Campus Safety

Dear Members of the University of Maryland Family:

The safety of our community is our highest priority. At one time community safety meant safety on campus. But now concerns about safety have taken us to city jurisdictions where our public safety officers have concurrent responsibilities with Prince George’s County police. The University and County are the principal police forces that protect this area. And we have recently expanded that concurrent jurisdiction and increased the intensity of our presence there by adding six police officers. The importance of safety necessitated these actions even during these times when all other services and activities were being cut. Reports of crimes, even if miles from the campus, heighten our concerns for safety.

On campus, we repeatedly review our security arrangements to detect any enhancements that would serve our goal of safety for every individual. Each year the police and campus leadership tour the campus after dark with student leaders to identify areas for possible safety improvements like increased lighting. We have spent about $200,000 annually in safety related changes identified during these tours and are prepared to take any other steps deemed necessary to improve security. We monitor the identity of all vehicles coming on and off the campus day and night; limit gate entrances to the campus at night; installed key card access systems to campus buildings and elevators in residence halls; provide locks and individual keys to each dorm room; and monitor 24/7 the surveillance cameras positioned around campus along walk ways and in parking structures. One night while visiting the camera monitoring station, I observed an attempted automobile break-in on the monitor, to which police were able to respond immediately.

Despite these incessant efforts crime remains with us, principally because we are a large, open and urban community. While we can control campus entrances and buildings, we have limited authority outside the campus where the majority of crimes are committed. But nonetheless our security efforts have been effective. After a series of car thefts last year, our public safety unit established a Vehicle Theft Prevention Task Force to work on campus and with surrounding police agencies. As a result of actions taken by the Task Force, vehicle thefts were reduced 35 per cent over the spring and summer. Following four robberies this past fall, the Office of Public Safety developed and implemented a robbery suppression plan that netted two arrests and reductions in robberies on and near the campus. A shared investigation network established this fall by the department to trade data with all area jurisdictions resulted in the arrest of three car-jacking suspects. But more is being done near the campus. At the University Courtyards we have plans underway to restrict automobile accesses as a security enhancement. Other actions include technology enhancements and educational efforts designed to help residents protect themselves.

We are committed to providing the safest environment we can deliver. We are indeed fortunate to have a first-class public safety unit under the leadership of Chief Ken Krouse. Our police are among the best trained and most dedicated in the State, and I thank them for their remarkable efforts to protect us.

Prevention of crime is a problem that all of us can help tackle. The steps we take affect our vulnerability. Being aware of our surroundings, of where and how we travel, and avoiding risky places are important cautions for all of us. Challenging strangers who wish access to University buildings, locking doors and not blocking open the entrances to campus buildings are obvious, though often violated, recommendations. Members of the University community need to take advantage of the campus escort services and help the public safety officers by reporting suspicious activities. All our actions taken together can create a safer environment. I thank you in advance for your help with our top priority.

Sincerely,
C. D. Mote, Jr.
President