Welcome Canes! Fall Semester 2025
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It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Chief of Police. I am humbled and excited to lead the dedicated men and women of the University of Miami Police Department (UMPD). Together, we are committed to protecting and serving our community through proactive policing, education, and trusted partnerships.
At UMPD, our mission goes beyond protection—we are here to support, listen, and engage. We embrace a community-oriented approach rooted in transparency, collaboration, and respect. Our goal is to build strong relationships and foster trust through accountability and open communication.
We prioritize initiatives that enhance safety through innovation, continuous training, and meaningful partnerships across campus. Whether you're saying hello during "Coffee with a Cop," following our safety tips on social media, or stopping by our office with a question, we encourage you to connect with us. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility. Together, we can cultivate a culture of care, inclusion, and resilience.
Whether you're walking to class, attending an event, or simply enjoying our beautiful campus, please know that UMPD is here to support you every step of the way.
My door is always open, and I welcome conversations with anyone in our university community. I look forward to working with you to ensure that the University of Miami remains a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered.
Here's to a successful, exciting, and safe year ahead.
Welcome to The U!
Stay safe and go 'Canes!
Trevor Shinn, Chief of Police
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Officer Jose Lopez began his career with the Miami-Dade Police Department in 1981, serving 32 years and rising to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1992, he earned the Gold Medal of Valor and was named Police Officer of the Year.
He later served as Police Captain with the Florida International University Police Department from 2017 to 2020. As a Barry University graduate, he credits his values of integrity and perseverance to his parents, Jose and Elia.
Now at the University of Miami Police Department, Jose continues his passion for public safety. He is a devoted husband and proud father of four, taking special pride in seeing one of his children study at the very university he helps protect.
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Please join us in welcoming K9 Storm, the newest member of the University of Miami Police Department's K9 unit. Storm is a 2-year-old German Wirehaired Pointer, born in Gescher, Germany, and trained in Explosives Ordnance Detection at Southern Coast K9 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Curious, energetic, and eager to please, Storm is already making a strong impression—he can clear a 4-foot fence with ease! He now joins his handler, Officer Jesus Gutierrez, as they begin their partnership in service to the UM community.
We’re excited to have Storm on the team and look forward to the valuable contributions he’ll make in keeping our campus safe.
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Scam Alert: Stay Aware, Stay Safe
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Scammers target students in many ways—fake jobs, art projects, ticket sales, and even "too good to be true" payments. Protect yourself by watching for these red flags:
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Fake checks: Scammers may send checks for you to deposit, then ask you to return part of the money. Even if a check "clears," it can bounce later—leaving you responsible.
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Upfront payments: If someone offers you money (for modeling, art, or work) but asks you to send funds for supplies or vendors, it's a scam.
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Sextortion: Never share explicit photos or videos online. Scammers use them to demand payment and threaten to expose you.
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Ticket scams: Be cautious of sellers in group chats, "emergency" stories, unusually low prices, or requests for payment apps and personal details.
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Gift cards = scam: No legitimate company or person will ask for payment via gift card or wire transfer.
- Fake parking passes: Do not purchase "parking passes" from other individuals on chat rooms or social media platforms. To purchase an official parking permit, visit the Parking and Transportation website or stop by the McKnight Building directly.
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Pressure tactics: Scammers may demand immediate action or threaten arrest, deportation, or lawsuits. Slow down and verify first.
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Protect your info: Do not share financial or personal details over public Wi-Fi.
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Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
👉 When in doubt, stop and check with UMPD or your bank before sending money or information.
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Crocodile Sighting on Campus
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An American Crocodile has been residing in the campus lake canals since March 2025. It is self-sufficient and avoids human interaction. As a threatened species, the crocodile will not be relocated unless it poses a risk to people or property, per guidance from Florida Fish and Wildlife.
Safety Protocol:
- Do not feed or interact with wildlife.
- Avoid leaving bait or fish scraps near the water.
- Maintain a safe distance and remind others to do the same.
