March 2023

March 2023

 
March 15, 2023
 
Dear UMB Community:
This past Sunday we “sprang forward,” setting our clocks ahead an hour, and lost a precious hour of sleep. I’m looking forward to the brighter evenings, blossoming trees, and warmer temperatures in the coming weeks. 
 
Even as the days get brighter, I want to encourage you to remain vigilant and practice basic safety measures. Put away phones and headphones when walking outside. Secure valuables, like electronics and jewelry, inside a zippered bag if you’re taking them with you or lock them in the trunk of your vehicle. 
 
As the weather warms up, I encourage you to consider sustainable commuting options. If you choose to ride your bicycle, remember to secure it to a bike rack using a u-lock if possible. Place the lock through the front wheel and frame of the bicycle and use a second lock to secure the back wheel to the frame. Don’t forget to check that it’s properly closed before leaving!
 
The University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD) is available 24/7 by calling 410-706-6882. Our security officers are found inside most UMB buildings. You’re never “bothering” us – please don’t hesitate to call us or to stop a police or security officer to talk with them. We’re here to help!
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Safety Tip of the Month: Door Locks
Active assailant door locks are located in classrooms, lecture halls, and large meeting rooms throughout UMB. These locks were a top recommendation by the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission to ensure that all doors could be locked from the inside. 
 
Take a moment to read the informational sticker on the door and scan the QR code or click here for more information about door locks and other active assailant preparedness resources at UMB.
UMBPD by the Numbers: February
Each month, UMBPD provides thousands of valuable services and resources to the communities we serve. In this new segment, we will highlight the previous month’s data to showcase the work of our UMBPD employees.
  • Safe Rides given: 3,163 
  • Average time from Safe Ride request to pickup: 12 minutes
  • Number of building checks: 2,333
  • Number of local business checks: 205
  • Number of garage checks: 735
  • Number of visitors logged: 12,226
We’re Hiring!
The UMB Department of Public Safety is an innovative, community-oriented police department. We are committed to creating a safe environment for our students, employees, visitors, and neighbors through a culture of respect, integrity, and service excellence. We currently have openings for multiple positions with Public Safety and the Office of the Fire Marshal. If you or someone you know is looking to join our team, learn more and apply now!

 

Congratulations to Shawnta Privette – UMB Employee of the Month!
Police communications supervisor Shawnta Privette does it all: training, technology, dispatching, and so much more. It’s no surprise that the Staff Senator was named UMB’s February Employee of the Month! We are so proud of Shawnta and thank her for all she does for UMBPD. Read more about Shawnta here. 

 

Expanding UMBPD’s Response to Radiological Emergencies
Lt. Jason Kunz attended Counterterrorism Operations Support (CTOS) Center for Radiological/Nuclear Training at the Nevada National Security Site. There, Kunz learned about response to radiological/nuclear weapons and operational uses of radiation detection instruments. Kunz says he gained valuable tools and information at the training, which can help to protect radiation-related research. 

 

Chief Leone Selected for FBI LEEDS
Chief Leone has been selected to participate in the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS). He will join executives from 52 law enforcement agencies across the world (including South Africa, Spain, Finland, and Ireland) in April and August to learn emerging trends, enhance partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, promote wellness, and seek innovation in public safety.

 

National Partnership Leads to Returned Property
A UMB student was able to successfully recover their stolen bitcoin thanks to a collaboration between UMBPD and Michigan State Police. A scammer was able to get approximately $4,250 in cryptocurrency. Michigan police were able to recover the money and worked with UMBPD to return the property to its rightful owner.
The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal is a part of the UMB Department of Public Safety.

 

Smoke Alarms at Home
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month and learn safety tips about where they should be installed and when they should be replaced.

 

Code Corner: Highlighting Common Fire Code Violations
One of the most frequent code violations at UMB is propping open fire doors. Fire doors help prevent the spread of fire and smoke from one area to another, but they must be kept closed to do so. Nearly all stairwell doors and doors connecting different buildings are fire doors. Most doors to laboratories and mechanical spaces also are fire doors. Remove door props and wedges so that fire doors are always kept latched and closed. 

 

Learn about additional common code violations from the UMB Office of the Fire Marshal. If you have questions about whether doors near you are fire doors, please reach out to the UMB Office of the Fire Marshal directly at FireMarshal@umaryland.edu.  
UMB Continuity Planning Takes Spotlight
Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning enables our UMB community to continue their most urgent and important work despite disruptions and impacts caused by emergencies.
 
OEM staff recently also completed intensive COOP training and received new certification in support of their vision of creating a disaster-resilient university that serves the institution and greater community as a public good. 
  • Laura Cathcart, Colleen Clary, and Jackie Ferreira completed a weeklong Business Continuity planners course provided by the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI).
  • Laura and Colleen received Certified Business Continuity Professional certification.
  • Jackie received Associate Business Continuity Professional certification. 
  • Hayley Markman and Chris Stanton completed a weeklong Cyber Resilience course provided by DRI and received Certified Cyber Resilience Professional certification.
As of March 2023, 16 departments have completed or are nearing completion of UMB’s new Continuity Planning Process, which was rolled out in summer 2022. These departments will complete a continuity exercise in June 2023 to validate their plans. OEM will begin engaging with schools to enhance continuity plans beginning this summer.
ChemTracker Chemical Inventory Management Available Now
Wet laboratories contain a variety of hazardous, highly toxic, corrosive, flammable, and explosive chemicals. Maintenance of an accurate chemical inventory is an important element of laboratory hazard management. 
 
Researchers should use the EHS ChemTracker chemical inventory module to import chemical inventories into the system. ChemTracker inventories can be accessed online, it includes an easy-to-use reconciliation tool for keeping your inventory up to date, and it is linked to a robust database of chemicals to guide future training opportunities and to help you store chemicals safely. For more information, see EHS’ ChemTracker webpage.
Please visit umaryland.edu/police for more information
about the UMB Police Department. 
 
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Office of Communications and Public Affairs

220 Arch Street, Baltimore, MD 21201