Security Officer Ashley Tate joined the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD) two years ago. “Just being visual makes students and staff feel safer,” she says. “We serve as a deterrent for crime.”

Tate joined the department to try a new career field. Tate says one challenge is staying vigilant while working, but she makes sure to turn her radio volume up and keep her valuables secured inside. She says it helps that her supervisors have always supported her.

“We all struggle sometimes,” Tate says. “Having supervisors and others support me, talk to me, and help me to get the help I needed, it was extremely memorable.”

In the future, Tate hopes to go back to school and study geriatric nursing. She loves to learn new things, especially about hair, makeup, and skin care. One thing she wants the UMB community to know about her: “I’m the best aunt and big sister!”