http://www.american-school-search.com/safety/university-of-maryland-college-park
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Danger Zone
Crime In College Park Is On The Decline But Students Still Question Safety
By Zack Cohen
Staff Writer
Despite recent reports from police and city officials that crime is down in College Park, highly publicized incidents such as the stabbing on Route 1 outside of the Thirsty Turtle and the robbery of M&T Bank on Knox Road have students and residents questioning how safe they really are.
Officials point to these efforts as reason to why crimes against persons are down in the past 12 months compared to 12 months prior. According to Captain Marc Li mansky of the Department of Public Safety for the University of Mary land, robberies and assaults are down 36 percent and 32 percent respectively.In the past year, the city of College Park has worked with University and county police to improve light ing and visibility in neighborhoods around the area and put extra patrol officers on the street for almost 300 hours per week according to Bob Ryan of the Department of Public Services.
“Some things that may have contributed to this decline are changes in the way we allocate staffing, improved technology such as our video camera system, a vigilant patrol division, and the use of traffic enforcement as a tool to detect criminals as they come through the area,” said Limansky.
Mike Copeland, an EMT and volunteer fire fighter for the Branchville Volunteer Fire Company said he has seen positive results first hand. “Last year we would get eight to nine ambulance calls on a Friday or Saturday night to deal with assaults but this year it seems like we are only getting about one call per night on weekends,” he said.
Despite the statistics, many students continue to see College Park as a dangerous area and have issues with the way police officers utilize their time while on patrol. “I always see things going on around Route 1 involving the police,” said sophomore Alex Tonetti. “It makes me feel like there is con stantly a lot of crime.”
“I have a problem with cops in college park looking to bust students for underage drinking and fake ids when they should be focused on preventing kids from getting hurt,” said sophomore Kyle Schiller. “Students view cops as the enemy but I don’t think it would be that way if cops redirected their focus from busting students to protecting them.”
Limansky said that he understands frustra tions harbored by students but pointed out that alcohol played a role in 93 of 333 police reports taken this semester. “Over intoxicated individuals tend to be the ones fighting and engaging in domestic disputes with their significant others,” said Limansky. “These are in cidents in which police have to respond.”
Senior Lauren Murphy echoed Schiller’s criticism saying that she feels cops in the area are more “reactive than proactive” as they respond to calls when they get them but do little, other than the occasional officer outside of bars, to prevent incidents like the recent stabbing outside of the Thirsty Turtle.
While it is nearly impossible for police to pre vent every crime, Limansky said that address ing under-age alcohol consumption is one way in which officers try to take a preventative ap proach to law enforcement by keeping officers on the street and giving them a chance to pos sibly deter a criminal act from taking place.
Short URL: http://www.lavozlatinaumd.com/?p=1183
Staff Writer
Officials point to these efforts as reason to why crimes against persons are down in the past 12 months compared to 12 months prior. According to Captain Marc Li mansky of the Department of Public Safety for the University of Mary land, robberies and assaults are down 36 percent and 32 percent respectively.In the past year, the city of College Park has worked with University and county police to improve light ing and visibility in neighborhoods around the area and put extra patrol officers on the street for almost 300 hours per week according to Bob Ryan of the Department of Public Services.
Monday, December 6, 2010
CURRENT CRIME: UMUC Adjunct Arrested in McKeldin
The following is an article featured in today's Diamondback.
It can also be found here.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A University of Maryland University College adjunct faculty member was arrested Tuesday evening and charged with disorderly conduct after witnesses alleged he touched himself inappropriately at a public computer in McKeldin Library.
At about 5:30 p.m., a library patron reported to police that a man was looking at "suggestively dressed and suggestively posed" people on one of the first-floor computers at the library, where officers found Frederick Boland, 58, of Olney, standing in front of a computer, police spokesman Capt. Marc Limansky said.
Two witnesses told officers Boland was touching his penis through his pants, Limansky said, but police released him without requiring bail on the basis of personal recognizance.
Boland, who also goes by Timothy, teaches computer systems and architecture at UMUC. He said he did not do anything inappropriate.
"Basically, I deny any involvement," Boland said. "I deny the charges and I'll be fighting them in court."
Boland said he was in the area because he teaches a Tuesday class at UMUC — whose campus adjoins this one — and was only doing legitimate work in McKeldin.
