September 2023

September 2023
Sept. 15, 2023
 
Dear UMB Community:
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is one of the safest areas in downtown Baltimore. UMB Police and Public Safety works around the clock, using data and community engagement best practices to protect our students, employees, and neighbors. 
 
While UMB remains a safe place to live, work, and learn, there are small steps you can take to stay safe. Follow along with our fall public safety campaign, request a Safe Walk/Safe Ride, and subscribe to this newsletter (if you don’t already). 
 
Information is one of the best ways to stay safe. Please take a moment to follow us on social media, where we regularly post safety tips, public safety updates, training information, and more.
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Safety Tip of the Month: Store Items Safely
When storing items, avoid blocking life safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, manual fire pull stations, AEDs, Stop the Bleed kits), stacking items within 18 inches of ceiling sprinklers, placing items in stairwells or hallways, and blocking exits. 
 
Blocking fire exits can create a dangerous situation for occupants during an emergency evacuation. Storing items in a corridor is allowed if at least 44 inches of clear width is provided. Help keep our community safe! Learn more about fire safety at UMB.
Fall Safety Campaign Highlights Employees, Safety Tips
Our fall safety campaign is in full swing. This year, we’re highlighting the many kinds of public safety employees that keep our community safe, including education and training, security, fire marshal, police communications operators, and more! Get to know our team and learn some helpful safety tips. Learn more. 
Safe Ride System Upgrade Brings Small Changes
Safe Ride has transitioned to new software! Faculty, staff, and students who request a ride through the Mobile UMB App will notice small changes in the way the Safe Ride service interface looks. UMB Police and Public Safety’s free ride service is still available from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on campus and in neighboring communities. Read more.
 
Community Engagement Academy Coming Soon
UMB students, employees, and members of the community are invited to the UMB Police and Public Safety Community Engagement Academy. This three-part series will give citizens a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a UMB police officer. Lunch is provided. More information is coming soon. 
 
Public Safety Office Manager Honored at 2023 Admin Awards
Christina Cortese, office manager for UMB Police and Public Safety, was named a finalist for the 2023 Admin Awards, a national honor that recognizes the achievements, dedication, and importance of administrative professionals. Cortese supports Chief Leone and was nominated in the Strategic Partnership category. Read more about the award.
   
Two Recruits Graduate from Police Academy
Recruits Stephen Howard and Mikal Diggs graduated from the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions Police Academy on Sept. 1. The pair will be assigned a field training officer at the end of September as new UMB police officers. Read the latest article about their journey through the police academy.
 
UMB Public Safety by the Numbers: August
Each month, UMB Public Safety 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 employees.
  • Safe Rides given: 1,758
  • Building checks: 2,625
  • Local business checks: 184 
  • Garage checks: 810
  • Visitors logged: 13,564
The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal is a part of UMB Public Safety.
Escape Planning
Plan ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home or at UMB, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the fire alarm activates. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.
 
Code Corner: Highlighting Common Fire Code Violations
A clear space of at least 18 inches is required between the top of storage and the ceiling so that sprinklers can perform correctly. Storage within 18 inches of the ceiling impacts the sprinklers’ ability to spray water and control/extinguish fires. You must ensure that the space around sprinklers is kept clear and that storage throughout the room is not within 18 inches of the ceiling.
 
September Is National Preparedness Month
In honor of National Preparedness Month, we’re posting emergency tips, resources, and trainings each day. Follow along @UMBOEM and learn how else you can celebrate. 
Emergency Management Fellowship Program in Second Year
OEM is investing in the future of the profession by providing experiential learning to a recent graduate. Our newest fellow, Joy Weddington, will spend the next year contributing to the University’s emergency preparedness and response efforts. Learn more.
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 the UMB Police Department. Learn more about scheduling a training with your department today!
Intellectual Property at UMB
Intellectual property (IP) created at UMB includes but is not limited to research data and materials that may be of value to outside institutions or individuals. While research collaboration should be encouraged, our faculty, staff, students, and collaborators have an obligation to manage, store, and protect research data and materials.
 
  • Be mindful of where your data is stored and who has access to or is authorized to use, copy, or remove data. Only share data with appropriate parties.  
  • Be familiar with UMB’s IP policies and procedures and rules governing export controls, and ensure that a properly executed material transfer agreement is in place if necessary before transferring any intellectual or physical materials to outside institutions.  
Report any suspicious activity or violations through the UMB Hotline. If you think that your IP has been stolen or shared inappropriately, contact the Office of Research and Development.
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about UMB Police and Public Safety. 
 
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