Dear UMB Community:

The days are getting shorter, and many University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) employees and students now arrive in the morning and/or leave in the afternoon when it is dark outside. Before daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 7, I want to remind you of some tips to stay safe. 

• Safe Ride: Did you know you can request a Safe Ride through the Mobile UMB app? Safe Ride drivers are trained UMB Police Department (UMBPD) police and security officers. You can track your driver (just like a rideshare app!) and receive a notification when they arrive. Wait time is typically less than 10 minutes. Learn more.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Phones and headphones can be distracting. Put them away before walking outside — it can wait!
• Homeless and vulnerable persons: 
  • UMBPD’s Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) works with persons who are homeless and/or vulnerable to provide needed resources. We also are pleased to welcome interns and a licensed clinical certified social worker from the University of Maryland School of Social Work who are expanding upon COAST’s work. If you see a vulnerable person who might need help, please call 410-706-6882. 
  • Homelessness and panhandling are not crimes. However, aggressive behavior, harassment, and/or assault is never acceptable. If you feel threatened or if there is an emergency, always call 911. 
• We’re here to help 24/7! UMBPD police and security officers can be easily found across the University. 
  • Security officers wear red shirts and yellow reflective security vests. They can be found patrolling on foot, on UMBPD electric vehicles, and in many UMB buildings.
  • Police officers wear black uniforms and vests. They can be found patrolling on foot and in UMBPD vehicles.
  • Police communication operators (sometimes called dispatchers) are available day or night by calling 410-706-6882. 

Please take a moment to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. On these sites, you’ll find UMBPD updates, safety tips, resources, and more. If you haven’t already, please also take a moment to complete our public safety survey, which takes fewer than 10 minutes to complete and provides us with valuable feedback about safety at UMB. 

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone, MSL
UMB Chief of Police