Letters from the Chief 2022-2023

Fall Safety Tips and Important Resources

Dear UMB Community:

Welcome to another amazing school year at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). I have enjoyed meeting many of our new students at orientation over the past month, and I look forward to meeting many more of you in the coming months at our Coffee/Pizza with the Chief events beginning Sept. 6.

Whether you’re new to UMB, returning after a summer away, or have been working and learning all year, the beginning of the school year is a great time to brush up on safety tips:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Put phones and headphones away when walking outside. Walk in groups if possible and stay on well-lit roads. 
  • Lock your vehicle and bicycle. Lock your car, even when you’re inside it. Keep phone cords and electronics in the trunk of your vehicle. Secure bicycles to a bike rack — and don’t forget to lock it! Learn about bike parking facilities at UMB.
  • Secure your valuables. If you need to step away while studying, pack up your laptop, tablet, and phone and bring them with you. Don’t rely on someone else to keep your valuables safe. 
  • Keep UMB buildings secure. Let a UMB security officer know if someone “tailgated” behind you through a locked UMB door. They are trained to ensure our buildings are safe. 
  • If you see something, say something. Report suspicious activity to the UMB Police Department (UMBPD) at 410-706-6882. If you need help, go inside a UMB building and talk with a security officer. 
  • In an emergency, always call 911. Whether you’re calling from a campus phone or a cellphone, our police communications operators receive all 911 calls placed on UMB’s campus and will immediately dispatch emergency resources. Calling 911 is the quickest way to get help.

Following these simple tips can help ensure the safety of our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. I also want to encourage you to take advantage of our many resources:

  • Safe Walk/Safe Ride: Safe Walk is available on campus 24/7 by calling 410-706-6882. Safe Ride is available on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. through the Mobile UMB app.
  • Social Work Referrals: We are very proud of our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Social Work — the first of its kind in the nation! We are committed to providing help to community members in need. Complete the online form to provide needed resources to vulnerable communities. 
  • UMB Alerts: Make sure your information is up-to-date in UMB Alerts. These email, text, and phone alerts are sent only during emergencies and for weather-related closings.
  • Active Assailant Preparedness: UMB has developed training opportunities and resources to prepare our community in the unlikely event of an active assailant. Learn about our door lock program, sign up for training, and more. 
  • Public Safety Newsletter: Subscribe to our monthly public safety newsletter to receive public safety updates, tips, trainings, events, and more right in your inbox.
  • Follow Us: UMBPD is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @PoliceUMB. 

Over the past year, I have proudly served as your UMBPD chief. My official swearing-in ceremony was delayed due to COVID-19, but I am excited to now invite you to the celebration Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. in Westminster Hall. Space is limited, so please RSVP by Sept. 10. 

Each of our police officers, security officers, police communications operators, and administrative staff plays a role in the safety of our UMB community. Please take a moment to say hello — we would love to get to know you. We hope you have a safe and happy school year!

Sincerely, 

Thomas Leone, MSL
UMB Chief of Police


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