"I was making a phone call for a conference and I was working at the computer," he said. He later elaborated that he was browsing the image-hosting website Photobucket. He declined to describe the pictures he was viewing there, but Limansky said that is not an issue for police.
"We were concerned more with his behavior than what he was looking at," he said, adding police did not see what Boland was allegedly viewing when they arrived.
In a later interview, Boland said he was surprised when police showed up for him, but then declined to comment further and referred questions to his attorney, Kush Arora.
Arora said he is in the preliminary stages of working on the case. Arora and Boland are scheduled to appear in court Jan. 3.
When called at home, Boland's wife Cynthia said she had not heard her husband had been arrested and declined to comment upon learning about the charges brought against him.
UMUC spokesman Chip Cassano confirmed Boland has worked as an adjunct at the campus. As of last night, his name remained on the UMUC online faculty listing.
The same library also played host to an incident in 2008 in which a man infamously dubbed the "McKeldin Masturbator" grabbed a student in the stacks before dropping his pants and groping himself.
Eric Bartheld, a McKeldin spokesman, said the library is open to anybody who intends to use its resources appropriately, including people with no university affiliation.
"The libraries attract all kinds of users," Bartheld said. "We can't control how they act, only how we can act in response to that act."
present at umdbk dot com
It can also be found here.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A University of Maryland University College adjunct faculty member was arrested Tuesday evening and charged with disorderly conduct after witnesses alleged he touched himself inappropriately at a public computer in McKeldin Library.
At about 5:30 p.m., a library patron reported to police that a man was looking at "suggestively dressed and suggestively posed" people on one of the first-floor computers at the library, where officers found Frederick Boland, 58, of Olney, standing in front of a computer, police spokesman Capt. Marc Limansky said.
Two witnesses told officers Boland was touching his penis through his pants, Limansky said, but police released him without requiring bail on the basis of personal recognizance.
Boland, who also goes by Timothy, teaches computer systems and architecture at UMUC. He said he did not do anything inappropriate.
"Basically, I deny any involvement," Boland said. "I deny the charges and I'll be fighting them in court."
Boland said he was in the area because he teaches a Tuesday class at UMUC — whose campus adjoins this one — and was only doing legitimate work in McKeldin.
"I was making a phone call for a conference and I was working at the computer," he said. He later elaborated that he was browsing the image-hosting website Photobucket. He declined to describe the pictures he was viewing there, but Limansky said that is not an issue for police.
"We were concerned more with his behavior than what he was looking at," he said, adding police did not see what Boland was allegedly viewing when they arrived.
In a later interview, Boland said he was surprised when police showed up for him, but then declined to comment further and referred questions to his attorney, Kush Arora.
Arora said he is in the preliminary stages of working on the case. Arora and Boland are scheduled to appear in court Jan. 3.
When called at home, Boland's wife Cynthia said she had not heard her husband had been arrested and declined to comment upon learning about the charges brought against him.
UMUC spokesman Chip Cassano confirmed Boland has worked as an adjunct at the campus. As of last night, his name remained on the UMUC online faculty listing.
The same library also played host to an incident in 2008 in which a man infamously dubbed the "McKeldin Masturbator" grabbed a student in the stacks before dropping his pants and groping himself.
Eric Bartheld, a McKeldin spokesman, said the library is open to anybody who intends to use its resources appropriately, including people with no university affiliation.
"The libraries attract all kinds of users," Bartheld said. "We can't control how they act, only how we can act in response to that act."
present at umdbk dot com
Crime Alerts- less is not more. It's just less.
Unfortunately, we have issues with our safety on and off campus. While no college is perfect, there can be some significant changes we can support to help make our daily and nightly activities more secure. Please take a look at some examples of crime alerts that are sent out by the College Park police:
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND 20742-6011
301-405-3555
EMERGENCY - DIAL 911
http://www.umdps.umd.edu
November 18, 2010
CRIME ALERT
The following is a brief synopsis of information reported to the University Police:
INCIDENT: Armed Robbery
OCCURRED: November 17, 2010 at 11:42 p.m.
REPORTED: November 17, 2010 at 11:45 p.m.
LOCATION: Mowatt Lane Parking Garage (East Side First Floor Exit)
CASE #: 2010-1473
BRIEF DETAILS:
On November 17, 2010 at approximately 11:42 p.m., the victim was walking down the stairs on the East side of Mowatt Lane Parking Garage. Near the first floor exit, a male came down the stairs behind the victim, pushed an object into her back, and said “Give me everything in your hands”. She complied and gave him her cell phone and Student ID Card. The male then fled on foot in the direction of Mowatt Lane.
