Dear UMB Community:

This weekend, we turn back the clocks as daylight saving time ends. The shorter days mean many of you will be arriving to the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) before the sun rises and leaving after it sets.

UMB is one of the safest places to live, work, learn, and visit in downtown Baltimore. We remain committed to ensuring our community’s safety through data-driven, community-oriented policing. By taking small steps, you can help keep yourself and our community safe.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Put away phones and headphones when walking outside. 
• Secure your valuables. Place items in your vehicle out of sight. Lock valuables in an office drawer. Take valuables with you if you need to step away. 
• Lock it or lose it. Secure your bicycle through the frame and both tires using a u-lock and chain. Consider using UMB’s bike cage for your bicycle or scooter. 
• Keep our buildings secure. Everyone who enters a secure UMB building must swipe their UMID. If someone follows you into a building, tell a UMB security officer — they’re trained to manage these situations. 
• If you see something, say something. Trust your instincts. Report any suspicious activity to a UMB police or security officer or call 410-706-6882. 
• In an emergency, always call (or text) 911. The Baltimore City 911 Center will answer your call, but UMB police communications operators are able to simultaneously dispatch UMB police officers. Can’t talk? Text to 911 is available in Maryland.

We also hope you’ll take advantage of our many safety services:

• Safe Walk is available on campus 24/7. Call 410-706-6882 to request a Safe Walk. 
• Safe Ride is available on campus and in neighboring areas from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., 365 days a year. Request a ride through the Mobile UMB app. Learn more and see the Safe Ride boundary map. 
• UMB Alerts are sent for emergencies and weather-related closings. That’s it. Make sure your information is up-to-date to receive these lifesaving alerts. 
• Emergency Preparedness training is available online and in person. Sign up now for all five Preparedness Pro trainings.
• Active Assailant training is available online and in person. Learn more about active assailant preparedness at UMB.
• Comfort K9 Poe provides stress relief and affection for those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Request a visit from Poe. 

Staying safe begins with staying informed. Public safety information at UMB is readily available through a number of channels. Please take a moment to subscribe, follow, and like so you’ll stay up to date with public safety at UMB. 

• Subscribe to the monthly Public Safety Newsletter.
• Follow us on social media — Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Visit our website at umaryland.edu/police.
• We’d love to hear your feedback! Submit a compliment or complaint or submit a question. 

We remain committed to your safety, day and night. Remember — we’re just a phone call away: 410-706-6882. Stay safe! 

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police