Public Safety Newsletters

Jan. 17, 2025

Dear UMB Community:

Choosing your New Year’s resolutions? Join us in making safety a top priority! 

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Department of Police and Public Safety has tips and resources to keep you safe and informed. You can help keep our community safe by sharing this newsletter and encouraging your colleagues and friends to subscribe to our monthly newsletter. 

No time to read our newsletter? Starting this month, we’re posting a short video recap of our public safety newsletter on our social media and website. Give us less than two minutes of your time, and we’ll make sure you’re in-the-know! 

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone, MSL

Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police

Engaging with Vulnerable Populations 

UMB Police and Public Safety works with social workers and community partners to provide needed resources and services to vulnerable populations. If you see someone who needs help, you can submit a referral online.

Homelessness and panhandling are not crimes. About 3,000 people experience homelessness on a given night. Some shelters charge $3 per night, which means raising $90 per month. 

• If you choose to give: Avoid bringing out your wallet. Consider giving food, clothing, water, or small change from your pocket.
• If you choose not to give: Say “sorry, no” and move on. Remember: A smile and a kind word go a long way, and they’re free!

No matter how you choose to interact with vulnerable populations, please remember our core values of Respect and Integrity.

Aggressive behavior, unauthorized access to UMB buildings and garages, and suspicious activities should always be reported to UMB police by calling 410-706-6882. If you feel threatened, use a loud voice to bring attention to yourself. In an emergency, always call 911. 

New Year: Same Safety Tips

When it comes to staying safe, our advice remains the same each year. You can take small steps to protect yourself and your property:

• Be aware of your surroundings. 
• Put away headphones, cellphones, and other distractions when walking outside. 
• Secure valuables you’re carrying in a backpack or zipped bag. Take them with you when you leave — even if it’s just for a few minutes! 
• Lock your bike or scooter to a rack with a u-lock and chain. 
• Program UMB Police and Public Safety in your phone: 410-706-6882.

Find more safety tips in this letter from Chief Leone. 

What Can Public Safety Do for You?

Did you know UMB Police and Public Safety has tons of free resources to help keep our community safe and informed?

• Safe Ride is available from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on campus and in neighboring communities. Safe Walk is available on campus 24/7. Learn more.
• Comfort K9 Poe provides stress relief and affection. Request an in-person or virtual visit.
• Follow us on social media to make sure you’re getting up-to-date information.
• Find crime and safety statistics, our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, community outreach, policies, and much more on our public safety website. 

New Year’s Resolution: Fire Safety

Make fire safety your New Year’s resolution! Do you have new lithium-ion battery-powered toys and devices from the holiday season? Batteries can be a fire hazard if they are not purchased, charged, and disposed of safely. Never place lithium-ion batteries in the trash or recycling bins. Click here to learn more about battery safety!

Learn about additional common code violations from the Office of the Fire Marshal. If you have questions, please reach out to the office at firemarshal@umaryland.edu.

Well-Being Starts with Safety

Let OEM help you embrace our core value of Well-Being! To truly take care of oneself and others, we must first be safe and feel safe. OEM offers trainings, resources, and more to keep our UMB community safe at work, at home, and in the community. Learn more at umaryland.edu/emergency. 

Free Emergency Preparedness Training Available Online

Learn what to do during an emergency, where to find lifesaving equipment, and much more! You can start the training online now or request in-person training by contacting emergencymanagement@umaryland.edu. 

Emergency Preparedness Training is one part of the Preparedness Pro digital credential. Learn more about our series of preparedness trainings at UMB, including Active Assailant, Stop the Bleed, CPR/AED, and Fire Extinguisher training.

We Love Lab Safety! 

Laboratory Safety Week 2025 is Feb. 10-14. EHS will be hosting activities this week that highlight the importance of lab safety at UMB. Come see us each day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn more about why we love lab safety!

• Monday, Feb. 10: Health Sciences Research Facility I Lobby 
• Tuesday, Feb. 11: Bressler Research Building Lobby 
• Wednesday, Feb. 12: MSTF Leadership Hall Atrium
• Thursday, Feb. 13: Pharmacy Hall Lobby 
• Friday, Feb. 14: Health Sciences Research Facility III Atrium 

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination.