UM News

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (January 27, 2017)—The University of Miami Police Department’s emphasis on crime-monitoring and fighting is paying off, with crime on campus continuing the sustained downward trend that began more than a decade ago.

So-called “Part 1” crimes reported to UMPD in 2016, the overwhelming majority of which were thefts of unattended items, dropped nearly 18 percent from 2015, a 73 percent decline since 2003.

Chief David Rivero

UMPD Chief David Rivero attributed the positive trend to the resources and collaborative University-wide support the department has received since adjusting its mission, and its “public safety” name, to reflect its emphasis on community policing.

The name change was accompanied by a number of new initiatives and ongoing collaborations with Student Government, Student Affairs, Faculty Affairs, as well as Human Resources advocacy. Among the measures: the creation of a robust investigative unit that actively maps and analyzes crimes; the installation of a state-of-the art camera monitoring system; the addition of Student Patrol Aids, who act as extra eyes and ears for patrol officers; the deployment of contract security guards; and the distribution of free bicycle locks. UMPD also meets weekly with Students Affairs and the General Counsel’s Office to identify potential problems.

“Thanks to the leadership of Pat Whitely (vice president for student affairs) and Ricardo Hall (associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students) we’re often ahead of the curve when it comes to interceding before something bad happens,” Rivero said.

Added Larry Marbert, vice president for real estate and facilities who oversees the police department, “Thanks to our police department’s commitment, training, awareness, and proactive measures, we are in a good place and getting better. However, it takes a village, so the efforts of other departments, especially Student Government, Student Affairs, and Human Resources, should be recognized as well.”

Part I crimes are violent and property crimes reported to local law enforcement agencies and compiled in the annual Uniform Crime Report published by the FBI.

SAS JMP Pro is a software focused on exploratory analytics, whereby users investigate and explore data, rather than test a hypothesis. SAS JMP Pro is available to all UM faculty, staff, and students at no cost. This software can be downloaded to departmental and/or personal devices. Learn more about SAS JMP Pro via UMIT’s new showcase, “Made for U.”

Come run along the scenic shores of Key Biscayne at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 4 for the eighth annual SunSmart 5k that benefits cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Join the community of 300 runners who will receive free post-race skin cancer screenings by a Sylvester physician. The event is hosted by medical students at the Miller School of Medicine. Register at SunSmart5k.com.

This Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) seminar is offered monthly to explore the basic tenets of mindfulness, review the significance of mindful living, and guide participants through a mindfulness practice. This month’s seminar will focus on the benefits of acceptance. Being mindful increases engagement with the present moment and allows for a clearer understanding of how thoughts and emotions impact our health and the quality of our lives. Attend to awaken your innate capacity for mindful living and nurture a practice to positively inspire every facet of your life. This seminar will be facilitated by a UM FSAP consultant.

Coral Gables campus: Tuesday, February 7, 12-1 p.m., McKnight Building, room 201AB

Rosenstiel School campus: Wednesday, February 8, 12-1 p.m., Library Media Room

Miller School campus: Thursday, February 9, 12-1 p.m., Don Soffer Clinical Research Center, room 692

FSAP Health and Wellness seminars are offered as part of the University of Miami’s Well ’Canes Program. Register through ulearn.miami.edu. For help with ULearn registration, or to receive email announcements of upcoming seminars, please call the FSAP at 305-284-6604.

The University of Miami’s Center for International Business Education and Research (UM CIBER) invites faculty to apply for one of its interdisciplinary IB research mini grants. Awards up to $2,ooo support individual research efforts and awards up to $10,000 supoort cross-departmental research projects. The application deadline is February 1. For more information, visit the Mini Grants webpage.