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
Your time is valuable. You are also valuable.
Often, we focus on how to make the most of our time: catching up on emails while walking to the next meeting, returning a call while waiting at the bus stop, leaving your laptop to complete updates while you step away. We want to make the most of every moment.
These time hacks can also be distracting. The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is one of the safest areas in Downtown Baltimore, but even in safe spaces, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Small distractions — like leaving your laptop unattended or getting lost in your phone — can create opportunities for theft.
We all want to make the most of our time. By staying mindful and keeping your belongings close, you can remain present, focused, and fully engaged in our vibrant UMB community.
Sincerely,
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Public Safety Tips and Resources
REPORT CAR CRASHES ON CAMPUS
When a fender-bender happens on campus, calling UMB Police and Public Safety might be the last thing on your mind. However, you may need witness statements, camera footage, or other documentation related to your car crash. We can help collect information and write a police report, which can be important for insurance and legal claims. Don't hesitate to call: 410-706-6882.
In an emergency or if you need medical assistance, always call 911.
WEATHER CAUSING SAFE RIDE DELAYS
The snow and ice is sticking around and it’s causing traffic delays — including for our Safe Ride vans. If you request a ride, it might take longer than usual.
In January, our average time from Safe Ride request to pickup was 9 minutes, 22 seconds. When it’s dark or there’s inclement weather, that wait time can increase significantly.
Plan ahead. Be patient. Choose kindness.
Serving Our Community
CELEBRATING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Our UMB Police and Public Safety employees celebrating milestone anniversaries this month have a combined 75 years of experience at UMB! Congratulations and thank you for your dedicated service to our community.
- 10 Years of Service:
- Thomas Leone, MSL, Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police
- Dennis Smith, Lieutenant
- 25 Years of Service:
- Tonya Hilliard, Security Officer
- 30 Years of Service:
- Cindy Harding, Police Communication Operator Lead
DET. CPL. EPPERSON WINS MLK LEADERSHIP AWARD
Det. Cpl. William Epperson (pictured, right) is more than a police officer. In his 10 years with UMB Police and Public Safety, he has served as president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #141, mentor, coach, community organizer, and friend. Now, he’s being recognized with a MLK Leadership Award. Congratulations to Det. Cpl. Epperson on this accomplishment!
NOW ENROLLING: SPRING PAL
We’re currently enrolling students in third to eighth grade for a free after-school mentoring program. The program began Feb. 11, but it's not too late to sign up! Students will meet at the Community Engagement Center every Wednesday and Friday afternoon through March 20. Find more details about the Police Athletic/Activities League.
SUPPORTING VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Plummeting temperatures are particularly dangerous for vulnerable and at-risk populations, including unhoused persons. However, providing resources to one (or more) unhoused person may inadvertently attract a large and/or returning group of vulnerable persons at UMB, which is not equipped to offer long-term care.
Instead, we offer a list of community resources that can make a large and lasting positive impact on our vulnerable neighbors. Read this article to learn more about the challenges, helpful solutions, and resources.
CHIEF LEONE RECOGNIZED FOR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE INNOVATION AND STRATEGY
One of Chief Leone’s priorities for 2026 is service excellence — an Administration and Finance guiding principle. As part of this commitment, Leone has earned a certification as a Customer Experience Executive dedicated to world-class service. Leone has already begun to implement new tools and strategies to revolutionize the way the department interacts with our community.
ACTIVE ASSAILANT RESPONSE FOR CIVILIANS: NEW ONE-HOUR TRAINING
UMB Police and Public Safety now offers a one-hour active assailant training. This shorter course gives a high-level overview of what to do in the unlikely event of an active assailant event. A longer and more in-depth version also is available.
All members of the UMB community are encouraged to schedule training by contacting Sergeant Baker at tbaker@police.umaryland.edu.
UMB PUBLIC SAFETY BY THE NUMBERS: JANUARY
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: 9 minutes, 22 seconds
- Safe Rides given: 1,718
- Building checks: 2,743
- Local business checks: 200
- Garage checks: 668
UMB Office of the Fire Marshal
ELECTRIC PORTABLE SPACE HEATER SAFETY
When the weather turns cold, it can bring a chill into our homes and offices. Portable space heaters have become a popular way to supplement central heating or heat in one room. If you plan to use portable electric space heaters, make sure to follow these tips and recommendations.
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)
CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS (COOP) eLEARNING
Are you ready before disaster strikes? In 2020, we learned how quickly our “normal” operations would have to shift. The UMB Office of Emergency Management COOP program can ensure that your team can continue to perform the most important and time-sensitive work, even during an emergency disruption. Take the online training today!
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)
LAB SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK
Each February, UMB celebrates Lab Safety Week, a national initiative dedicated to promoting safe research practices at colleges and universities, hosted by the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association. This year’s theme — “Research + Safety = A Match Made in the Lab” — highlights how thoughtful planning, hazard awareness, and consistent safe behaviors form the foundation of high-quality scientific discovery.
As we celebrate Lab Safety Week, we encourage everyone — researchers, students, and staff — to reflect on how daily habits and small actions contribute to safer, more resilient laboratories. Visit the EHS website for additional resources and join us in recognizing that when research and safety work together, our entire community benefits!
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.