Report unusual behavior (e.g., approaching people or buildings) to Facilities Work Control at 305-284-8282 or UMPD at 305-284-6666. If safe, include a photo and email it to fwc@miami.edu.
Signage is posted near the lake and canals advising the community of the presence of federally protected species. Community vigilance is encouraged to ensure safety for all.
More Information, visit: Florida Fish and Wildlife - American Crocodile.
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New Micromobility Device Policy
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The University of Miami's Parking and Transportation has released their new micromobility device policy to promote a safer and more accessible environment for all students, faculty and staff members, and visitors.
Key Highlights:
- No riding on pedestrian pathways, sidewalks, or within the campus core.
- Use only on approved roads.
- Indoor storage and charging are prohibited due to fire risks.
Parking: Designated outdoor racks only; no parking near trees, benches, or handrails.
Registration: Mandatory with UMPD (free of charge); includes a U-lock and decal. If you have not registered your bicycle/scooter yet, please visit umpd.miami.edu/bike.
We heavily encourage all members of our campus community to review the full policy and familiarize themselves with designated parking areas.
For more information, refer to the updated policy.
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- 24/7 safety escorts on the Coral Gables campus – call: 305-284-6666.
- RAVE Guardian App – A virtual escorting service where you can use your friends to watch over you. Learn more about Rave Guardian.
- Self-Defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange (SAFE) course for women – We offer the class from 6-8 p.m. at the Lennar Foundation Medical Center on the Coral Gables campus. Get more information and register for the course.
- Blue Light Phones located throughout the Coral Gables campus can directly connect you with a UMPD dispatcher. Learn more about Blue Light Phones and their locations.
- Bike/Scooter Registration – bike and scooter registration is mandatory with UMPD, if you have not registered your bicycle/scooter yet, please visit umpd.miami.edu/bike to register and get a free ULock to help prevent bike/scooter theft on campus.
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Beyond the Badge: A UMPD Community Engagement Program
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The University of Miami Police Department (UMPD) is proud to introduce Beyond the Badge — a new community engagement initiative designed to foster open dialogue and mutual understanding between our department and the community we serve.
About the Program:
Beyond the Badge is a 90 minute interactive session that offers participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with members of the UMPD team. In a respectful and non-judgmental setting, attendees are encouraged to share their perspectives on policing, ask questions, and learn more about UMPD operations, standard police practices, and the laws that shape police work.
Interactive Training Experience:
As part of the program, participants will take part in a virtual training exercise, allowing them to experience a routine police-citizen interaction from the perspective of an officer. This immersive component provides valuable insight into the decision-making processes and challenges officers face in the field.
Who Can Participate:
The program is open to UM students, faculty and staff interested in learning more about campus policing. Sessions can be scheduled individually or in groups.
Interested in Participating?
To learn more or schedule a session, please contact our Crime Prevention Specialist Lorena Urgelles at 305-284-1105 or lxu84@miami.edu.
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Interested in Pursuing a Career in Law Enforcement?
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At the University of Miami, safety is more than a responsibility, it's a tradition. Since 1926, the University of Miami Police Department (UMPD) has proudly served our campus community with professionalism, dedication, and heart. Our officers work 24/7 to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Policing at UM is a unique experience. It's about building trust, fostering relationships, and supporting a diverse academic community that's making a global impact. UMPD officers are not only first responders—they're a visible, respected part of campus life.
What makes serving at UM even more rewarding? University of Miami police officers—and their family members—are eligible for exclusive educational benefits, including tuition remission and access to professional development programs. It's an opportunity to serve your community while investing in your future, and your family's.
If you or someone you know is committed to public safety and community service, we encourage you to explore a career with UMPD. Please share this opportunity with family or friends who may be interested in protecting and serving the U.
For more information, contact Detective Alberto Alonso at 305-284-6666 or aalo@miami.edu.
On behalf of Chief Trevor Shinn and the entire UMPD team—thank you for considering a future with us.
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