Featured in our Police Officer spotlight this month, we would like to introduce you to Pfc. Scott Payne.

In February 2009, Officer Payne was sworn into our police department at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Since then, Officer Payne has selflessly protected the lives of those on the UMB campus, in our community, and in surrounding areas every single day. The ability to be a strong team player and his camaraderie in the UMB community makes him a valuable part of our agency and community. In 2016, Officer Payne sacrificed his safety to save the life of a disabled man by kicking in a door and entering a burning building. This is just one example of Officer Payne’s hard work and dedication, and we thank Pfc. Scott Payne for his service and continued relationship with UMBPD for years to come. Congratulations!

Q&A with Pfc. Scott Payne

1. What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
   • The interactions with the public. I love getting to meet different people every day.
2. What made you decide to go into law enforcement?
   • Well, I was laid off from my previous job, so at the moment it was the perfect opportunity for me. But it has been rewarding both personally and career-wise.”
3. What is your greatest achievement on the job?
   • There was one time I was working over at the BioPark on a foot patrol; I happened to look behind me and saw smoke in the air. I quickly responded to 1100 block of Baltimore Street and upon arrival I was told by citizens there was an elderly man who was still inside the building. I was able to get inside and escort him into a safe place.
4. What is your greatest achievement outside of the job?
   • Being a dad.
5. What is your most memorable event from your job as a police officer?
   • There have been many, but one that stands out the most is when someone came to me and said: ‘I appreciate you being the officer that you are and being.’ That’s a great satisfaction that someone recognizes my work.
6. What makes for a great day on the job?
   
   • Coming in safe, going home safe, and making sure there are no incidents as far no one losing their life. That’s the best day anyone could ask for.
7. Knowing your job can get stressful, how do you maintain your sanity?
   • Working out, being around friends and family, playing video games, and I try to take at least two trips a year.
8. What would you say to someone to encourage them to go into law enforcement?
   • I would tell them to make sure you go into it for all the right reasons. Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. Get information from different people and agencies and make the choice that’s best for you. Don’t get into it for the money, you have to have a heart for people. That within itself will guide you down the right path.
9. Have you had any mentors in your career? If so, how have they helped?
   
   • I haven’t had one specific mentor. I like the idea of learning something from everybody, like what to do and what not to do and just taking everyone’s advice. You can learn something from the most senior person, someone from a different agency, or from someone who’s new. I just believe you have to keep that desire to learn.
10. Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
    • Eventually I would like to get into a supervisory role, but I actually enjoy patrol so much. But … I would say between that time frame I will look for supervisory positions.