Corporal Shantell Brown has spent her entire 27-year law enforcement career with the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Department of Police and Public Safety. 

Brown works as a detective in the department’s Investigations unit. She also serves as a victim/witness coordinator and the senior Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) instructor. 

“I am passionate about teaching others how to defend themselves against being abducted or raped,” Brown says.

Her greatest achievement on the job is helping to save the life of a young woman who was almost abducted. “We captured the suspect,” she says. “We were able to help not only that young woman, but the suspect’s other victims from outside jurisdictions. We were able to give them closure.”

Completing the police academy was a proud moment for Brown. “I made myself a promise to finish whatever I started,” she said. “I became a police officer because I was curious about crime scene investigation. I wanted to help others and make a difference.” She says reaching 25 years with the department took dedication and perseverance. 

Outside of work, Brown enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family. In the future, she hopes to retire, start her own business, and invest even more time in her family. 

When you meet Brown on campus, you will notice her bright smile and infectious laugh. “I love to smile and make others smile,” she says. For UMB’s students and employees, Brown offers these words of advice: “Stay determined, stay focused, and remember what matters most.”