Frequently Asked Questions

Are University Police Officers "real" police?

Yes. University Police Officers are sworn law enforcement officers fully certified by the State of North Carolina. The University Police Department operates like any other police department. Officers and dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Officer duties include the enforcement of state laws, city ordinances, and the rules, regulations, and policies of East Carolina University. Other duties include criminal investigations, warrant service, patrol of campus, and crowd control/protection at University events.

What exactly is the University Police Department’s jurisdiction?

The University Police Department has jurisdiction within the geographical boundaries of all University property, adjoining roads, streets, and highways leading upon University property, and all property owned or leased by the University. A University Police Officer is authorized to stop a vehicle or person who is observed committing a violation on University property. Additionally, officers are authorized to engage in “hot pursuit” that leaves University property when the officer is pursuing a violator or suspect who has committed a violation on campus and is fleeing from that officer. Other law enforcement agencies within Pitt County, such as the Greenville Police Department, Pitt County Sheriff’s Department, or North Carolina Highway Patrol, may also request the assistance of the University Police Department in what is called a “mutual aid agreement,” and depending on the agreement may grant University Police the powers of arrest outside of its usual territorial jurisdiction.

What is the number one crime on campus?

By far the most common crime that occurs on campus is larceny. You can avoid being a statistic in this category by using simple common sense. Visit our Safety Tips page for valuable information to keep you from being victimized on campus.

Where can I go to get information about parking on campus?

All questions relating to parking on ECU Campus (i.e., parking permits, maps, parking zones, parking citations) are handled by Parking and Transportation Services.  Their office is located at 305 E. Tenth Street (directly beside McDonald's) or you can contact them at (252) 328-6294.


Who do I call if I lock my keys in my vehicle or if my vehicle needs to be jump-started?

If you find yourself in either of these situations during normal business hours (8:00 am – 5:00 pm) please call Parking and Transportation Services at (252) 328-6294. After business hours you may call Police Telecommunicators at (252) 327-6787, or use an Emergency Blue-Light Phone, and an officer will assist you.

What is a Campus Appearance Ticket?

A Campus Appearance Ticket (CAT) is an enforcement tool utilized by the University Police Department. It is the beginning of the University's judicial system and requires a student to schedule a meeting with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities to discuss a violation. It is important to note that the CAT is not a criminal charge. This document can also serve as a ban notice for non-students. As a ban notice it directs an individual not to return to the University's property for one year or longer. The consequences for returning to the property could be a criminal charge for trespassing. Ban notices may be appealed to the Chief of Police at (252) 328-6964.

What happens to someone who is arrested on campus?

When someone is placed under arrest he/she is transported to the Pitt County Detention Center, located at 124 New Hope Road, Greenville, where they will appear before a magistrate. If the person is a student of the University, he/she will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities as well. If the person is not a student, he/she  may also be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, be banned from all University Property, or be issued a North Carolina Uniform Citation instead of a physical arrest.

What should I do if I am involved in a traffic accident on campus?

If you are involved in a traffic accident, contact the University Police as soon as possible at (252) 328-6787, dial 911, or use an Emergency Blue-Light Phone. Be prepared to tell the Police Telecommunicator where the accident occurred, whether or not there are any injuries, how many vehicles are involved, and the colors and types of the vehicles. A police officer will respond to your location. Please review our Traffic Safety tips page for useful information.

How do I make an anonymous report to the police?

To make an anonymous report of criminal activity to the police you can call the University Police Department at (252) 328-6215 or online at our Anonymous Crime Report page. If you utilize this means of reporting a crime, please do so responsibly and provide as much information about the incident as possible. The University Police Department will also respect your privacy in reporting an incident that may be sensitive to your living arrangement when filing a report with an officer.

What is the University's Policy on Alcohol?

Please refer to Section V of the ECU Student Handbook for all policies regarding the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus.

Are firearms permitted on campus?

No. The University prohibits the possession or use of firearms, as well as any other weapons, in or near the residence halls or on university property. Having a concealed weapons permit does not exclude anyone from the policy. Please refer to Section VIII of the ECU Student Handbook for additional information regarding the University’s policies and procedures concerning weapons on campus.

What do I do if I receive a citation?

There are a few different forms of citations or “tickets,” including Parking Citations, Warning Citations, and North Carolina Uniform Citations. If you receive a:

Parking Citation - you will have the option of either paying the amount noted on the citation online through ECU One Stop or in person at Parking and Transportation Services. If you would like to appeal the parking ticket, appeal forms are located at Parking and Transportation Services or you may call (252) 328-1963 for further information.

Warning Citation - the University Police Officer, as well as your copy of the citation, will provide instructions on what you need to do.

North Carolina Uniform Citation - the University Police Officer, as well as your copy of the citation, will indicate if you are required to appear, and where to appear, in district court for the offense charged. If an appearance in court is mandatory, you must be in attendance on the scheduled date and time at the Pitt County Courthouse in the appointed room.

If the police find something illegal in my dorm room but it belongs to my roommate, do I get in trouble as well?

Whether or not you get in trouble for something illegal being in your dorm room is determined upon whether or not you were in possession of that item. If contraband is found in a common area of the room, an area that both you and your roommate use regularly, you both could be charged with possessing it. This is defined through North Carolina State Law as “constructive possession.” If the contraband were found in an area that is under the exclusive control of your roommate, such as a top desk drawer that can be locked with a key, then possession would be exclusive to the person who controls that area. The recommended way to handle a situation in which you know your roommate possesses an illegal substance or other contraband would be to notify the University Police Department and allow us to investigate the matter appropriately. Please refer to the ECU Student Handbook for more information.

What do I do if I am receiving harassing phone calls or e-mails?

If you live on campus you should contact the University Police Department at (252) 328-6787 and provide us with complete details about the calls. Information such as how often, the duration of the calls, the times of the calls, what the caller is saying or not saying, and if they have threatened you in any way. If you wish, a police officer will respond to your location and take a complete report about the harassment you are receiving, and give you information and options about how to handle this problem. Some tips to help handle this situation are: don’t talk to the caller, hang up the phone, unplug the phone, blow a loud whistle in the receiver of the phone, and request to change your telephone number. You can also notify your Resident Assistant about the situation. It should be noted that North Carolina Law defines harassing phone calls as using profane, indecent, or threatening language to any person over the telephone, annoying or harassing by repeated telephoning, or making false statements over the telephone (N.C.G.S. 14-196). It is also important to note that this law also applies to electronic communication and electronic mail. You may request to have your on campus residence telephone number changed through University ITCS at (252) 328-9866.

Does the University Police Department offer fingerprinting services?

Yes, the University Police provides fingerprinting services for ECU students, faculty, staff, and potential Police Department employees by appointment only.  Please call (252) 328-6215 or (252) 328-5300 to make an appointment.  You will be required to show a photo ID.


Does the University allow skateboarding on campus?

Yes, skateboards are an acceptable means of transportation on the campus and are to be used for that purpose. However, skateboarding on steps, landscaping planters, picnic tables and other University property causes damage and therefore is prohibited. Should a skateboarder be caught in violation of this policy, a University Police Officer has a number of available options, including a verbal warning, a Uniform State Citation, a Campus Appearance Ticket (CAT), or the student may be banned from all ECU property.

Who do I contact to file a complaint or a compliment about an officer?

You may contact the Chief of Police at (252) 328-6964 or you can complete the online Citizen Complaint Form.

How can I get a copy of a police report?