how it is affecting the campus 864-SNOW.