December 2021

 

 
Dec. 16, 2021
 
Dear UMB Community:
 
This has been an exciting year for the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD). We launched a partnership with the School of Social Work, welcomed the community to National Night Out, expanded our training program, and won several awards for our efforts. I also was named UMB Police Chief in September, and I’m excited by the progress we’re making.
 
As the holidays approach, I want to thank you for your continued support. If you haven’t already, please follow us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). All month, we’re featuring our new Elf recruit, Private Pine. We hope you’ll share with your friends.
 
Please also take our Public Safety Survey if you haven’t already. Your feedback is so important and helps us determine areas for improvement. It only takes a few minutes. 
 
Most of all, I want to wish you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season and new year. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
UMB Chief of Police
 
Safety Tip of the Month: Holiday Safety
Finishing up your holiday shopping? Be sure to keep valuables and purchases out of sight and locked in the trunk. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and carry your wallet in a front pocket or zipped purse. Park in a well-lit location and remember where you parked your car. When you return to your vehicle, have your keys in your hand and ready to go. 
 
If you’re on campus or in neighboring communities, take a Safe Ride. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Safe Ride in The Elm.
 
UMBPD Survey Closes Jan. 3
Chief Leone invites you to take a short survey about public safety at UMB. This anonymous survey will take 10 minutes or less to complete. Your feedback will provide UMBPD with valuable information about the perception of safety on campus, UMBPD resources, and more. Thank you for your time!
 
Quarterly Safety Awareness Meeting
Join UMBPD for our Safety Awareness meeting Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. The meeting provides an opportunity to review safety tips, hear crime updates, learn about upcoming UMBPD resources, and ask questions. Contact Lt. Matthew Johnson at matthew.johnson@police.umaryland.edu with questions. 
 
A Look Back at UMBPD History
Security Officer William Groh has proudly served UMBPD for more than 50 years! He shared his experience and history in a look back at the department’s history, featured in UMB CATALYST. 
 
Support Our Super Plungers! Are You Team Leone or Team Johnson?
Chief Leone and Lt. Matthew Johnson are SUPER PLUNGING this year at the Maryland Polar Bear Plunge — that means 24 plunges into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay within 24 hours! Donations benefit Special Olympics Maryland, and every dollar counts (they’re trying to raise $10,000 each). Read more here.
 
Are You Prepared for Winter Weather?
Winter weather is just around the corner — are you prepared? Changes to on-campus operations are sent via UMB Alerts. Make sure your information is up to date.
 
Not sure what a UMB closure, delay, liberal leave, or early departure means or how it applies to you? Read the UMB Guide to Changes in On-Campus Operations.
 
OEM Conducts CDC-Required Exercise
On Dec. 10, members of the UMB emergency management team participated in a hazardous materials exercise, which is required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to test and evaluate emergency capabilities. Participants included UMBPD, Environmental Health and Safety, Occupational Health, School of Dentistry principal investigators, and OEM.
 
Holiday Lab Safety Plan
As labs begin slowing down research operations for the holiday season, EHS reminds labs to create a lab-specific safety plan for operating during UMB closures or decreased holiday presence. In the event of an emergency closure, see guidelines here. You also can use EHS’ helpful guide for preparing your lab for the holidays.  
 
Elements of your plan should include:  
  • Confirming a critical contact list  
  • Ensuring essential equipment is on emergency power and has adequate supplies to run through any absence  
  • Securing physical research materials and backing up critical research data  
  • Reviewing your emergency response plan
 
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about the UMB Police Department. 
 
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