Dear UMB Community:

Today completes my first full week as your chief of the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD). While my title is new, my tenure with UMB is not. I have had the pleasure of working with many of you over the past six years, and you have come to know my commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency. As chief, I will continue to weave these values into the fabric of our organization.

The UMB 2021 Clery Campus Security and Fire Report contains important information about crime that occurred on and adjacent to UMB in 2020, as well as policies, safety tips, and much more. This annual report may be long, but I encourage you to read it – if not all of it, then at least the helpful “At a Glance” created by the Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) on Pages 9-10. I want to thank OCPA and our many other partners who played a role in creating and releasing this report. 

I am proud of the strides we have made in the past year, and there is so much to look forward to:

• As many students and employees returned to campus in June 2021, crime stayed low. We have seen a 32 percent reduction in crime compared to 2019 (year-to-date), when on-campus density was at similar levels. 
• UMBPD has given 4,663 Safe Ridessince restarting the service March 1. 
• Our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Social Work is providing important services and resources to vulnerable populations. 
• Last week, UMB and the University of Baltimore announced a new public safety collaboration, beginning in the first quarter of 2022. 

UMBPD is a department of nearly 200 hard-working employees who are committed to our community. Safety is not only my top priority, but the priority of every one of these dedicated professionals. I encourage you to also take an active role in your own safety:

• Carry a safety card (tip: put it in the plastic sleeve with your UMB ID!). Safety cards include important emergency information and phone numbers. Cards are available at security desks and from security officers on patrol.
• Follow UMBPD on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@PoliceUMB) for safety tips, updates, and more.
• Call for a Safe Walk (410-706-6882) or request a Safe Ride on the Mobile UMB app.
• Read the UMB 2021 Clery Campus Security and Fire Report.
• In an emergency, always call 911. 

I want to thank you for your warm welcome and kind words over the past week. I am honored to serve as your chief of police and look forward to our continued progress in the years to come. 

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone, MSL
Chief of Police