University of Baltimore President Kurt L. Schmoke says the Baltimore City Police Education and Training Center on the UBalt campus represents an important step forward. The move further demonstrates the BPD's commitment to fulfilling the federal consent decree that mandated the training facility's relocation. President Schmoke says, "The department's education goals fit well with those of the University—to provide a quality education and to open the door to new opportunities. We support the department's efforts to change and improve. We all want to see the department advance public safety, pursue justice and enhance the quality of life for all city residents. Once again, UBalt is supporting these improvements by demonstrating its significant role as a city-engaged university. We are a recognized leader among city institutions."
The University of Baltimore welcomes the arrival of the Baltimore City Police Education and Training Center. Over the course of the Spring 2020 semester, this central recruitment and training center will move in to dedicated facilities on the UBalt campus.
Watch a Baltimore Police video about the opening of the center.
The following narrative serves as context for this historic development:
Consistent with our commitment to the city's progress, the University of Baltimore has undertaken an endeavor in support of the Baltimore Police Department as it emphasizes education, professionalism and public service in the recruitment and training of tomorrow's highly qualified law enforcement officers, veteran police, police management personnel, and other public safety experts for the city. Throughout its nearly 100-year history, UBalt has been a consistent partner with, and supporter of, city initiatives that cultivate the best of Baltimore in every neighborhood and for every person who calls Baltimore home. This latest effort is no different.
As part of a 2017 federal consent decree, the Baltimore Police Department was instructed to find an alternative location to educate its newest cadets. The University of Baltimore will serve as this location. For the department, having the BPD Education and Training Center at the University advances the adult-oriented learning strategies that the department adopted—consistent with best practices, and housed in a learning environment that inspires pride and professionalism. The facility, to be established in existing campus space, will accommodate the department's goals for growth and recruitment.
On Sept. 18, 2019, the city's Board of Estimates approved a five-year lease agreement between the Department and the University of Baltimore. Within the scope of the agreement, changes will occur:
- physical improvements and access changes to certain classrooms and adjacent spaces on the upper floors of the H. Mebane Turner Learning Commons and the gym in the Academic Center;
- relocation of staff of the library's Special Collections from the second to the first floor of the Learning Commons;
- some parking will be relocated from the Maryland Avenue Garage to the Fitzgerald Garage
Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison believes that officer training is the best way to maintain a professional, effective environment for law enforcement.
"It all starts with training," he said in The Baltimore Sun .
On Sept. 13, Gov. Larry Hogan announced his support for the initiative and committed up to $2.4 million in University System of Maryland funding for the physical modifications needed for the training center.
As the relocation details develop, we will continue to share updated information on this site. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for additional details.