March 2025

March 14, 2025

Dear UMB Community:

You’ve heard it before: “Crime is low at UMB.” We’ve heard your doubts. But here are the facts: Crime has consistently fallen at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) over the past three years. 

Even though crime remains low, the UMB Department of Police and Public Safety works every day to keep our community safe. When crime does occur, we strive to keep you informed and provide resources to deter crime in the future. Next week, we’re giving away nearly 100 steering wheel locks to help proactively prevent vehicle thefts on campus (more information below).

Read more about safety at UMB in our article, Crime Remained Low at UMB in 2024.  

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone, MSL

Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police

Safety Reminder: Policy Prohibiting Weapons

All weapons (firearms, knives, pepper spray, tasers, etc.) and replicas of weapons are prohibited inside UMB buildings except for law enforcement officials. Immediately report any violations of this policy to UMB Police and Public Safety at 410-706-6882. Read the policy here.

Safety Tip: Parking Garage Safety 

Do your part to keep everyone safe inside UMB parking garages:

• Drive slowly in the garages because pedestrians might be walking to the elevator landings.
• The speed limit is 10 mph.
• Observe all signage within the garage; parking will be enforced.
• Do not block drive lanes when parking.

Take the time to review UMB parking rules and regulations — it could save you a costly fine. Plus, following these rules and regulations ensures a positive and safe parking experience for all.

Safety Tip: Unattended vs. Suspicious Items

If you see something suspicious, always trust your gut and call us at 410-706-6882. But what is “suspicious”? This guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency can help clarify which items might be a threat:

• Is the item Hidden, Obviously suspicious, and not Typical (H.O.T.)? This might include unexplainable wires coming out of a bag or a bag that is out of place for the location.
• If no, it might just be an unattended bag. It should still be treated with caution, but you could try to identify the owner and report it to UMB Police and Public Safety.
• If yes, the item is suspicious. 
• For a suspicious item, remember the acronym “R.A.I.N.”:
• Recognize the indicators of a suspected explosive device.
• Avoid the area.
• Isolate the suspected item.
• Notify UMB Police and Public Safety.

Remember: If you see something, say something. In an emergency, always call 911. 

FREE Steering Wheel Locks: March 20

UMB Police and Public Safety is again giving away FREE steering wheel locks March 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the SMC Campus Center (while supplies last). Anyone is eligible to receive a free lock. No ID or vehicle documentation is required. One lock per person. Learn more about the event.

FREE Self-Defense Training for Students

In recognition of Women’s History Month, UMB Police and Public Safety is offering FREE self-defense training for students March 27 at 5 p.m. (location TBD). The class is offered in partnership with the UMB Student Government Association. See our Trainings and Programs webpage for more information.

Celebrating 50 Years of Protecting What Matters: You

It’s been 50 years since the UMB Police Department was born. This year, the department is celebrating with a look back at where we’ve been and a vision for where we’re going. Learn more about 50 years of UMB Police and Public Safety.

Now Hiring Civilian and Sworn Positions

UMB Police and Public Safety is hiring police officers, a security officer supervisor, and a police communications supervisor. The positions have competitive pay and benefits, including tuition remission for employees, their spouse, and dependents. Share these opportunities with qualified candidates.

Video Newsletter

Have you “heard” the news? Our public safety newsletter now has a two-minute (or less!) video recap. Watch and listen to the headlines, then check out our newsletter for more in-depth information. Watch the video on our website now. 

UMB Public Safety by the Numbers: February 

Each month, UMB 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, 21 seconds
• Safe Rides given: 2,408
• Building checks: 2,608
• Local business checks: 88 
• Garage checks: 718
• Visitors logged: 11,797

Don’t Test Your Luck This St. Patrick’s Day! 

Hear the beep where you sleep! Check to make sure there is a smoke alarm in every bedroom and outside of sleeping areas in your home. Test your smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test button.

Hot Work Permit Process 

Did you know that UMB’s hot work procedures require a permit for all hot work before it may begin? Hot work includes all welding and allied processes, heat treating, grinding, thawing pipe, powder-driven fasteners, hot riveting, torch-applied roofing, and similar applications producing or using a spark, flame, or heat. Ensure that a permit is requested in advance of any hot work occurring on campus.  

The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal is an important part of UMB Public Safety.

• Learn about common fire code violations. 
• Contact UMB’s fire marshal directly 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.

Keep Office and Lab Doors Closed When Unoccupied 

Closing (and locking) your office and lab doors is important to ensure the security of your research materials and personal belongings. Closed doors also act as a barrier to slow the spread of fire and protect room contents.

Keep lab doors closed, even when occupied, to maintain negative directional airflow from the corridor to the lab (so lab air does not move into the public corridors). This also prevents others from walking in when you are working with potential hazards such as radioactive hazards, lasers, lentiviruses, certain chemicals, and live animals. 

If your doors do not close properly or you are propping your doors open due to ventilation concerns, submit a work order with Operations and Maintenance. Report any theft or suspicious activity to UMB Police and Public Safety at 410-706-6882.

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.