February 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

Dear UMB Community:

This morning, members of our University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Police and Public Safety team will walk across campus handing out flowers to members of our community. 

This is the fourth year we’ve spread some love to our students and employees on Valentine’s Day. Our group has grown each year and now includes the Office of the Fire Marshal.

We want to know: Will you “police” be our Valentine?

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone, MSL

Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police

Safety Tip: Did You Leave Your ID Behind? 

UMB Police and Public Safety has seen an increase in the number of found items – specifically IDs. When you take out your UMID to scan into a secure UMB building, check to make sure other items haven’t fallen out of your pocket. Keep valuables secured inside a backpack, purse, or other zippered pocket. 

Lost something? Call 410-706-6882 to make an appointment to pick up your property at the Pine Street Annex. You’ll need to bring proof of ownership and a form of identification (like your UMID, driver’s license, or another ID).

Scam Impacting Commuters

Handing over your phone’s mobile payment app to tip can lead to hundreds or even thousands of dollars being stolen. Read the letter from the chief about how you can stay safe from this scam impacting UMB commuters along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Video Newsletter

Have you “heard” the news? Our public safety newsletter now has a two-minute video recap. Watch and listen to the headlines, then check out our newsletter for more in-depth information. Watch the video on our website now. 

UMB Police Continuously Accredited for Nearly 30 Years

Chief Leone and Lt. Christopher Finn appeared before the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), earning reaccreditation for the department. Learn more about how CALEA accreditation sets UMB Police and Public Safety apart as a leader in law enforcement.

Now Enrolling for Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) Program

UMB Police and Public Safety is partnering with The Y in Central Maryland for a free after-school Badges for Baseball mentoring program for community youth in third to eighth grades. Learn more and register now.

Improving Safety at UMB

UMB Police and Public Safety and the UMB Office of Emergency Management conducted their final infrastructure survey with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (DHS CISA). The survey examines building access, lighting, cameras, building emergency procedures, and even cybersecurity! This in-depth assessment identifies ways that we can better protect our students, employees, and community. We will receive a report from DHS CISA and provide updates in a future newsletter. 

Command Staff Leadership Training

The UMB Police and Public Safety command staff – which includes the chief, majors, lieutenants, directors, and administrative staff who directly support the Office of the Chief – completed a two-day leadership training focused on behavioral styles, building trust and respect, and working together as a team. The group developed an action plan so they can continue to learn and improve into the future. 

UMB Public Safety by the Numbers: January 

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: 9 minutes, 19 seconds
• Safe Rides given: 2,159
• Building checks: 2,741
• Local business checks: 71 
• Garage checks: 746

Fire Extinguisher Training 

Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal provides free fire extinguisher training for anyone affiliated with UMB. This short course consists of the science of fire, different types of fire and fire extinguishers, and how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Attendees get hands-on practice using a digital fire extinguisher simulator. Sign up using this link or email firemarshal@umaryland.edu to request training for your group or department! 

Well-Being Starts with Safety

Let OEM help you embrace our core value of Well-Being! To truly take care of oneself and others, we must first be safe and feel safe. OEM offers trainings, resources, and more to keep our UMB community safe at work, at home, and in the community. Learn more at umaryland.edu/emergency. 

Free Emergency Preparedness Training 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.

Laboratory Incident Response

To reduce threats to health and safety, it is critical that research personnel understand the basic procedures of emergency and spill response. At a minimum, all lab members should be familiar with and appropriately trained in: 

• Proper emergency response to the release of hazardous materials as detailed in the Radiation Emergency Procedures, Biological Incident and Emergency Response, and Chemical Incident and Emergency Response
• Fire alarm locations, including when/how to activate 
• Emergency exit locations and procedures 
• Eyewash and emergency shower locations, including when/how to use 
• Injury reporting procedures

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination.