May 2023

May 2023

May 15, 2023
 
Dear UMB Community:
This week, we say congratulations and a fond farewell to our friends graduating from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). As chief of the UMB Police Department (UMBPD), I firmly believe that every student, employee, and visitor must feel safe on our campus to reach their full potential.
 
I am proud that UMB remains one of the safest areas in Baltimore City. This is thanks in part to you our community for taking small actions each day to keep our campus safe.
 
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to read my letter about how you can stay informed, protect yourself and your belongings, and help UMB remain a safe, thriving, and vibrant community.
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Safety Tip of the Month: Lost and Found
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, personal items can get lost. If you find someone’s UMB ID, driver’s license, wallet, keys, or other valuable, help make sure it gets back to its rightful owner!
 
Recovered property can be given to any UMBPD security officer at a building’s front desk, or you can call 410-706-6882 and arrange to drop off the found property.
 
Lost something? Call 410-706-6882 and make an appointment to pick up your found items at 222 N. Pine St. Bring proof of ownership (which could include a verbal or written description of the property) and personal identification. Property must be claimed within one year and 31 days.
Stay Informed: Important UMBPD Resources
Did you know UMBPD has tons of services and information available? Stay in the know and share this important information with your colleagues and friends!
 
It’s Not Too Late! Complete Your Campus Security Authority (CSA) Training 
Staff designated as a CSA have received a short online training. The deadline to take this training was May 12, but it’s not too late to complete your CSA training! Learn more.
  
Becoming a Police Officer at UMB (Part 2)
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to go through the police academy? In Part 2 of our real-time series, you’ll read about the experiences of prospective UMB police officers Stephen Howard and Mikal Diggs as they go through the academy.
 
UMB Police Likely Help Prevent a Violent Crime
UMB is one of the safest areas in Baltimore City. Now, UMBPD is teaming up with law enforcement partners in a multi-agency deployment to provide social services and improve safety around the Eutaw Street corridor. Learn more about how this deployment helps reduce crime.
 
UMBPD Community Outreach Initiatives in the Spotlight
Our Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) is leading the way through groundbreaking work with the University of Maryland School of Social Work, Police Athletic/Activities League, and much more. See WBAL-TV’s story about Lt. Matthew Johnson’s work as commander of COAST.
 
Training Update
We’re committed to continuous improvement! UMBPD is working with the University of Maryland School of Nursing to provide mental health first aid training to our police and security officers. We’re also working with a vendor to create innovative virtual reality training for de-escalation and radiological security. 
 
UMBPD by the Numbers: April
Each month, UMBPD provides thousands of valuable services and resources to the communities we serve. In this segment, we highlight the previous month’s data to showcase the work of our UMBPD employees.
  • Safe Rides given: 2,588
  • Average time from Safe Ride request to pickup: 14:52 minutes
  • Number of building checks: 2,554
  • Number of local business checks: 190
  • Number of garage checks: 754
  • Number of visitors logged: 12,589
The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal is a part of the UMB Department of Public Safety.
Sign Up Today: Fire Extinguisher Training
Individual fire extinguisher training is now available! Attendees learn about the science of fire, different types of fires and extinguishers, and how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Then, you will receive hands-on practice with a fire extinguisher simulator! Learn more and sign up now!
 
Grilling Safety
There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food, but a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.
 
Code Corner: Highlighting Common Fire Code Violations
Did you know that extension cords are only permitted to be used on a temporary basis and are not permitted to be used as a substitute for permanent wiring? Extension cords that are used continuously can become damaged or deteriorate, causing a fire hazard. Code defines temporary basis as 90 days. If outlets are not present in a location where power is needed, please submit an Operations and Maintenance Work Request.
 
Learn about additional common code violations from the Office of the Fire Marshal. If you have questions about whether doors near you are fire doors, please reach out to the Office of the Fire Marshal directly at FireMarshal@umaryland.edu.  
Occupant Emergency Plans (OEPs)
Do you know what to do in an emergency? OEPs provide building-specific details and directions related to evacuation procedures, evacuation instructions for persons requiring assistance, seeking shelter, and “Run, Hide, Fight” during active assailant incidents. An OEP identifies locations of automated external defibrillators, Stop the Bleed kits, and evacuation assembly areas. Find your building’s OEP.
 
Become a Preparedness Pro
The Preparedness Pro digital credential is composed of five preparedness trainings offered by OEM, the UMB Office of the Fire Marshal, Environmental Health and Safety, and UMBPD. Learn more about scheduling a training with your department today!
New or Departing Research Lab? 
Find action items, resources, and FAQs all in one place for onboarding new labs or offboarding departing labs from EHS.  
Setting Up a New Lab will help you register your research with the appropriate EHS programs, figure out which safety training you need, set you up in preparation for your annual lab inspections, and request new door signs. 
 
You also can find forms and instructions on EHS’ Lab Clearance webpage when you are closing out a departing lab or clearing a space for a move. 
Call EHS at 410-706-7055 with any questions or concerns.  
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about the UMB Police Department.