Music played, balloons marked the entrance, barbecue filled the air, and students gathered for cookies, photos, and conversation as UHPD officially opened its newest campus location at the Welcome Center Parking Garage this February.
The celebration reflected the purpose of the space itself—visible, welcoming, and embedded in the everyday life of campus.
“At this substation, there will always be a security officer on site and a police officer during our hours of operation—7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday,” said Ceaser Moore Jr., assistant vice chancellor for Police Operations and chief of police, during the opening ceremony. “This location allows us to be more accessible and more connected to our community.”
Although the ribbon‑cutting took place in February, the substation has been operational since January. It functions as a full extension of the main police station, offering security escorts, lost‑and‑found services, a designated safe‑trade location, and bike and scooter registration. The space also houses UHPD’s Crime Prevention team, and High Visibility officers, those who serve campus by ATV and golf cart.
Operations at the Welcome Center substation are overseen by Lt. Demarcus Williams, who manages crime prevention initiatives, special event support, and security officers assigned to campus parking garages, while also assisting officers in nearby patrol areas.
For UHPD, the substation is about more than proximity—it’s about approachability.
“Some students have never been inside a police station, let alone a substation,” said
Crime Prevention Officer Amir Watkins. “This event gave them a chance to walk in,
meet officers, and see that this is a place they can come to with questions or concerns.”
That philosophy shaped the celebration. Guests toured the facility and enjoyed a barbecue buffet featuring smoked chicken, chopped beef, house‑smoked andouille sausage, and vegan barbecue jackfruit sandwiches. Decorated sugar cookies, lemonade, bottled water, and giveaways—including sunglasses and mini basketballs—added to the festive atmosphere.
“It’s good to see that UHPD is taking a step forward in the right direction,” said Lundan Sherrod, a junior majoring in economics, after meeting Chief Moore and posing for a photo.
The event was coordinated by Tonja Jones, executive director of the Office of Protocol
and Special Events, and her team, with food preparation overseen by Benito Gavirio,
campus senior executive chef for the UH Dining System.
University leadership also attended in support of the new substation. Chief Moore
thanked Raymond Bartlett, senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for administration
and finance, and his office for funding the project.
Since opening, the substation has already begun to see regular foot traffic. Watkins noted that students have stopped by with questions about police reports, lost items, and available services—early signs that the space is fulfilling its intended role.
And UHPD is prepared to evolve as campus needs change.
“If we find the need to extend hours to weekends or overnight, we’ll do that,” Moore said. “We’re going to watch how the space is used and adjust accordingly. We’re here for you—to serve and protect.”
With music, food, and conversation marking its debut, the Welcome Center substation opened its doors the same way it plans to operate every day—present, approachable, and firmly part of campus life.