Description of Suspect(s):
A 6’00”–6’02" male possibly wearing a dark hooded-sweatshirt or jacket with dark pants
When available for release, additional information, including updated descriptions of suspect, may be obtained by accessing the "Crime Alerts"
portion of our web site:
http://www.umdps.umd.edu/police_support_services_public_crime_alert.cfm
The University of Maryland Department of Public Safety is conducting an investigation of this crime. Individuals with any information regarding this incident, or the possible identity of the suspects, are encouraged to contact police (911 or 301-405-3555). You may also email any information to investigations@umpd.umd.edu.
Prepared by:
Sgt. K. Leonard
Public Information Officer
Office of the Chief
301-405-5762
kleonard@umpd.umd.edu
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND 20742-6011
301-405-3555
EMERGENCY - DIAL 911
http://www.umdps.umd.edu
November 18, 2010
CRIME ALERT
The following is a brief synopsis of information reported to the University Police:
INCIDENT: Armed Robbery
OCCURRED: November 17, 2010 at 11:42 p.m.
REPORTED: November 17, 2010 at 11:45 p.m.
LOCATION: Mowatt Lane Parking Garage (East Side First Floor Exit)
CASE #: 2010-1473
BRIEF DETAILS:
On November 17, 2010 at approximately 11:42 p.m., the victim was walking down the stairs on the East side of Mowatt Lane Parking Garage. Near the first floor exit, a male came down the stairs behind the victim, pushed an object into her back, and said “Give me everything in your hands”. She complied and gave him her cell phone and Student ID Card. The male then fled on foot in the direction of Mowatt Lane.
Description of Suspect(s):
A 6’00”–6’02" male possibly wearing a dark hooded-sweatshirt or jacket with dark pants
When available for release, additional information, including updated descriptions of suspect, may be obtained by accessing the "Crime Alerts"
portion of our web site:
http://www.umdps.umd.edu/police_support_services_public_crime_alert.cfm
The University of Maryland Department of Public Safety is conducting an investigation of this crime. Individuals with any information regarding this incident, or the possible identity of the suspects, are encouraged to contact police (911 or 301-405-3555). You may also email any information to investigations@umpd.umd.edu.
Prepared by:
Sgt. K. Leonard
Public Information Officer
Office of the Chief
301-405-5762
kleonard@umpd.umd.edu
*******************************************
OFF CAMPUS CRIME ALERT-FROM THE PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY POLICE
The following is a brief synopsis of information reported to the Prince George's County Police:
INCIDENT: Off-campus Strong Arm Robbery
OCCURRED: November 20, 2010 at 2:30 a.m.
LOCATION: 4200 block of Knox Road
PGPD CASE #: 10-324-0245
BRIEF DETAILS:
On November 20, 2010 at 2:30 a.m., Prince George’s County Police and the University of Maryland Police responded to the 4200 block of Knox Road for the report of a citizen strong-arm robbery. The victim was riding his bike on Knox Road when three white males tackled him off of his bike and began to assault him. The victim’s property was taken.
Suspect Description:
Suspect-1: White male, 20-25 years, gray knit cap with no writing on it
Suspect-2: White male, 20-25 years
Suspect-3: White male, 20-25 years
The Prince George's County Police Department is conducting an investigation. Individuals with any information regarding this incident or the possible identity of suspects are encouraged to contact police
(911 or 301-772-4908).
Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text "PGPD plus your message" to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.
Email address is: pgcrimesolvers@co.pg.md.us.
When available for release, additional information, including updated descriptions of suspect, may be obtained by accessing the "Crime Alerts"
portion of our web site:
http://www.umdps.umd.edu/police_support_services_public_crime_alert.cfm
The following is a brief synopsis of information reported to the Prince George's County Police:
INCIDENT: Off-campus Strong Arm Robbery
OCCURRED: November 20, 2010 at 2:30 a.m.
LOCATION: 4200 block of Knox Road
PGPD CASE #: 10-324-0245
BRIEF DETAILS:
On November 20, 2010 at 2:30 a.m., Prince George’s County Police and the University of Maryland Police responded to the 4200 block of Knox Road for the report of a citizen strong-arm robbery. The victim was riding his bike on Knox Road when three white males tackled him off of his bike and began to assault him. The victim’s property was taken.
