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
School is in full swing! Our Public Safety team is here to help keep you safe, but did you know we offer lots of other resources?
- Our comfort K9, Poe, provides stress relief if you’re feeling bogged down.
- Safe Walk/Safe Ride can get you where you’re going safely.
- We have safety events and training opportunities throughout the year.
- Help our most vulnerable populations by completing our social worker referral form.
- Questions? Reach out through our online form.
Our team is here 24/7. We can’t wait to meet you!
Sincerely,
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Public Safety Tips and Resources
PAYMENT APP SCAMS
Stories of mobile payment app scams have been popping up on social media and even the local news. The scam happens when a well-intentioned driver gives their phone, opened to a payment app (e.g., Venmo, Cash App, Apple Pay, PayPal), to someone who is soliciting money. The squeegee worker, panhandler, or other person then uses the app to send themselves hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
If you choose to donate to someone in need, consider giving food, clothing, water, or small change. Never give a stranger access to your payment apps or banking information. Avoid taking out your wallet.
If you choose not to give, say “sorry, no” and move on. UMB Police and Public Safety works with social workers and community partners to provide resources, referrals, and more to vulnerable communities. If you see someone who needs help, you can submit a referral online.
STAY SAFE THIS FALL
Going for a walk? Before you head outside, put away your phone, headphones, and any other valuables. Stay aware of your surroundings by avoiding distractions.
Walking after dark? Stick to well-lit, well-traveled roads and consider walking in a group. No one to walk with? Our Safe Walk is available 24/7 by calling 410-706-6882, or request a Safe Ride through the Mobile UMB app.
Serving Our Community
PARKING SAFETY EVENTS START TOMORROW
We’re teaming up with Parking and Transportation Services to provide you with safety information as you start your day! Join us from 7 to 9 a.m. for resources, giveaways (including free steering wheel locks, while supplies last), and more. Everyone is welcome (even if you don’t park in these garages). Don't see your garage listed? Keep an eye out for more events coming this spring!
- Tuesday, Sept. 16: Lexington Garage
- Wednesday, Sept. 17: Saratoga Garage
- Thursday, Sept. 18: Penn Garage and Pratt Garage
SECURITY OFFICER APPRECIATION WEEK: SEPT. 15-19
Help us celebrate our hard-working security officers. The “eyes and ears” of UMB Police and Public Safety can be found at building security desks, patrolling garages, and driving the Safe Ride vans. When you see them on campus, please take a moment to say thank you for all they do to keep our community safe!
COFFEE WITH A COP
National Coffee with a Cop Day is Wednesday, Oct. 1! Join UMB Police and Public Safety in the Pharmacy Hall Atrium from 8:30 to 10 a.m. for FREE coffee and pastries (while supplies last). The event is open to all UMB students and employees.
BEYOND TRANSPARENCY WITH CLERY: THE STOP CAMPUS HAZING ACT
On Oct. 1, UMB will publish the 2025 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFR). Beginning this year, all universities must track and include data on hazing in the ASFR. Learn more about the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
CONGRATS, GRADS!
Please join us in congratulating our newest police officers: Jonathan Jones and Cornelius Campbell (pictured saluting Chief Leone below). Both rose through the ranks of UMB Public Safety — Jones as a security officer and Campbell as a police communications operator. The officers graduated Aug. 29 after a six-month police academy.
UMB PUBLIC SAFETY BY THE NUMBERS: AUGUST
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: 7 minutes, 38 seconds
- Safe Rides given: 1,801
- Building checks: 2,737
- Local business checks: 141
- Garage checks: 723
UMB Office of the Fire Marshal
FIRE PITS
As outdoor activities start to change with the seasons, it’s time to brush up on your outdoor fireplace safety! The UMB Office of the Fire Mashal has created guidelines for the use of portable outdoor fireplaces on campus. Outdoor fireplaces must be kept at least 20 feet away from structures, air-intake vents, combustible materials, or property lines. To find out more about outdoor fireplaces at UMB, check out these guidelines!
FIRE SAFETY MONTH
October is Fire Safety Month! We’re having tabling events, give aways, trainings, and MUCH more! Visit the Office of the Fire Marshal website for details
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 your 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.
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more about how you can prepare for an emergency before it happens.
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)
EHS RADIATION SAFETY PROGRAM
The EHS Radiation Safety Program reminds UMB’s research community to maintain fundamental radiation safety practices in their labs if permitted to use radioactive material:
- Keep radioactive material secure when not in use or whenever the researcher is not in direct line of view of the material.
- Perform frequent radiation contamination surveys (at a minimum, at the end of each experiment, and possibly before the start of a new experiment).
- Refrain from eating or drinking in lab workspaces. Any “hand-to-mouth” activity during lab work is highly discouraged.
For more information or if you have questions, please contact EHS Radiation Safety. Report any theft or suspicious activity to UMB Police and Public Safety at 410-706-6882.
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.
Video Recap
See a video recap of this month’s newsletter in two minutes or less.