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
April is Stress Awareness Month. Every day, we face looming deadlines, social pressures, health stressors, and more. We're all too aware of stress. This month (and beyond), I'm focusing on our core value of Well-Being.
Our team in the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Department of Police and Public Safety started meeting each week for chair yoga. I bet you never expected to see a room full of uniformed officers stretching their arms in the air. (Read more about the importance of officer wellness at UMB.)
This month, our team attended the UMB Wellness Fair during Wellness Week, but what’s amazing is that UMB offers many well-being resources year-round.
Well-being is critical for us all. Join me in practicing this UMB core value by taking the time to take care of yourself today. Learn about UMB’s wellness programs and initiatives through URecFit.
Sincerely,
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Public Safety Tips and Resources
WHY PARTICIPATE IN FIRE DRILLS?
If you’re in the middle of an important class, meeting, or project, a fire drill can feel like an inconvenient disruption. However, these federally mandated drills help prepare you to respond quickly, calmly, and safely during an emergency.
Always treat a fire alarm like an emergency. Stop what you’re doing and immediately evacuate using the nearest marked exit or exit stairwell. Do not use elevators. Stay outside until directed to re-enter the building by emergency personnel.
Learn more about evacuation procedures and find your building’s emergency plan.
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE: BUILDING ACCESS
Over the past year, the University has received many questions about what would happen if federal law enforcement showed up on our campus. UMB has received no requests for information from immigration authorities and is not aware of any planned immigration enforcement actions on campus.
In a letter sent in March 2025, Provost and Executive Vice President Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MSL, MPA, writes, “In the extremely unlikely event that immigration enforcement officers come to campus, any requests they might make for information or building access would be governed by the same rules that apply to every other visitor.” UMB buildings and spaces have limited public access. Only authorized students, employees, and visitors can enter UMB’s non-public spaces.
Do your part to keep our UMB buildings safe:
- Always swipe your UMID at the security desk when entering an open UMB building during business hours.
- Swipe your UMID at the card reader during off-hours or when entering through a secured external door.
- Never hold or prop doors open for others.
- If you see a propped door or someone entering a secure UMB building without swiping their UMID, inform a UMB security officer or call 410-706-6882.
Serving Our Community
FUTURE OF UMB TRANSPORTATION TOWN HALL
The UMB transportation committee will present its findings about the future of Safe Ride and the UMB shuttle during this hybrid event. Learn more and sign up now.
NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK
When you need help, our police communication operators answer the call — literally. We’re so proud of our UMB communications team members, who keep their cool in the chaos of phones, radios, cameras, alarm systems, building access, and so much more. Please join us in thanking them for all they do!
CHIEF LEONE RECEIVES ‘OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY A STAFF MEMBER’ AWARD
Chief Leone was recognized at this year’s UMB Interprofessional Program for Academic and Community Engagement Symposium for his commitment to building and sustaining positive community partnerships. Since becoming interim chief in 2020, Leone has developed new and innovative approaches to policing. The department’s innovative partnership with the University of Maryland School of Social Work helps foster trust with historically marginalized communities and provides lasting change and support to vulnerable populations.
UMB PUBLIC SAFETY BY THE NUMBERS: MARCH
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, 16 seconds
- Safe Rides given: 2,487
- Building checks: 2,843
- Local business checks: 141
- Garage checks: 800
UMB Office of the Fire Marshal
OUTDOOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Lighting to improve the look and safety of our homes, electric tools to make our outdoor work easier, and power lines to our homes all need to be handled with care. Learn more about outdoor electrical safety.
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)
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS NEWSLETTER
Want more information about emergency preparedness at UMB? Sign up for the UMB Emergency Preparedness newsletter for a deeper dive into resources, training opportunities, and tips so you can be prepared before disaster strikes.
HALEY CIFIZZARI: DISASTER RECOVERY INSTITUTE LEADER OF THE YEAR
Continuity planning means needing to think about potential “bad days” every day. Cifizzari makes this work feel purposeful and combines big-picture thinking with the practical details that make programs actually work. Learn more about how Cifizzari advances resilience, continuity, and crisis management at UMB.
Public Safety Partner: Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
SHARE CLOSE CALLS AND HELP US IMPROVE SAFETY TOGETHER
Have you experienced a near miss or close call at work? Reporting these incidents is one of the best ways to prevent future accidents and strengthen our safety culture. Every close call is an opportunity to learn and develop best practices that keep everyone safe. Please take a moment to communicate any close calls to the EHS team by calling 410-706-7055 or reporting it online. Your input is invaluable in identifying hazards before they cause harm. Together, we can make our workplace safer for everyone!
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.