June 2022

June 15, 2022
 
Dear UMB Community:
 
Summer at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is always a great time to recharge. The Class of 2022 has graduated and is off to do amazing things. The next class of students has yet to arrive. Many of our faculty and staff are taking time away to enjoy with family and friends. 
 
During this time, you may see me walking around campus and enjoying the beautiful weather. Please say hello! You’ll also continue to see our UMB police and security officers. I hope you’ll take the time to say hello and get to know them, too. These amazing folks work tirelessly to keep our community safe. I’m so grateful for their service.
 
As you know, our monthly public safety newsletter is now by subscription only. If you are receiving this newsletter, please share it with colleagues and encourage them to subscribe. This helps us to ensure that our entire UMB community receives important public safety tips, resources, trainings, and more.
 
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
UMB Chief of Police
 
Safety Tip of the Month
Safe Walk and Safe Ride are valuable services provided by the UMB Police Department (UMBPD). Safe Walk is available on campus 24/7 by calling 410-706-6882. Safe Ride is available on campus and in neighboring communities from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. by using the Mobile UMB App or calling 410-706-6882. The average wait time for Safe Ride is 8-9 minutes. Masks are required. 
 
Look at the Safe Walk/Safe Ride boundary maps, learn how to download the Mobile UMB App, and get more information on our Safe Walk/Safe Ride website.  
 
Eutaw Street Initiative Update
The Eutaw Street Initiative includes partners from UMBPD, the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW), S.O.N.S. of Phoenix, and the PEACE Team to make the Eutaw Street corridor a safe, clean, and welcoming community. This partnership includes approximately 17 people on the street weekly to offer resources and improve safety. 
 
The team has seen a 57 percent decrease in loitering (not including those waiting for transportation or frequenting businesses) and a 64 percent decrease in the sale of drugs. Our collaborative team’s outreach efforts include 460-plus engagements and 30-plus people who have met their goals (drug treatment, job placement, acquiring vital records, etc.).
 
Fight Blight Bmore
On June 22, UMBPD security officers will hear from Fight Blight Bmore during in-service training. The group provides free classes about blight in Baltimore, saving the family house, housing assistance programs, property taxes, and tax assessments. This training will help UMBPD security officers learn how to become homeowners and understand housing concerns in Baltimore. 
 
Chief Leone Invited to Speak About Mental Health
Chief Leone has been invited to serve on a Mental Health in Higher Education panel at the Campus Safety Conference East on June 21. The panel, “Mental Health Is Health: Tackling Mental Health Needs in Higher Education,” will focus on how to effectively help those experiencing mental health crises. UMBPD is a leader in this field, with a full-time outreach and intervention officer and a robust partnership with UMSSW to provide resources and case management to those in need. 
 
Juneteenth Community Day
Tomorrow, June 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Community Engagement Center is hosting a Juneteenth Community Day at 873 W. Baltimore St. UMBPD is excited to attend this in-person celebration, and we hope to see you there! Learn more.
 
Active Assailant Preparedness
Committed to creating an informed and resilient community, UMB has developed several training opportunities and resources to ensure that our students, faculty, staff, and visitors are prepared in the unlikely event of an active assailant. Learn more about UMB Alerts, Stop the Bleed training, CRASE training, active assailant door locks, and more. 
 
Extreme Heat Safety
As the temperatures rise, it’s important for our community to prepare to prevent heat-related illness. Limit time outdoors and find shade. Drink plenty of fluids. If wearing a mask, use one with a breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester. Learn more about extreme heat safety.
 
Space Heater Safety
Space heating units, including electric radiators, can lead to fires and injury when used improperly. To be used safely, at least 3 feet of clear space must be provided around space heaters when in use. This is typically not possible in most offices at UMB. Learn about the other disadvantages of space heaters from the Office of Sustainability.
 
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about the UMB Police Department. 
 
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