Featured in our Security Officer spotlight this month, we would like to introduce you to Averil Coleman. Officer Coleman has been with our department since Jan. 17, 1999.

As a security officer, she is the first line of defense and serves as an essential component to our department. Officer Coleman maintains a safe and secure environment by patrolling the campus, inspecting buildings and access points, access control, and plays the role as the eyes and ears for our sworn officers. There was a time when Officer Coleman was assigned to the Institute of Human Virology and overheard a dispute in the alley behind the building. Officer Coleman could not see what had transpired but immediately called police communications to have an officer investigate. Due to Averil’s prompt response, she was able to help de-escalate the situation. We thank Security Officer Averil Coleman for her service and continued relationship with UMBPF for years to come. Congratulations!

Q&A with Security Officer Averil Coleman

1. Who or what influenced you to become a part of law enforcement?
   • My father used to work for a lot of special police companies, and I always told him, “I’m going to wear a uniform like you.”
2. What is your greatest achievement on the job?
   
   • Meeting great people and being able to help make a change on the campus and in the community.
3. What is your greatest achievement outside of the job?
   • Working with and helping the youth.
4. What makes for a great day on the job?
   
   • To see everyone smiling and everyone doing their job.
5. What would you say to someone to encourage them to go into public safety?
   • It’s a great field, especially if you’re the type of person who loves to converse and interact with different people.
6. What do you love to do in your spare time?
   
   • I love party planning.
7. Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
   • Hopefully, I’ll be retired by then.