State Attorney accompanies Homewood security walk

Gregg Bernstein, State Attorney of Baltimore City, accompanied Hopkins students on Campus Safety and Security's Neighborhood Walkers Patrol this past Tuesday night. Bernstein attended the patrol to express the importance of the relationship between Hopkins students and law enforcement in creating a safer Baltimore.

"I can't stress enough the importance of cooperation between our office and the Hopkins community," Bernstein said.

Bernstein noted that while the State Attorney's four hundred employees work indefatigably to ensure the safety of Baltimore's citizens, they cannot do it on their own. Their initiative is to foster a collaborative relationship between Hopkins students and Baltimore authorities so residents can be informed on how to stay safe.

For Bernstein, Hopkins is an important contributor to the welfare of the city. He noted the work the hospital has done for the community in West Baltimore. In addition, he appreciates the volunteer work that Hopkins students do in the Baltimore area. "The University has been a great neighbor," the Baltimore native said.

Bernstein continued that improving Baltimore is an important thing not just for its citizens, but for the University as well. The city prides itself on having a world-class university. However, in order to attract the best and brightest students, it is important to ensure that there is a safe environment in which Hopkins students can learn.

"Hopkins has a great reputation around the world, which helps Baltimore's reputation," Bernstein said.

The State Attorney emphasized that his office's work goes beyond fighting crime. His work has a broader effect on the city.

"It's about attracting people to live here, to attract the best students in the world," Bernstein said.

The security walk will not be the last contact the University has with the State Attorney. In October, Bernstein will teach a one-week course at Hopkins regarding the criminal justice system.

The Campus Safety and Security Neighborhood Walkers Patrol gave students the opportunity to learn about different safety procedures one should practice around the Homewood and Charles Village area.

Students were instructed on how to properly lock their bikes with a U-bolt. Security experts also advised those who have cars on campus to hide any valuables, such as a GPS, within the car from plain view.

The walk continued onto St. Paul Street and the surrounding blocks as students learned the importance of walking in groups and avoiding alleys.

Lastly, the guides demonstrated what actions one should take if one ever feels uncomfortable. There are several places in the neighborhood that have lampposts with large blue lights. If a student feels unsafe, he or she should press the button on the lamppost and university police will rush to that location.

Bernstein received his bachelor's degree and his law degree from the University of Maryland – College Park, where as an undergraduate he was the captain of the basketball team and as a law student he was an editor for the law review.

After obtaining his degree, Bernstein spent 18 years practicing law: six years as an associate at Melnicove, Kaufman, Weiner, Smouse & Garbis and twelve years as one of the founding partners at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP.

In 2010, Bernstein defeated fifteen-year incumbent and fellow Democrat, Patricia C. Jessamy, and was elected State Attorney.

Since being sworn in last January, Bernstein has made tangible reforms. He is implementing a community prosecution model that divides the city into nine zones. Each Assistant State Attorney will be assigned a district and will allow them to work with local police at a more intimate level.