Jurisdiction

Primary Jurisdiction 

The property that constitutes the University of Maryland, College Park campus is, by law, the primary jurisdiction of the University of Maryland Police Department (highlighted in green below). 

In this area, we respond to calls for service, investigate incidents of criminal misconduct and non-criminal misconduct, make arrests, direct and regulate traffic, and enforce Maryland traffic laws.

Concurrent Jurisdiction

Our department has ongoing concurrent jurisdictional agreements with the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), Riverdale Park Police Department (RPPD) and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).

The agreement with PGPD ─ officially called the “Agreement of Coordination of Enforcement Responsibilities,” ─ gives our officers jurisdiction in areas adjacent to the campus in the cities of College Park and Adelphi. However, when it comes to any kind of investigation within these areas off-campus, PGPD is the primary investigating agency.

The agreement with RPPD ─ officially called the “Mutual Aid Agreement” ─ gives our officers the ability to take law enforcement action in areas surrounding university property, within the Town of Riverdale Park. The agreement allows RPPD the same reciprocity on university owned properties.

The agreement with M-NCPPC – officially called the “Mutual Aid and Reciprocal Enforcement Agreement” – gives our officers the ability to take law enforcement action in areas surrounding university property, within park property. However, when it comes to any kind of investigation within park property, M-NCPPC is the primary investigating agency.