Recipient selected for IPACE Outstanding Achievement in Academic Community Engagement by a Staff Member Award.
Thomas Leone, MSL, assistant vice president for Public Safety and chief of police at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), was selected for the Interprofessional Program for Academic Community Engagement (IPACE) Community Award in Outstanding Achievement in Academic Community Engagement by a Staff Member Award for his work in leading the UMB Police Department. His leadership reflects a belief that effective policing extends beyond enforcement, requiring meaningful partnerships and a commitment to improving the well-being of the communities served.
Leone’s approach is most evident in the development of the Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST), a campus unit focused on building relationships within West Baltimore. Through COAST, Leone has emphasized consistent engagement, encouraging officers to connect with residents in ways that foster understanding and mutual respect. Initiatives such as youth mentorship programs and regular community interactions have helped shift perceptions, demonstrating a more human-centered vision of public safety.
Leone is actively guiding efforts to further integrate public safety with community well-being through initiatives like coordinated response systems that bring together multiple agencies and service providers. These strategies aim to ensure that individuals receive the correct support at the right time, reinforcing a holistic approach to safety that prioritizes prevention and care.
Read this article to learn more about the innovative policing strategies of the UMB Police Department.
Congratulations Chief Leone for all of your hard work and dedication to UMB!