As one of the newest police officers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD), Pfc. Brandon Williams is excited to join a department with such a robust community policing program. "I want to help youth during these trying times," he says. "I like to help people when they are most in need."

Williams says his favorite part of being a police officer is taking negative situations and turning them into positives. He spent four years as a police officer with Morgan State University, where he earned Officer of the Quarter two years in a row. During his time at Morgan State, he remembers being officer in charge during the university's homecoming celebration.

"We only had three officers on duty," Williams says. "We went the whole shift without incident with thousands of individuals on campus."

Williams began his career in public safety in 2001 as a security officer. He says he met a number of Baltimore City police officers and decided that he wanted to become a police officer. In May 2020, he joined UMBPD. 

"I want to show the public that all police are not bad," Williams says. "I talk to the community, get to know them, and have them get to know me and where I come from. Most times they realize I'm just like them."

Outside of work, Williams likes to travel and spend time with family and friends. He has also studied martial arts for 29 years!

The new officer encourages new UMB students to enjoy the City of Baltimore: "There's a lot of history here." And don't be afraid to say 'hi' if you see Williams on campus. "I get along with everybody and I'm easy to talk to," he says. "I am always willing to go above and beyond to help and teach what I know."