Dear UMB Community:

Each fall, we release an Annual Security Report for Fire and Safety — a requirement for every university that receives federal student financial aid. This document contains important University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD) resources, safety tips, training opportunities, and more. This year’s report is a look back at 2021 — a time when we were transitioning out of the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and welcoming many faculty, staff, and students back to campus.

In last year’s report, we saw a 55 percent decrease in Clery-reportable crimes on campus from 2019 to 2020. Some wondered whether the decrease in crime could be attributed to the decrease in on-campus density during COVID-19. In this year’s report, you will see that this decrease was not only maintained as our community returned to campus, but Clery-reportable crimes also continued to decrease by another 8.5 percent from 2020 to 2021. 

I am extremely proud of our team members for their commitment to our community’s safety. Every police and security officer, police communications operator, and administrative professional is an integral part of our success. In 2021, we expanded our community outreach programs to include a partnership with the University of Maryland School of Social Work, community youth organizations, and returning citizens. This collaboration — in concert with our robust training programs and data-driven policing strategies — is a major part of our success. We are proving that partnerships among police, social workers, and community members work.

You also are an important partner in our success. Safety is a community effort. Taking small steps can make a big difference:

• Be aware of your surroundings. If you see suspicious activity, go inside a UMB building and tell a security officer or call 410-706-6882. In an emergency, always call 911.
• Call for a Safe Walk on campus 24/7 (410-706-6882) or request a Safe Ride from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. through the Mobile UMB app.
• Sign up for UMB Alerts to receive notifications about emergencies and weather-related closings. Make sure your cellphone information is up to date to receive text alerts.
• Visit the Active Assailant Preparedness page to learn about trainings, door locks on campus, and more.
• Stay informed! Subscribe to UMBPD’s monthly Public Safety Newsletter. Follow us on social media and share with a friend!
• Read our 2022 Annual Security Report for Fire and Safety.

As your chief, I am committed to the safety of our community. I want to thank you for your partnership and for making UMB such a great place to live, work, and learn. Stay safe!

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone, MSL
Chief of Police