PFC Stephen Howard is the youngest police officer at University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Police and Public Safety. He graduated the police academy in September 2023. 

Howard shared his experience of what it was like to go through the police academy in a three-part series on The Elm. (Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3). He says he decided to become a police officer because he was inspired by an officer’s actions when he was younger. 

Once he completed the academy, Howard began field training at UMB Police and Public Safety. 

“Completing field training was a great achievement,” he says. “I love being able to interact with the community.” One of those interactions was especially memorable to Howard, who helped an elderly woman find her lost relatives. 

Howard’s focus and commitment during the police academy helped him thrive in the program. He says students should also stay focused. “When you focus on your classes, you’ll reach new heights,” he says.

In the future, Howard hopes to become a corporal in UMB Police and Public Safety. Outside of work, he enjoys going to the gym and playing games.