HCPD Annual Report 2022

a message from the

chief

It has been a year of significant change and growth for the Howard County Police Department. As I close out my first year as police chief, I am proud of all that our agency has accomplished in 2022.

In the coming year, our community will see even more officers on the road thanks to historic funding from County Executive Calvin Ball, including an $11 million increase for the HCPD - the largest in a decade. The budget included $3.7 million for HCPD to support 24 additional patrol positions, the biggest increase in sworn personnel in 15 years and a critical investment to improve response times, support community policing and address emerging crimes such as human trafficking.

As traffic safety continues to be a top concern in our communities, we created a new Traffic Investigative Section in July to expand resources investigating speeding, fatal collisions and other serious traffic issues. We also created a new online system to streamline the reporting of traffic concerns.

In August, all uniformed officers who regularly interact with members of the public began wearing body worn cameras. This included Patrol, Community Outreach, School Resource Officers, Traffic Investigations, and Tactical. All other sworn members were scheduled to be outfitted in early 2023.

The department continued to prioritize youth outreach by offering a variety of programs in 2022, including free camps, athletics, mentoring, leadership and diversion programs. The HCPD will continue to work with young people to focus on intervention, prevention and growth.

As we move into 2023, we are focused on a major recruitment effort to ensure we are filling all the new officer positions with top-quality, diverse candidates who will serve our community with the highest levels of integrity. We are creating a “Fast Track” hiring process to move the best candidates through the lengthy process in a timelier fashion, enabling us to attract outstanding recruits during a competitive recruitment time in law enforcement.

The HCPD has once again been recognized as one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the nation by the Commission on Accreditation in Law Enforcement (CALEA). We will continue to uphold this critical responsibility to ensure our officers have the highest-caliber training and resources to provide outstanding service to all the people in Howard County.

Sincerely,

Police Chief Gregory Der

County Executive CAlvin Ball FACTS at a glance

It is the mission of the Howard County Police Department to provide a sense of safety and security for everyone by protecting life and property, reducing the opportunity for crime and disorder, enforcing criminal and traffic laws, assisting victims and promoting positive community engagement and effective partnerships.

HOWARD COUNTY POLICE

For five consecutive years, Howard County has been the home of the Safest City in America. This is due, in large part, to the hard work of the members of our Howard County Police Department who are models of professionalism and integrity. In 2022, I provided an historic increase in funding for our police department, providing the resources to expand our force by 24 sworn positions. Additionally, we provided funding to equip all our officers with body worn cameras to provide greater transparency and insight into how our officers interact with the public.

Recruitment of new officers has been a challenge for every police department in our nation. To ensure that we remain fully staffed to serve our community, I provided funds to offer a $10,000 signing bonus for entry-level and lateral officers.

HOWARD

Creating safe communities cannot be done by police officers alone. It takes collaboration and partnership with the people they serve. I commend the department for its many innovative forms of public outreach, engagement, and relationship building. From “Coffee with a Cop” and “Shop with a Cop,” to National Night Out and a wide array of programs that provide leadership and mentorship for our young people, you are connecting with our community in meaningful ways.

I look forward to building on the progress we’ve made these last few years, encouraging more community conversations, and working together to ensure that our residents, businesses, and visitorsare safe and feel safe.

YEAR

in review

crime data and the move to NIBRS: With dramatic decreases in crime in 2020-21, the county saw slight increases in 2022. Under a new reporting system for all crime statistics across the U.S., known as the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), data is captured in more inclusive ways to ensure every crime is counted and reviewed in a more indepth fashion. For example, the increase that appears most significant—the sex offenses category—is attributable to changes in the NIBRS reporting system, which now includes ALL crimes of this type, including the new classification of “forcible fondling.” More information on the data can be found on page 17. Calls for police service are on the rise, at their highest number in nearly five years, requiring officers to respond to more incidents during each shift. The crime rate in Howard County, which is crimes per 100,000 residents, continues to be far below the statewide average, even as the population continues to grow.

Additional Authorized Positions: Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced historic funding for public safety in his proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget, including an $11 million increase for the Howard County Police Department–the largest increase in a decade. The budget included $3.7 million for HCPD to support 24 additional patrol positions, the largest increase in sworn personnel in 15 years and a critical investment to improve response times, support community policing and address emerging crimes such as human trafficking.

