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Dear UMBC Community,

As communities continue to grapple with the horror of mass shootings—including recently at Michigan State University—we know that fear and concern about those events can be felt here at home. While we hope the UMBC community never has to go through that pain, we nevertheless prepare for such emergencies, and we want to make sure you know how the University would respond, where you can find information, and what you should do to stay safe.

The UMBC Police Executive Team has reviewed our active assailant response procedures, and we are committed to continually assessing and improving our public safety protocols and procedures, all with the goal of ensuring your safety. As we do, here is what you can expect in the event of such an emergency.

UMBC Police send text alerts in response to safety and security threats. Ensure that you receive text alerts by registering or confirming your contact information at police.umbc.edu.

If you receive an emergency alert, take it seriously, and follow the instructions provided. If UMBC Police receive reports of an attack on or near campus, you would receive an alert that reads: “Active assailant attack reported on campus. Lockdown your area. Run-Hide-Fight if you are in danger.”

“LOCKDOWN” means you should secure your work spaces, classrooms, or living areas to prevent an attacker from gaining access.

“RUN-HIDE-FIGHT” is a simple way to remember what to do if you are faced with immediate danger during an attack.

• RUN: If you can do so safely, evacuate the danger area and get to a safe location.
• HIDE: If you have no safe path to escape, stay hidden in a place that provides protection.
• FIGHT: If you are in immediate danger, defend yourself however you can.

The best action anyone can take to help prevent an attack is to report any threatening behaviors, including online activity, to UMBC Police at 410-455-5555. Do not ignore suspicious activity. Reporting threatening behaviors is critical to the successful detection and disruption of these attacks. Another way to help prevent attacks is to prevent unauthorized entry into buildings. Inform UMBC Police if you find emergency exits that are propped open or that do not lock properly.

Please visit the UMBC Police Department’s Emergency Preparedness webpage for more emergency preparedness resources.

Retriever Integrated Health provides free confidential services for UMBC students. If you are in need of counseling services or would like to learn more about available services, please call 410-455-2472 or visit their website. 

The safety and wellbeing of UMBC’s students, faculty, and staff are our highest priority. As you stay informed, alert, and prepared, each of you plays an important role in the work to keep the entire UMBC community safe. Thank you.

Kathy L. Dettloff, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Bruce Perry ‘97, Chief of Police