Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are school district officers "REAL" police officers ?
YES, our officers are peace officers commissioned by the Board of Trustees for the District (School Board), per Texas Education Code 37.081.
Can school district officers do EVERYTHING other police departments can do?
YES, our officers are Texas Peace Officers who make up a specialized law enforcement agency.
Do school district officers write "real" tickets and what happens to the tickets they write ?
YES, our officers do indeed write real tickets. Citations (tickets) go to Justice of the Peace Court in Zapata County. Failure to contact the court may result in a warrant being issued.
Can school district officers arrest adults and juveniles ?
YES, school district officers have the authority to arrest an adult and take a juvenile into custody.
Can school district officers take action against a non-student if they are not on school district property ?
YES, if an officer witnesses an offense, they may take action.
Do school district officers have any authority at school functions not held on district property (i.e. Prom , Graduation) ?
YES, wherever school district functions are held school district officers have authority on that property.
Can school district officers respond if another police agency needs assistance ?
YES, just as other law enforcement may respond to our officer's assistance, so may they respond to calls for assistance from other police departments.
How do I file a police report ?
Reports have to be taken in person either at the police station or by an officer coming to your house or the scene of a crime.
Can I pass a school bus, loading or unloading children, on a road with a median ?
You cannot pass a school bus when unloading or loading children. The only exception is if the roadway is divided, separating the road into two separate roads. The separation may be made by a concrete barrier or grassy median NOT by lines painted on the road.
How can I get a copy of my criminal records ?
Criminal records are maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Call 512-424-2000 for more information.
What is the law on passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road ?
The new law states that when approaching ANY emergency vehicle (police, fire, EMS, etc..) you must vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if you are on a multi-lane roadway. If you only have one lane then you must slow to a speed not more than 20 MPH below the posted speed limit.
Can the police ask me to leave a parking lot because I am riding my skateboard ?
The police can ask you to leave a parking lot if the owner of the lot does not want you skating on their premises.
Can I lose my driver's license if I get caught with tobacco by the police and I am under 18 ?
Your license can get suspended by a judge if you do not attend the mandatory tobacco awareness class after being convicted of possession of a tobacco product.
Can I cut through a parking lot when traffic is heavy ?
NO, it is illegal to cut through any parking lot to turn onto one roadway from another roadway.
Can I be arrested for a traffic violation ?
YES, anyone can be arrested for any traffic violation except for speeding and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. It is at the officer's discretion on how to handle each situation.
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