Body Worn Camera Program Launch: All uniformed officers who regularly interact with members of the public began wearing body worn cameras in August. This included Patrol, Community Outreach, School Resource Officers, Traffic Investigations, and Tactical. All other sworn members were scheduled to be outfitted in early 2023.

Expansion of the Traffic Management Division: A new Traffic Investigative Section was created within the Traffic Management Division alongside the Traffic Enforcement Section and was tasked with investigating fatal collisions, crashes involving county-owned vehicles, and commercial vehicle inspections. This section was formed by a reorganization of some personnel already assigned to Traffic Management, and the addition of preexisting traffic officer positions relocated from the districts. Additionally, a centralized online reporting system and email address were created to streamline the report of traffic concerns—the number one concern expressed to HCPD from the community.

Gang Indictments: The HCPD, along with County Executive Calvin Ball, the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Howard County Sheriff’s Office announced the indictment of several individuals from the “59 Hoover” criminal gang. These indictments came at the end of a lengthy investigation that began in late 2020 when police investigators recognized that many of the most serious crimes in Howard County could be linked to the same group of people. Detectives determined that many of these offenders were connected to one another and repeatedly committing crimes in various communities. The HCPD approached the State’s Attorney’s Office to form a partnership that would become known as the Violent Crimes Reduction Initiative, and then permanent Crime Reduction Teams, which culminated in these eight indictments.

Reaccreditation: The HCPD was nationally recognized for meeting strict standards set by the national Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), through the reaccreditation process. CALEA’s law enforcement accreditation represents the successful completion of an intense evaluation and a detailed outside review by a team of independent assessors who analyzed all areas of the HCPD, including policies, procedures and operations, as well as input from county residents. The Howard County Police Department has been nationally accredited since 1990.

Child Advocacy Center Recognition: The Listening Place, as HCPD’s Child Advocacy Center is known, marked its 30th year in 2022 and got re-accredited, receiving high praise from the National Children's Alliance. The center combines numerous services under one roof: police, state's attorney, social services, health department, and community-based mental health and victim advocacy partners. They work collaboratively to investigate and prosecute child abuse and provide every possible service to help victims recover and feel safe. These dedicated and caring detectives, prosecutors, therapists, social workers, doctors, counselors, victim advocates, and others help make a difference in the lives of Howard County children.

Youth Outreach: The department continued to offer a variety of programs geared toward local youth in 2022, including BearTrax, Collision Avoidance Training, the Community Athletic Program, Explorer Post 1952, P.L.E.D.G.E. Summer Leadership Camp, Teen Court and Youth Police Academy. The Youth Division organized several field trips during the year, including visits to amusement parks and baseball games.

Employee Wellness: HCPD’s Wellness Coordinator organized a variety of activities intended to support the specific highstress needs of sworn and civilian members’ mental and physical wellness through initiatives designed to encourage a healthy, resilient and engaged workforce. Offerings included fitness classes, clinics, challenges, visit from comfort dogs (Fidos for Freedom), one-on-one support, family wellness academy, and more.

Giving Back: HCPD officers, civilians and charitable organizations continued the law enforcement tradition of giving back in 2022. Members took part in events like the Polar Bear Plunge, Shop with a Cop, and numerous fundraisers and donation drives for those in need.

In August, the Beyond the Badge Foundation, a non-profit created by five Howard County Police officers, held its secondannual Stuff the Backpack event, filling up an astounding 2,195 new backpacks with school supplies to donate to local schools, including more than 350 to Longfellow Elementary School in Columbia.

Academy Class #47 raised $1,525 for cancer awareness during No-Shave November.

OFFICE OF THE chief

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS BUREAU

CHIEF OF POLICE Gregory Der

THE CHIEF OF POLICE is the highest-ranking officer and leader of the Howard County Police Department. They work to develop goals, formulate plans and implement programs and policies designed to strategically solve problems. The Chief meets regularly with community leaders to address concerns, solicit input and maintain a direct connection to residents.

The Chief of Staff ensures operational matters receive swift attention. This position oversees the Budget Fiscal Section and Internal Communications.

The Executive Officer provides essential daily operational and administrative support to the Office of the Chief and oversees office staff, the Honor Guard, and Chaplains.

