Chief Thomas A. Leone began his law enforcement career in October 1995 when he joined the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. Over the next 20 years, Leone climbed within the department and ultimately became Director of the Frederick County Narcotics Task Force. In this role, he effectively managed complex national and international investigations while also prioritizing outreach and training within the community.
After retiring from Frederick County Sheriff’s Office in February 2016, Leone joined the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD). As Patrol Commander, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of 120 police and security officers and provided security for UMB’s academic buildings, student housing, and research facilities. In 2018, Leone was promoted to Deputy Chief of UMBPD. In 2021, he was named chief.
With 25 years of progressive law enforcement experience, Leone champions a department focused on diversity, community, and integrity. He advocated for UMBPD’s Community Outreach and Support Team, which helps to reduce crime and enhance quality of life while building positive relationships between the police department and its neighboring communities. In 2020, the UMBPD became the first university police department in the country to work with social work interns in a co-response model. Under Leone’s leadership, the UMBPD won the 2021 International Association of Chiefs of Police/Walmart Leadership in Community Policing Award in addition to numerous other local, state, and national awards. Leone is a 2023 Campus Safety Director of the Year Finalist.
Leone earned a Master of Science in Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University. He completed the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, Class 224.