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
Information Is Out There: Are You Getting It?
If you’re reading this newsletter, the answer is almost certainly “yes.” But did you know there are lots of ways to get public safety updates here at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)? Take a moment to sign up, program, follow, share, or do whatever else that helps you best receive information:
- Sign up for UMB Alerts. Make sure your cellphone number is up to date!
- Follow us on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram.
- If you don’t already, subscribe to get our newsletter right to your inbox so you don't miss a thing!
- Program our number into your phone: 410-706-6882.
- Sign up for UMB Parking and Traffic alerts: Text “UMBTransport” to 888777.
Sincerely,
Thomas Leone, MSL
Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police
Public Safety Tips and Resources
COMMUNITY SAFETY ALERT: JACKET THEFTS
High-end coat thefts are on the rise in Baltimore City. While these thefts have not occurred at UMB, this information can keep you safe.
According to Baltimore Police, thieves are stealing expensive down coats, especially North Face and Canada Goose brands. These crimes are more likely to occur when a victim is alone, distracted, and in a dark area.
- Stay alert. Put away phones and headphones when outside.
- Walk with others or request a Safe Walk/Safe Ride.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels “off,” go inside a UMB building right away and alert a security officer.
- Be mindful of your belongings. Secure your valuables, when possible. Consider when and where you want to wear expensive outerwear.
COMMUNITY SAFETY ALERT: CELLPHONE THEFTS AND PAYMENT APP SCAMS
You work hard for your money. Don’t let a moment of distraction put it at risk. Members of our UMB community have been impacted by the increase in cellphone thefts and mobile payment app scams.
Payment App Scams
In one common scam, a well-intentioned driver hands their phone — already opened to a payment app such as Venmo, Cash App, Apple Pay, or PayPal — to someone asking for money. The individual then quickly transfers hundreds or even thousands of dollars to their own account.
Cellphone Thefts
Stolen phones also can be used to access banking and payment apps, especially if the phone is unlocked, doesn’t have a passcode, or is only secured with biometrics. Face scans are a quick and easy way to unlock your phone — even a thief can hold your phone up to your face and have access to your personal data.
Protect Yourself
- Disable face ID and fingerprint logins for banking and payment apps. Instead, use a passcode that only you know.
- Log out of banking and payment apps when not in use.
- Use a strong passcode on your phone (not just biometrics).
- Enable remote tracking. If your phone is stolen, you can remotely delete the contents from your phone.
- Never hand your phone to a stranger or allow someone to access your payment or banking apps.
- Avoid taking out your wallet or unlocking financial apps in public.
- Be aware! Put away your phone and headphones when in public.
Serving Our Community
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.
VALENTINE FLOWERS
Each February, members of UMB Police and Public Safety (including the Office of the Fire Marshal) pop into buildings across campus to hand out flowers to our community. Keep an eye out in the middle of the month for this fun outreach activity. “Will you POLICE be our Valentine?”
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 is also available.
All members of the UMB community are encouraged to schedule training by contacting Sergeant Baker at tbaker@police.umaryland.edu.
WELL-BEING: ‘TALK SAVES LIVES’ EVENT ON FEB. 2 OPEN TO A&F EMPLOYEES
On Feb. 2, UMB Police and Public Safety is hosting “Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention,” a training through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The training, which will be held at 222 North Pine St., Room 214, has two sessions at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and is open to all Administration and Finance (A&F) employees. To RSVP or with questions, contact Lt. Fleming at tfleming@police.umaryland.edu. This training is part of our commitment to officer and community well-being.
UMB PUBLIC SAFETY BY THE NUMBERS: DECEMBER
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, 10 seconds
- Safe Rides given: 2,025
- Building checks: 2,770
- Local business checks: 176
- Garage checks: 706
UMB Office of the Fire Marshal
ELECTRIC COOKING
Did you get a new cooking appliance during the holidays? Make sure you read through the instruction manual to find out all the need-to-know safety tips, like how far away from walls the device needs to be and how to clean it. Check out more tips here!
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)
EMPLOYEE PANTRY MEETS GROWING NEED
The University’s Employee Pantry — a temporary initiative to fill the gap during the federal SNAP benefit lapse — will now remain open into the spring. Read about the incredible effort that went into making the Employee Pantry a success, plus how UMB plans to research and understand employee needs.
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)
KEEP LABORATORIES CLEAN, ORGANIZED, AND SAFE
As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to recommit to clean, organized, and safe laboratory spaces. Keep work areas clean and organized, promptly dispose of waste, and store chemicals and equipment in designated locations. Ensure that aisles and emergency exits remain clear, and wipe up spills immediately. Regularly inspect for clutter, damaged containers, and expired materials. Good housekeeping minimizes hazards, prevents accidents, and promotes a safe research environment 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.