Strategic planning and Legislative Affairs is responsible for monitoring and researching legislative issues and law enforcement best practices to ensure current policy adheres to relevant Federal, State and local legislation and national accreditation standards. This position oversees the Accreditation Coordinator who is tasked with collecting proofs of compliance with hundreds of standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

The Office of Public Affairs communicates with the public and the news media. The office is also responsible for social media, the HCPD website, special events, and all public relations and marketing for the agency.

THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION is responsible for the administration and investigation of police personnel complaints. Complaints can range from minor performance deficiencies to allegations of misconduct. All complaints are investigated with adherence to established and accredited policies and procedures with a commitment to provide thorough and impartial investigations.

THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING DIVISION is comprised of the Firearms Section and the Training Section, which includes the Entry-level and In-service Units. This division coordinates police training for new recruits, recertification for current officers, and training and professional development programs for the agency’s civilian staff.

THE QUALITY ASSURANCE DIVISION is responsible for reviews, inspections, and audits and is taxed with maximizing the agency’s commitment to integrity and professionalism. The Division includes the Staff Inspections Section, Liquor Inspector and Policy Coordinator. They are responsible for ensuring strong policies and policy compliance.

THE BODY WORN CAMERA DIVISION is responsible for overseeing the operational functions of the Body Worn Camera (BWC) Program. The Division includes a police lieutenant who serves as the program administrator and two sworn officers. These officers manage inventory, training, deployment, system evaluation, policy and procedure review and evaluation, maintenance of the program's hardware and software systems.

The Citizen Advocate also falls under the Professional Standards Bureau and is the designated contact for the public on matters relating to police misconduct and is the primary point of contact for the Police Accountability Board.

L-R: Chief Der addresses Academy 47, emphasizing integrity and perseverance as they begin their seven months in the academy; an officer adjusts his Body Worn Camera; recruits participate in the Police Foundation's Police Pace.

Ancillary Services

The Police Foundation is comprised of local business leaders who provide assistance to the department by sharing business and management expertise. The foundation provides funding for various youth programs, manages a scholarship fund, purchases non-budgeted equipment and sponsors the annual Police Pace 5K.

The Citizens Advisory Council is comprised of volunteer Howard County citizens who meet monthly to facilitate the flow of information to and from the police department and engage in creative problem-solving efforts. The council then makes recommendations to the Chief to improve police services.

FIELD OPERATIONS COMMAND

Deputy Chief Justin Baker

PATROL DISTRICTS

The Northern and Southern Patrol Districts are divided into four platoons each. Officers respond to calls for service, enforce traffic and criminal laws and address community needs. In addition to patrol officers, Field Operations includes the following programs and positions:

Administrative Officers; Duty Officers, work the front desk at each district station and handle incoming calls and walkin inquiries, as well as write certain types of police reports; and Police Cadets who provide a wide range of administrative and operational services. Cadets often have aspirations to become sworn police officers. A Crime Analyst works to identify trends, develop suspects and assist in determining enforcement strategies.

COMMUNITY SERVICES BUREAU

THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIVISION offers crime prevention and education programs to citizens and businesses and works with individual communities to solve issues as they arise. The division includes:

The Community Liaison Section provides focused efforts and assistance to specific populations within the community as well as general community groups.

The Crisis Intervention Section consists of two officers, a sergeant and an embedded state-licensed counselor working side-by-side to reduce the cycle of repeat mental health issues.

The Community Outreach and Pathways Section (COPS) includes dedicated officers and a sergeant who address community needs through crime prevention and targeted enforcement. This group focuses on Howard County’s unique expanse of footpaths, open space and parks on bicycles and electric motorcycles.

The Victim Assistance Section provides crisis intervention, financial assistance and counseling services to people victimized by crime. Members of the section serve as advocates and offer support services to survivors.

THE YOUTH DIVISION focuses on engaging young people and creating opportunities for interactions with officers.

The School Resource Officer Sections manage officers assigned to 13 high schools. SROs build positive relationships with students and staff while providing a safe school environment and serve as mentors, coaches, teachers, and volunteers to support students during and after school hours.

The Youth Engagement Section oversees the department's youth programs: BearTrax, Collision Avoidance Training, Community Athletic Program, Explorer Post 1952, P.L.E.D.G.E. leadership camp, Teen Court, Youth Police Academy, and more.

