The monthly newsletter includes a message from Chief of Police Thomas Leone plus safety tips, service statistics, public safety partner updates, and more.
To see previous editions of The Public Safety Newsletter, go to the Police and Public Safety website.
Letter from the Chief
As our 50-year celebration winds down, I want to thank everyone who joined us in making this year so special.
We shared lots of memories, photos, and stories on our social media and in The Elm. We held our first Pine Street Open House and reinvigorated our Awards Ceremony. It has been a pleasure to celebrate this milestone together. I look forward to all that is to come!
As we head into the holiday season, remember to slow down, recharge, and spend time with those you love. Your well-being matters.
If you'll be on campus, our University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Police and Public Safety team continues to be available 24/7. Request a Safe Walk by calling 410-706-6882 (6-6882 from an on-campus phone) or a Safe Ride through the Mobile UMB app. You're never bothering us — we're here to help!
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Public Safety Tips and Resources
SMOKING SAFETY
UMB is a nonsmoking campus. If you do choose to smoke or vape, you must use one of the seven designated smoking areas. Smokers may not smoke inside any UMB buildings, including stairwells. Further, Maryland state law prohibits smoking within 25 feet of any building entrance.
If you want to quit smoking, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) Tobacco Health Practice offers help. Learn more here.
Thank you for helping to keep our community healthy and safe!
HOLIDAY BREAK SAFETY TIPS
Decorating your workspace for the holidays? Remember: Candles are not allowed in UMB buildings. Instead, use battery-powered candles or lights. Always turn them off when you leave.
And check this list twice if you're taking time off during the holidays:
- Secure your valuables inside a locked desk drawer and/or locked office.
- Take snacks, candy, and other goodies home with you. Clean out the fridge (if you have one). Don't leave behind food to rot or be eaten by pests.
- Turn off and unplug anything you're not using, like a lamp, digital frame, or coffee maker. Keep your UMB computer plugged in!
Serving Our Community
PRIVATE PINE RETURNS
Our elf recruit, Private Pine, is back for another December of fun! The elf first appeared on our department social media in 2020, but did you know he has served our department since it was first established?
As we close out our 50-year celebration, we're posting favorite historical photos featuring Private Pine. Check out #PrivatePineTimeMachine on our Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram!
KUDOS FOR OUR PUBLIC SAFETY TEAM
Police Communications Operator Lead Cindy Harding has served UMB Police and Public Safety for nearly 30 years. Her knowledge and experience have proved invaluable as the department updates cameras across campus. Her work makes our community safer. Thank you, PCO Lead Harding!
COMMENDATORY LETTERS
Seven UMB Public Safety employees received commendatory letters after the department's awards committee determined their actions merited formal recognition. Congratulations to these employees:
- PFC Karon Barnes: For a thorough investigation and successful resolution of a case.
- Executive Director Vanessa Harrington: For implementing a formal Security Officer Appreciation Week, showing genuine appreciation for each officers' contributions and improving morale.
- PFC Marcus Henry: For successfully apprehending an escapee with an active arrest warrant.
- Security supervisor Latoya Lucas: For developing a matrix for breaks and corners, which improved efficiency.
- PFC Karlos McDowell: For decisive action following a hit-and-run crash, resulting in a successful arrest of an individual suspected of driving under the influence.
- Security officer Isidro Quinones: For exceptional performance, including 100 percent of garage checks.
- Security officer Marques Smith: For supporting a community member who required additional attention.
TURKEY DRIVE
UMB Police and Public Safety, the UMB Office of Community and Civic Engagement, and the UMB Staff Senate teamed up with WJZ-TV and UMMC to provide more than 1,600 turkeys to the community this Thanksgiving. Read about the Thanksgiving Drive.
UMB PUBLIC SAFETY BY THE NUMBERS: NOVEMBER
Each month, UMB Police and Public Safety provides thousands of valuable services and resources to the communities we serve. In this segment, we highlight the previous month’s data to showcase the work of our employees.
- Average time from Safe Ride request to pickup: 8 minutes, 55 seconds
- Safe Rides given: 1,939
- Building checks: 2,511
- Local business checks: 196
- Garage checks: 700
UMB Office of the Fire Marshal
WINTER STORMS
Did you know that there are more home fires in winter than any other season? To prepare for winter weather and storms, it's important to remember to keep anything that can burn three feet away from a heat source. Use flashlights instead of candles to eliminate the use of open flames. Follow these tips to stay safe this winter!
The Office of the Fire Marshal is an important part of UMB Public Safety. Contact UMB’s fire marshal directly at firemarshal@umaryland.edu.
Public Safety Partner: Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
EVENT SAFETY AT UMB
Planning a large event at UMB? Before you reserve your space, consider your event’s safety plan! An event safety plan can identify potential hazards and safety protocols, minimizing risk to your event. Check out OEM’s Event Planning Safety Considerations, plus Occupant Emergency Plans for buildings, outdoor spaces, and large indoor spaces across UMB.
PREPAREDNESS PRO TRAINING
OEM offers free emergency preparedness training year-round without the wait! Plus, complete four additional trainings to earn a Preparedness Pro microcredential. Trainings include:
- Emergency Preparedness
- Active Assailant Preparedness
- CPR/AED or Naloxone
- Stop the Bleed
- Fire Extinguisher
Learn more and sign up for training today!
Public Safety Partner: Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
HOLIDAY LAB SAFETY PLAN
As labs begin slowing down research operations for the holiday season, EHS reminds labs to create a lab-specific safety plan for operating during UMB closures or decreased holiday presence. In the event of an emergency closure, check out the guidelines here. You also can use EHS’ helpful guide for preparing your lab for the holidays.
Elements of your plan should include:
- Confirming a critical contact list
- Ensuring essential equipment is on emergency power and has adequate supplies to run through any absence
- Securing physical research materials and backing up critical research data
- Reviewing your emergency response plan, including plans in case personnel become ill
Social Media and More Information
Follow UMB Police and Public Safety on these social media sites: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. You also can visit umaryland.edu/police to learn more about our department, services, officers, history, and much more.