SUPD Earns Governor's Crime Prevention Awards

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University Police officers recently brought home two Maryland Governor’s Crime Prevention Awards, recognizing the department’s ongoing service to the campus and greater community.

The department was recognized for its overall outstanding crime prevention program as an integral part of daily operations. In addition, SUPD Master Patrol Officer Tina Russell was recognized for individual efforts in crime prevention.

“As a Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)-accredited agency, the SU Police Department takes pride in serving the campus and surrounding areas,” said SUPD Chief Edwin Lashley. “Part of that service includes personal safety and crime prevention. These awards once again serve as external validation that the department and its individual officers continue to perform at a level that places them among Maryland’s best.”

“The dedication of Chief Lashley and his officers to campus safety is to be commended,” said Dr. Janet Wormack, SU vice president of administration and finance. “They are more than deserving of these statewide honors.”

Among its crime prevention efforts, the SUPD holds training sessions throughout the year promoting personal safety, alcohol and drug awareness, Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) and theft prevention. The department also provides emergency response training for faculty, staff and students, and oversees an integrated messaging system to alert the campus community in the event of emergencies.

In addition, the SUPD conducts a residential security program and holds regular presentations on and off campus regarding elderly and youth crime prevention.

Through a memorandum of understanding, the department also works closely with allied agencies and serves as a member of multiple area agencies, including the Wicomico County Drug Council, Maryland State Highway Administration and Sexual Assault Response Team.

Russell serves as one of the department’s two crime prevention specialists, participating in and delegating safety awareness and educational campaigns. In that position, she teaches introductory RAD classes and has implemented a program to provide tips on how to recognize and defend against sexual predators. She also has conducted crime prevention and safety programs for non-SU students and community members off campus.

Learn more about opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.