June 2024

June 14, 2024
 
Dear UMB Community:
 
The summer is a great time to get to know the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Department of Police and Public Safety. We have many resources and opportunities available to our community.
 
 
And there are a lot of ways to stay informed, whether it’s subscribing to this newsletter (and sharing it with a colleague!), following us on social media, or learning more about the many opportunities available through UMB Police and Public Safety. 
 
When you see our police and security officers on campus, say hi! We love interacting with our community, and we can’t wait to meet you!
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Safety Tip: Prevent Vehicle Theft
Vehicle thefts are surging across the nation. In Maryland, vehicle thefts increased by 63 percent from 2022 to 2023. Kias and Hyundais are especially vulnerable, with thefts increasing by 1,000 percent since 2020. 
 
While crime remains low at UMB, we have seen a small increase in the number of stolen or attempted stolen vehicles this year, totaling five since January. 
 
How to protect your vehicle from theft:
  • Always keep vehicle doors locked, even when you’re inside the vehicle.
  • When leaving your car, lock the doors and take the keys. 
  • Do not leave your car unlocked, running, and unattended.
  • Secure valuables inside a locked trunk or glove compartment. Put shopping bags, charging cables, mail, and other personal items out of sight.
 
If you notice suspicious activity, such as someone looking inside multiple vehicles or pulling many car door handles, do not approach the person. Notify UMB Police and Public Safety right away. Talk to a security officer or call 410-706-6882. We’re here to help 24/7!
Security Officer Groh Celebrates 60 Years with UMB!
Dozens of UMB Police and Public Safety employees gathered to celebrate security officer William Groh and his incredible 60 years of service to the department and the University. The 78-year-old isn’t done yet! Read Mr. Groh’s story.
 
Congrats, Grads! 
Congratulations to our UMB Police and Public Safety employees who recently earned degrees. PFC Brandon Williams earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Coppin State University. Lt. Matthew Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies with a minor in business administration from University of Maryland Global Campus.
 
Save the Date for National Night Out!
National Night Out, our annual community-building event, will be held Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the corner of West Baltimore and Poppleton streets. Come for free food, fun, and fellowship! The event will feature tons of resources, giveaways, emergency preparedness training, and much more. We hope to see you there! 
Save the Date for Our Safety Awareness Meeting
Our next quarterly Safety Awareness Meeting will be held Aug. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided! Stop by to review safety tips, hear crime updates, learn about UMB Police and Public Safety resources, and ask questions. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon!
 
UMB Public Safety by the Numbers: May
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.
  • Average time from Safe Ride request to pickup: 8 minutes and 43 seconds
  • Safe Rides given: 2,121
  • Building checks: 2,909
  • Local business checks: 134
  • Garage checks: 725
  • Visitors logged: 11,699
Generator Safety
Downed utility lines, power company blackouts, heavy snowfalls, or summer storms can all lead to power outages. Portable generators are a temporary solution to power appliances. It’s important to know that portable generators emit carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous, deadly gas. Use these tips to avoid CO exposures.
 
Fire Extinguisher Training
Fire extinguisher training opportunities are available all year! Attendees will learn the basics of fires and fire extinguishers before getting hands-on experience with a fire extinguisher simulator. The Fire Marshal team can travel to your campus location to provide this training for your group free of charge. Contact us to set up a class now.
 
Learn more about the UMB Office of the Fire Marshal at umaryland.edu/fire-marshal.
Continuity Efforts Ensure Quick Return of Essential Services
OEM helped Veterinary Resources get back to business thanks to emergency planning and coordination. “The months of hard work, dedication, and perseverance have proved to be extremely useful and a true asset to our program,” said Kristine Spelman, manager of veterinary operations and facility management. “I cannot thank you enough.” Read the full story and learn how you can prepare!
FREE Emergency Preparedness Available Online
Learn what to do during an emergency, where to find lifesaving equipment, and much more! You can start the training online now or request in-person training by contacting emergencymanagement@umaryland.edu. 
 
Emergency Preparedness Training is one part of the Preparedness Pro digital credential. Learn more about our series of preparedness trainings at UMB, including Active Assailant, Stop the Bleed, CPR/AED, and Fire Extinguisher training.
No Shorts, Skirts, Sandals, or Open-Toed Footwear in Labs
It’s getting hot out there! While many of us are opting to wear warm-weather clothes such as shorts, skirts, sandals, or flip-flops outside to beat the heat, it’s important to stay safe in the lab with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Even if you’re not working with hazardous materials in the lab, others in the lab may be and you need to protect yourself from accidental spills or incidents. Keep an appropriate change of clothes and shoes in the lab if you choose to arrive to work in summer clothing. For more information on appropriate PPE, see our EHS website. 
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about UMB Police and Public Safety. 
 
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