The Youth Diversion Coordinator processes juvenile police reports and screens them for eligibility to participate in the Diversion or Teen Court Programs.

L-R: Officers gather for a briefing during a training exercise; a patrol officer poses with a community member at National Night Out; a member of Community Outreach plays chess with a child at an event.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

Deputy Chief Cory Zirk

SPECIAL OPERATIONS BUREAU

THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE DIVISION includes the Tactical Section, K-9 Section and Special Support Services which includes Volunteer Auxiliary Officers, Volunteer Mounted Patrol and Emergency Services.

The Critical Incident Negotiations Team consists of officers who are specially trained in a negotiations approach to conflict resolution.

THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DIVISION is made up of the Traffic Enforcement Section; the Traffic Investigation Section; the School Crossing Guard Section; the Automated Enforcement Section, which oversees the Red Light, False Alarm and School Bus Units; and the Automated Speed Enforcement Section.

L-R: One of the department's eight K9 teams; a member of the crime lab reviews evidence; an overview of all that goes into preparing for the county's July 4th events.

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT BUREAU

THE OPERATIONS SUPPORT DIVISION is home to the Operational Preparedness & Support Division, including the Technical Support and Intelligence Sections and an Operational Preparedness Specialist. The Intelligence Unit provides information on criminal activity to patrol officers and investigators.

This division acts as liaison to the Office of Emergency Management and collaborates with other county agencies in the Emergency Operations Center when activated.

THE FORENSIC SCIENCES DIVISION includes the Digital Forensics Section, Crime Scene, Latent Print, Ten Prints, and Forensic Chemistry Units, who provide forensic examinations through the identification, collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence.

The Property and Evidence Section provides secure storage of all property and evidence and preserves its integrity until final disposition.

"We imagine we're out there with our families... we want to keep everybody safe."

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMAND

Deputy Chief Thomas Ehart

MAJOR CRIMES BUREAU

THE VIOLENT CRIMES DIVISION includes the Violent Crimes and Robbery Sections. Investigations often involve surveillance operations, covert details and search and seizure warrants, as well as interviews of victims, witnesses and suspects. This division also handles the investigation of cold cases.

THE REPEAT OFFENDER DIVISION includes two Crime Reduction Teams and the Repeat Offender Proactive Enforcement Section. These teams investigate the unlawful possession, manufacture, sale and distribution of firearms as well as criminal organizations and street gangs who seek to disrupt a peaceful community. This division also provides support to other investigative components to enhance the prosecution of repeat and violent offenders.

THE VICE & NARCOTICS DIVISION includes the Narcotic and Street Drug Sections, Vice & Tech Support and is responsible for investigating crimes involving the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of controlled dangerous substances. Members also investigate gambling, human trafficking, prescription fraud and organized crime.

SPECIAL CRIMES BUREAU

THE FAMILY CRIMES & SEXUAL ASSAULT DIVISION includes the Child Advocacy Center, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault and Child Exploitation Sections. Members work to investigate child abuse, sexual assaults and domestic violence incidents, as well as monitor registered sex offenders.

THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION includes the Residential Crimes Section, District Investigations and Pawn Unit; the Commercial Crimes Section, including Fire Investigations; Financial Crimes, the Auto Theft Unit; and the Warrants Section. This division specializes in residential and commercial property crimes including pawn and metal theft, auto theft, fraud/forgery and fire investigations.

L-R: Fire investigators within the Special Crimes Bureau survey a scene; HCPD, alongside the County Executive, State's Attorney and Sheriff, announced the indictment of several individuals from the “59 Hoover” criminal gang; The CAC's Listening Place entered its 30th year and achieved reaccredidation, receiving high praise from the National Children's Alliance.

"Ultimately we just want a happier and safer community."

ADMINISTRATION COMMAND

Deputy Chief James Marshall

INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY BUREAU

THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION houses the County’s 911 Center. Dispatchers on four squads handled 292,867 calls for service in 2022, in addition to 301 texts to 911. This division is also home to the Quality Assurance Coordinator, Training Coordinator, CAD Administrator and Recording Administrator.

THE COMPUTER SERVICES DIVISION is responsible for the IT needs of the agency to include remote access, MDCs and desktop computers. They also manage critical databases and the integration of software for field-based reporting, CAD and Lexis Nexis Virtual Crime Center.

THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION includes the Personnel Section, which coordinates with the county’s Office of Human Resources for hiring, employment and benefit-related issues; the Payroll Section; HR Tech Services; and Peer Support, which is comprised of police department employees who volunteer to provide support for agency members who are involved in a traumatic incident or are in need of peer support.

This division also includes the Recruitment and Screening Sections, who processed applicants for one entry-level and four lateral academy classes in 2022. The department hires new officers and cadets on a continuous basis.

THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION includes Fleet and Facilities, which is responsible for ordering, upfitting, equipping and assigning 600 marked and unmarked vehicles and coordinating the repair, maintenance and cleaning of multiple police facilities, including managing card access and building security, renovations and moves.

This division also includes the Quartermaster, who handles supplies and inventory for the entire police department, including uniforms and equipment for sworn, civilian and volunteers, and the Wellness Coordinator works to support the specific high-stress needs of sworn and civilian members’ mental and physical wellness through initiatives designed to encourage a healthy, resilient and engaged workforce.

THE ANIMAL CONTROL DIVISION investigates animal cruelty cases, rescues endangered animals, accepts unwanted pets, administers a pet adoption program, and conducts humane education programs. The division processed 1,874 domestic, stray and wild animals at the shelter, facilitated 662 adoptions or release to rescue organizations and returned 214 animals to their owners in 2022. Personnel issued 423 citations and 169 warnings for animal code violations, and continued to expanded the pet food bank to support residents during times of crisis.

THE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DIVISION includes the Records Section, which is comprised of two shifts, and Records Crime Statistics, which maintains the department’s records, including the Uniform Crime Reporting data on the following pages.

This division also includes the Digital/BWC Management Section, which will be comprised of a civilian supervisor and six BWC Information Management Specialists. These members are responsible for preparing video recordings for release in response to Public Information Act (PIA) requests and subpoenas.

L-R: A dispatcher at work in the 911 Center; the team at Animal Control combines law enforcement and animal welfare to create a safer county and better place for pets and wildlife.

"I [see] so much promise in the people that work here."

recognition

Civilian of the Year

Lauren Frank

Telecommunicator of the Year

Dispatcher First Class Amber DeBow

Officer of the Year Pfc. Melanie Bell

First Year Service Award PO Lawrence Whited

Community Service Award

Pfc. Stephen Willingham

Scott Wheeler Traffic Safety Award

Pfc. Erica Farley

Detective of the Year

D/Cpl. Daniel Branigan

Leadership Award Cpl. Jose Marichal

awards &

Volunteers of the Year:

Auxiliary Officer Edward Wallace

Explorer Laycie Gullion

Animal Control Volunteer Retired Lt. Edward Sprinkle

Officers of the Quarter:

PFC Matthew Paul

PO Hunter Reedy

PFC Shawn Germain

PFC Levi Phelps

Dispatchers of the Quarter:

Dispatcher First Class William Frey

Dispatcher First Class Amber DeBow

Emergency Communications Operator Lillian Vaughan

Dispatcher Kayla Shofroth

Civilians of the Quarter:

Genevieve LaPorte

Kristin Harvey

Leah Henry

Janice Maloney

CRIME STATISTICS

Crime Statistics are collected and reported based on Uniform Crime Reporting procedures established by the FBI. Prior to 2022 Howard County collected and reported data following Summary Reporting procedures. In 2022, these procedures were replaced by the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). The primary difference between Summary Reporting and NIBRS is that Summary Reporting data followed a hierarchal system that listed only the most serious offense associated with an incident; NIBRS reports all charges associated with an incident. Because one incident may have multiple offenses associated with it, the NIBRS system lists a higher number of crimes. This does not necessarily mean the number of incidents where a crime took place is higher.

*In 2022 HCPD made the transition from Summary Reporting to National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) as mandated by the FBI; data may reflect a higher number of offenses although does not necessarily indicate a higher number of incidents.

**In 2022, the category "sex offense (formerly rape)" includes the addition of "forcible fondling" cases, which were not included in previous years.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS STATISTICS

2022 complaints

Complaints and dispositions are listed by total number of involved-officers, not cases. One case may involve multiple officers.