On Saturday, December 14th, 2013, officers from the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) and other agencies participated in Shop with a Cop. Officers picked up children from a local school and went shopping. The children were given rides in the officer’s vehicle with lights and sirens on while they made their way to the mall. Once there, officers shopped with the children for gifts and ate lunch together. UMPD would like to thank The Maryland Association of School Resource Officers for orchestrating the 9th annual Operation Santa with a Badge Program.

Dear University of Maryland Community, As finals come to an end and the winter break approaches, the University of Maryland Police Department would like provide some safety tips and crime prevention tools. We hope this information serves as a reminder of what you can do to reduce your chance of becoming a victim of a crime and to help you remain safe during the winter break. If you will be home or at your UMD residence this winter break here are some tips to help you stay safe this season:

On December 18, 2013, University of Maryland Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the Office of the University Fire Marshal have reviewed camera footage and have ruled the Testudo fire to be accidental. The cause of the fire was due to a lamp shade being place over a lit candle. There was no damage to Testudo and no injuries reported. ###

The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) would like to thank those who came out to the game on Saturday, December 14th, 2013 and donated a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. UMPD, Prince George's County Police, and UMD Athletics collected 120 toys during the men's basketball game. Happy Holidays!!! ###

The University of Maryland College Park is closed today, Tuesday, December 10, 2013. If the University remains closed on Wednesday, we will issue a UMD Information Advisory. Please monitor www.umd.edu or call 301-405-SNOW for the University's status on Wednesday. Stay Safe!

Winter Weather Advisory for this Weekend The National Weather Service is forecasting a chance of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow for College Park, Maryland through Monday evening. There is little to no snow accumulation expected. Keep in mind with the expected heavy rainfall, potential snow, and ice, traffic delays may occur. Please plan accordingly when committing and traveling.

Dear University of Maryland Community, The University of Maryland Police Department would like to take this time and inform you of some holiday travel and safety tips. When traveling always check with the local news channel, news sites, and/or radio stations for current and up to date information regarding travel and weather advisories. Take necessary precautions when encountering rain, freezing rain and/or snow during your travels.

On November 12th, 2013, an email was sent out to members of the University of Maryland Community in regards to a sexual assault that occurred in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

College Park, MD – On October 26th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) participated in National Drug Take Back Day. Members of the community were provided an opportunity to dispose of any unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs from their homes at UMPD Headquarters. The service was free and anonymous, no questions asked.

College Park, MD – On October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.