Frequently Asked Questions

Most Commonly Asked

Are UTC police officers armed?

Just as any police officer in an urban environment, UTC officers are armed with all levels of defensive weapons. Officers are equipped with batons, chemical agents, Tasers, and firearms. UTC officers have the necessary tools to ensure the safety of all members of the university community.

Are UTC officers real police?

Yes, we are. All UTC police officers are state certified, commissioned officers with full police powers.

Can a UTC officer arrest me?

Yes. UTC police officers are state certified, commissioned officers. All officers complete a field training officers program after completing the police academy. Additionally, they are required to successfully complete a minimum of 40 hours of POST-approved training each year. UTC police officers have arrest powers, the ability to write citations, and other general police functions. Please see our Crime Statistics and Policies page for more information.

What is the most common crime on campus?

By far, the most common crime that occurs on campus is simple theft. Do not leave your possessions unattended at any time. Do not leave anything of value visible in your car. Lock your doors/desks any time you leave no matter how short the absence will be. According to Chattanooga PD, of the vehicles reported stolen in June 2020, 45% were easy targets because keys/fob were in the vehicle or readily available.

If I dial 911, does it go to the UTC Police?

If you dial 911 from any campus phone, the call will go directly to the UTC Police Communications Center. This includes all blue light phones, red phones, and elevator call buttons on campus. Dialing 911 from your cell phone will send the call to the Hamilton County 9-1-1 Unified Emergency Communications District. 

Do you have a Lost and Found?

Yes. When an item is turned into the UTC Police, it is logged in as found property. These items are stored for 60 days. If you have lost an item, you may contact the UTC Police Department at 423-425-4357. Items may be picked up Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays). Please see the Lost and Found page for more information.

How do I file a report?

Call UTC Police at any time and let the Communications Officer know you would like to file a report. An officer can come to your location, or you can come to the UTC Police Department office. Reports can be filed twenty-four hours a day, year round. If you are not on campus or the incident in which you wish to report did not occur on campus, our dispatchers will direct you to the appropriate authorities.

Why does the Communications Officer (dispatcher) ask for my name?

It is the UTC Police Department's policy to request the names of callers for several reasons. The most important reason is that we may have to reach you to get more information, particularly if you are reporting a crime or other incident.

Does UTC have police officers on campus and available over the breaks?

The UTC Police Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We will always have police officers available to respond to your needs, requests and reports.

Does UTC Police have Social Media Accounts?

Yes, we do! These accounts are to provide the public with information concerning public safety and other material intended to increase public awareness about safety and campus activities related to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department.

Currently, we have Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts. Please see our Social Media Disclaimer Notice if there are any further questions regarding social media.

What to do if you are stopped?

There are times when citizens who have contact with the police come away with feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department does not condone police misconduct of any type. In our experience, we have learned that those negative feelings are often a result of not knowing the reason(s) an officer has made certain requests or acted in a certain manner. Unfortunately, demands on a Patrol Officer do not always permit time for explanations at the time you are stopped. Hopefully, the information presented here will give you an understanding of police procedures and let you know what to expect from a Police Officer if you are stopped.

While there are no specific guidelines for citizens in handling contacts with police, the following advice is beneficial. (Please note: we are not offering legal advice). Our goal is to improve police/community relations and to have contacts and interviews resolved without unnecessary conflict or injury to either the officer or the citizen. This information will hopefully help to minimize your stress and anxiety during your contact with the police and at the same time give you some insight into the concerns and procedures of the officers.

If You Are Stopped By The Police While In Your Car...

As soon as you notice the police emergency lights, pull your vehicle over to the right immediately.

1. Although you might not know the reason, you should pull over right away.
2. You may have committed some minor traffic violation without realizing it.
3. There may be some problem with your vehicle of which you are unaware.

Remain in your vehicle while the officer approaches.

1. Do not attempt to get out of your vehicle or approach the officer.
2. Exiting your vehicle does not assist the officer and may be perceived as a threat.
3. For the officer’s safety and yours, remain in your vehicle.

Turn on your interior light if stopped at night.

A well-lit vehicle interior will reduce the officer’s concern regarding weapons or other possible threats within your reach. If you are not able to turn on an interior light, an officer may use a flashlight.

Keep your hands easily observable, preferably on the steering wheel where they can be easily seen by the approaching officer.

Reaching under your seat or into your glove box (before attaining registration and proof of insurance) are actions that will cause the officer concern that you may be reaching for a weapon.

Give your license, registration, and proof-of-insurance to the officer if asked to do so.

1. Tennessee law requires a driver to turn over this information upon request by a uniformed officer or an officer in plain clothes who displays proper identification.
2. Touching or threatening a police officer or acting in a disorderly manner could result in the filing of additional charges against you, and you will be arrested.
3. If the officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, do so without any sudden or threatening movements.
4. Give the officer approximately 2½-3 feet of “personal” space as a safety zone to do his or her job.
5. Remain in your vehicle at all times unless told to do otherwise.
6. Do not become argumentative, disorderly, or abusive. If an officer has already written a ticket, it cannot be voided at that time. If you believe that you have been unfairly treated, do not make that argument on the side of the road. Your best alternative is to carry your protest to Traffic Court.

Whether an officer issues you a ticket or gives you a warning is entirely up to their individual discretion. Your conduct during the stop may influence the officer’s decision.

Don’t Be Offended

Most citizens already realize that law enforcement is a difficult and dangerous profession. Hundreds of police officers are killed each year, and thousands more are injured and assaulted. For these reasons, police officers tend to be extremely cautious. Certain safety practices are instilled in our officers from the first day of their careers. Although the procedures maximize safety for the officer, they may seem standoffish, impolite, or offensive to citizens who may not consider such precautions necessary with them. Even though you have no intention of doing the officer harm, he or she will probably maintain a defensive posture until the officer feels that there is no risk of confrontation or injury. As far as police officers are concerned, there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop. Every stop has the potential for danger.

If The Police Approach You On The Street...

1. You might be one of only a few people walking around in the vicinity of a crime that has recently occurred.
2. Your clothing might be similar or identical to that worn by the perpetrator of a crime.
3. Someone may have called the police complaining about your presence or that you looked “suspicious.”
4. Someone may have pointed you out to the officer.
5. You might be acting in a manner that the officer considers “suspicious,” and you may act even more “suspicious” after realizing that the officer is observing you.

Innocent individuals are often offended or angered, or both, because an officer has detained them for questioning. Although the delay might be inconvenient for you, the officer believes there is a reason (reasonable suspicion) to stop you and ask questions. Most of these stops are not officer-initiated.

The police officer does not wish to detain you any longer than necessary. Once the officer is able to determine that you are not the individual that he or she is looking for, the officer will often apologize for the inconvenience and then quickly leave to resume the search.

In All Police Encounters

• Avoid making sudden movements (for your wallet, into your coat, toward your waistband, etc.) until you have informed the officer of your intention to do so, and the officer has said it’s okay.
• Do not carry weapons (real or otherwise) or even joke about having a weapon on your person.
• Do not touch the police officer or violate his or her “personal” safety zone (2½-3 feet).
• Remain calm and avoid being argumentative. If you are uncooperative and refuse to answer reasonable questions, the officer is likely to become more suspicious, and the encounter will probably last much longer than necessary.
• Comply first. You may seek an explanation from the officer, or the officer’s supervisor, later.