Rec & Parks Risk Management & Security Team

Overview

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Park Rangers play a vital role in ensuring the safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of the city’s parks and green spaces. Their service to the community and support for allied partners includes:

Services Provided to the Community

1. Public Safety and Presence:

• Serve as a uniformed, non-sworn presence to deter crime, address safety concerns, and promote responsible park use.
• Patrol over 260 parks and green spaces on foot, by bike, and by vehicle to monitor activity and ensure community access.

2. Education and Engagement:

• Educate Park visitors on park rules, local wildlife, conservation efforts, and environmental stewardship.
• Conduct outreach programs for youth and families focused on nature, safety, and recreation.

3. Resource Connection:

• Act as liaisons between park users and city services, referring individuals to homeless outreach, mental health services, or recreation programs.

4. Emergency Response Support:

• Provide first aid and assist during medical or safety emergencies until EMS, fire, or police arrive.
• Assist with crowd control or logistics at large-scale events or natural emergencies in park areas.

5. Maintenance Reporting:

• Identify and report hazards, vandalism, or maintenance issues to ensure a clean and functional park environment.

Support Provided to Allied Partners:

1. Baltimore Police Department (BPD):

• Serve as extra eyes and ears in parks to report suspicious or criminal activity.
• Assist with non-criminal public safety concerns to reduce BPD response load.
• Provide backup with site control during community events or when police presence is limited.

2. Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD):

• Aid in emergency evacuations or guiding EMS to patients in hard-to-access park areas.
• Provide situational awareness during fire or rescue operations in wooded or trail areas.

3. Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD):

• Support public health campaigns in parks (e.g., COVID outreach, overdose response awareness).
• Identify individuals in need of behavioral health services and connect them to appropriate resources.

4. Neighborhood Associations & Community Groups:

• Collaborate on community clean-ups, beautification efforts, and safety walks.
• Address concerns reported by residents related to park safety, usage, and accessibility.

5. Other City Agencies (DPW, DOT, OEM, etc.):

• Provide logistical coordination during weather events, protests, or major park events.
• Assist with safety messaging and community outreach in green space areas.