Dear UMB Community,

Many of you have been enjoying the beautiful spring weather — eating lunch at Plaza Park, taking a walk, and driving with your windows down. Our statistics show that the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) remains one of the safest areas in Baltimore City to live, work, and learn.

As more pedestrians take to the sidewalks, our UMB police and security officers are highly visible for the continued safety of our students, employees, and visitors. The UMB Police Department (UMBPD) uses community engagement and data-driven strategies to protect UMB and make a positive, lasting impact in West Baltimore. By following these simple steps, you can help keep our community safe: 

• Be aware of your surroundings. Put away distractions — like your phone and headphones — when walking outside. Keep your head up and know where you’re going.  
• Secure your valuables.
  • Vehicles: Lock your car and roll up your windows, even when you’re inside your vehicle. Keep phone cords and electronics in the trunk. 
  • Bicycles: Secure bicycles to a bike rack with a U-lock if possible. Don’t forget to lock it! 
  • Valuables: Need to step away? Take your laptop, tablet, and phone with you. Don’t rely on someone else to keep your valuables safe. Secure valuable items inside locked desk drawers.
• Consider future interactions with vulnerable populations. Asking for money or food is not a crime, whether it’s from panhandlers or squeegee workers. How you respond is your choice. 
  • If you choose to give:Consider giving food, clothing, water, or small change from your pocket. Avoid pulling out your wallet or taking out money from an ATM.
  • If you choose not to give:Say “sorry, no” and move on. A smile and a kind word go a long way, and they’re free! 
  • If you see someone who needs help: UMBPD and the University of Maryland School of Social Work provide resources to vulnerable populations. Fill out the social work referral form; we will follow up with the individual and provide case management as resource support. 
  • Aggressive panhandling is against the law:Walk away or ask the person to stop in a clear, calm voice. If you feel threatened, call for help from a passerby or security officer. In an emergency, always call 911.
• Park on campus. Parking off campus may be less expensive or even free. However, off-campus parking is outside the patrol area of our UMB police officers. To prevent damage to your vehicle and for your own safety, we recommend parking in a UMB parking garage.
• Prevent piggybacking. Allowing someone to follow you into a secure UMB building is called “piggybacking” or “tailgating.” If someone follows you, alert our UMB security officers, who are trained to manage these situations.  
• Request a Safe Walk/Safe Ride. Safe Walk is available on campus 24/7 by calling 410-706-6882. Safe Ride is available from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods. Safe Rides can be requested through the Mobile UMB app or by calling 410-706-6882. 
• Learn about public safety. UMB public safety information is readily available. Stay in the know: 
  • Follow us on social media: UMBPD is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  • Subscribe to our public safety newsletter: Sign up to receive our monthly public safety newsletter in your inbox. 
  • Update your UMB Alerts information: These email, text, and phone alerts are sent only during emergencies and weather-related closings. 
  • Become a Preparedness Pro: These five preparedness trainings are offered with our partners in UMB Emergency Management, the UMB Fire Marshal, and UMB Environmental Health and Safety. Sign up for training and earn digital micro-credentials.
  • Learn about Active Assailant Preparedness: Learn about door locks, training, and watch a short video about what to do in an active assailant event.
• If you see something, say something. Safety is a community effort. If you see any suspicious activity, call 410-706-6882. In an emergency, always call 911.

These small actions can make a huge difference to your personal safety and the safety of our UMB community. Remember: Our police officers, security officers, and police communications operators are available day or night. Stay safe!

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department