University of Maryland - Safety & Security

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Maryland’s Department of Public Safety, the University Police, and the numerous educational programs on campus provide a safe and prepared community for most students, but the location of campus causes potential concern. No matter how many video cameras, emergency phones, or neighborhood watches there are at Maryland, trespassers, vagrants, and criminals will still make their way beyond the gates after hours. As students will learn from experience, educational programs, or word of mouth, these evil-doers could very well be a legitimate part of the Maryland community, such as students themselves. Like many campuses nationwide, there are petty thefts, a few robberies, and a couple of reported sexual assaults each semester.

For students concerned about being out at night, here’s an easy tip: Practice running fast. The best method of traveling across campus without a car after dark is to run. It is not only healthy and time-saving, it also lessens the chances of an attack. How often do you hear of a Maryland student running across campus and being the victim of a robbery? Many criminals prefer running from the police than running after their prey. If a student chooses not to take the suggested athletic way to prevent being a victim, then there are always other methods of being safe, such using one of the many exceptional resources and services on campus like escort services.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

I’m from New York CIty, so College... I’m from New York CIty, so College Park definitely feels safe to me. Out of the three years that I’ve been here, campus has gotten safer year after year. 12345 Safety & Security Report

ilovemyfender says: University of Maryland 2011 Engineering

Horrible - People Get Mugged and Raped All the Time, Safer on Campus Though F Every day there's a knew serious crime alert (stabbing, murder, rape, mugging, theft at gunpoint, auto theft). The sciencey areas and central campus seem fairly safe though. It is in Prince George's County which has the highest crime rate in MD, so the locale is quite bad. 12345 Safety & Security: November 20, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I always felt safe, but I am a... I always felt safe, but I am a guy. I have heard from some girls that they were harassed, usually late at night, but that was a few years ago. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

Security is ever-present, and the... Security is ever-present, and the University does a good job with it. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

There are lots of blue-light... There are lots of blue-light phones around for emergency use, and you’re practically bombarded with information on the police escort service as a freshman. However, people still walk alone at night. If you’re smart, you will probably be okay. College Park isn’t in the greatest area and is very close to DC, with plenty of bus routes. I would strongly advise people to not walk alone at night. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Did You Know?

The UM Department of Public Safety is the only university police department in the state to offer a fully-certified entry-level police training academy.

Students can sign up for text alerts when a campus-related emergency occurs—including early notification on snow days.
 

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