University Park Department of Public Safety facility in University Park Texas near SMU
Detention Facility

UNIVERSITY PARK DPS JAIL

3800 University Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205

The University Park Department of Public Safety handles arrests within the City of University Park — a small affluent municipality surrounding Southern Methodist University in central Dallas County. Charges that fall under Dallas County jurisdiction municipal offenses are transferred to Lew Sterrett Justice Center for magistration and bond posting. Act Quick Bail Bonds posts bonds at Lew Sterrett around the clock — call (214) 744-1414 the moment you learn of an arrest.

Facility
University Park DPS Jail
Address
3800 University Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205
County
Dallas County
Jail Phone
Bail Bond Hotline

About University Park DPS Jail

The City of University Park sits in central Dallas County immediately north of Highland Park, forming the second half of the area locally known as the Park Cities. The city is the home of Southern Methodist University (SMU), and SMU’s student population produces a distinctive arrest profile heavily weighted toward alcohol-related offenses: minor in possession, fake-ID violations, public intoxication, and DWI. University Park is policed by the University Park Department of Public Safety, which — like neighboring Highland Park — uses a combined police-and-fire model in which the same sworn officers respond to both. Charges that fall under Dallas County jurisdiction municipal offenses transfer to Lew Sterrett Justice Center in downtown Dallas for magistration and bond posting, with SMU campus incidents typically coordinated between UPDPS and the SMU Police Department.

How to Post Bond at University Park DPS Jail

01

Arrest & Intake at University Park DPS

University Park DPS transport arrested individuals to the DPS facility for booking, including identification verification, fingerprinting, and personal property inventory.

02

Time-Sensitive Bond Window

University Park bookings split between UPDPS for off-campus arrests and SMU PD for on-campus cases, both feeding the same Dallas County pipeline. The window between intake and transfer to Lew Sterrett is the sweet spot for local bond posting — and college-age defendants often have out-of-state parents, so the call delay matters here more than most cities. Move fast.

03

Bond Posted Locally When Possible

When our agent reaches University Boulevard before transport leaves for downtown, we post bond at UPDPS — for SMU students, this often means release back to family in time to avoid disruption to classes or finals. After transfer, the case proceeds at Lew Sterrett where bond is posted following Dallas County magistration.

04

Magistration & Bond at Lew Sterrett

A Dallas County magistrate reviews the charges and sets a bond amount. Once set, an Act Quick agent posts bond at the 24-hour bond window.

05

Initial Check-In — Required

Within 24 to 72 hours of release, the defendant must report to our office for a mandatory initial check-in. We review all court dates, bond conditions, and reporting requirements. Failure to complete this check-in results in bond forfeiture and a new warrant for the defendant’s arrest.

University Park DPS Jail

3800 University Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205

University Park Bail Bonds

This facility serves University Park, TX. View our full University Park bail bond service page for detailed information about local booking processes, bond procedures, and what to expect after an arrest.

View University Park Bail Bonds →

University Park DPS Jail FAQs

How do SMU campus arrests differ from off-campus University Park arrests?
SMU has its own commissioned police department with primary jurisdiction on the campus itself. Incidents on adjacent University Park city streets fall under University Park DPS, and serious cases often involve coordination between both agencies. Either way, more serious charges route to Dallas County and Lew Sterrett Justice Center.
What charges are most common in University Park?
The student-population concentration around SMU produces a high share of alcohol-related offenses: minor in possession, fake-ID charges, public intoxication, and DWI. Off-campus party calls and traffic stops on Hillcrest Avenue and Lovers Lane account for much of the regular arrest volume.
Is University Park separate from the City of Dallas?
Yes. University Park is an independent municipality with its own city government, ordinances, and Department of Public Safety, even though it is entirely surrounded by the City of Dallas. It sits within Dallas County for criminal-court purposes.
How do families help an SMU student bond out?
A large share of SMU students have parents in other states, which means the call about an arrest often arrives hours late and across time zones. The fastest move is calling (214) 744-1414 the moment you know — even before you have full details — and giving us the student's full name plus which agency made the arrest (UPDPS or SMU PD). Our office is minutes from University Boulevard; we can begin tracking the case while you book a flight.
Call (214) 744-1414