Suspect Description:
Suspect-1: White male, 20-25 years, gray knit cap with no writing on it
Suspect-2: White male, 20-25 years
Suspect-3: White male, 20-25 years
The Prince George's County Police Department is conducting an investigation. Individuals with any information regarding this incident or the possible identity of suspects are encouraged to contact police
(911 or 301-772-4908).
Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text "PGPD plus your message" to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online.
Email address is: pgcrimesolvers@co.pg.md.us.
When available for release, additional information, including updated descriptions of suspect, may be obtained by accessing the "Crime Alerts"
portion of our web site:
http://www.umdps.umd.edu/police_support_services_public_crime_alert.cfm
There are certain things that are wrong with these alerts.
the suspects are CLEARLY under identified. How are we meant to be on the look out for a white male 20-25 years? We couldn't have known his height, weight, or hair color? That would be more beneficial.
Victims, please be more aware of your attackers during such assaults. It would be greatly appreciated.
-AH
Personal Reflection
When I was accepted at UMD, I knew about College Park, and the crime. I grew up in Howard County, not too far from here, so I was fully aware of what I was getting myself in to. Of course, my parents were worried, but were assured that programs such as Nite Ride, the police escort service, multiple checkpoints, and the Blue Light phones deterred crime on campus. I soon learned that, despite the existence of these programs, crime was still rampant at UMD and Route 1.
When I lived in Centreville my freshman year, I had a clear view of the parking lots behind Comcast. Week nights, the parking lots were generally quiet. But, without fail, every weekend cop cars could be seen at about 3 am in any one of the lesser visited lots. And, only sometimes, I would receive crime alerts explaining a robbery, theft, or even sexual assault in one of this lots. I realized that UMD campus is not a crime-free bubble surrounded by the lawlessness of the greater College Park campus.
Now, as a junior, I have moved off campus and live in the Courtyards complex across Route 193. Despite my isolation from Route 1 and UMD campus, crime still manages to affect my daily life. This year, 3 bars were shut down - most notably, The Thirsty Turtle, due to its lackluster door policy, and its association with a stabbing that occurred earlier this semester. Everyone knows that Turtle can be... somewhat less than safe. I recall an incident the first week of school this semester where a friend of mine was on the dancefloor at Turtle, and an unidentified man broke a bottle over her head and ran away. She was bleeding, and received medical attention, but the incident went unreported. Between this personal experience, and in light of the recent stabbings, I've come to realize that college students are not only victims, but perpetrators of crimes.
Now, whether closing the bar was a good idea, is another issue. The fact is, college kids are going to get drunk and do stupid things. Also, drunk kids are targets for crime, and also more likely to commit a crime. Rather than closing the bars, UMD and the College Park police should spend more time spreading awareness about existing programs, and creating a stronger police presence in the Route 1 area. There will always be crime, all we can do is try to deter it.
When I lived in Centreville my freshman year, I had a clear view of the parking lots behind Comcast. Week nights, the parking lots were generally quiet. But, without fail, every weekend cop cars could be seen at about 3 am in any one of the lesser visited lots. And, only sometimes, I would receive crime alerts explaining a robbery, theft, or even sexual assault in one of this lots. I realized that UMD campus is not a crime-free bubble surrounded by the lawlessness of the greater College Park campus.
Now, as a junior, I have moved off campus and live in the Courtyards complex across Route 193. Despite my isolation from Route 1 and UMD campus, crime still manages to affect my daily life. This year, 3 bars were shut down - most notably, The Thirsty Turtle, due to its lackluster door policy, and its association with a stabbing that occurred earlier this semester. Everyone knows that Turtle can be... somewhat less than safe. I recall an incident the first week of school this semester where a friend of mine was on the dancefloor at Turtle, and an unidentified man broke a bottle over her head and ran away. She was bleeding, and received medical attention, but the incident went unreported. Between this personal experience, and in light of the recent stabbings, I've come to realize that college students are not only victims, but perpetrators of crimes.
Now, whether closing the bar was a good idea, is another issue. The fact is, college kids are going to get drunk and do stupid things. Also, drunk kids are targets for crime, and also more likely to commit a crime. Rather than closing the bars, UMD and the College Park police should spend more time spreading awareness about existing programs, and creating a stronger police presence in the Route 1 area. There will always be crime, all we can do is try to deter it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)