HOWARD COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
chief of police gregory der a message from
CHIEF
VIDEO
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
Organized 1952
Chief of Police Gregory Der
Authorized sworn officers 509
Civilian employees 240
Total calls into 911 Center 311,272
FY22 General Fund Budget $136,494,954
Starting salary for officers $61,194
Sworn officer training 32 weeks classroom 14 field
HOWARD COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Founded 1851
County Executive Calvin Ball
Full-time Employees 3,575
Population (US Census) 335,411
Area 251 square miles
County Seat Ellicott City
FY22 General Fund Budget $1,380,020,972
Chief Administrative Officer Brandee Ganz
County Council
Deb Jung
Liz Walsh
Opel Jones
Christiana Rigby
David Yungmann
For six consecutive years, Howard County has been home to the Safest City in Maryland and one of the Safest Cities in America. This would not be possible without the sacrifice and hard work of the members of our Howard County Police Department who stand guard, answer all calls for help, and ensure our public safety.
In 2023, I prioritized the Howard County Police Department with increased budget allocation of $11 million, which reflects the largest in at least a decade. This includes $3.7 million 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.
Our community is at its safest when there is a strong bond between our Howard County Police and the community it serves. Your officers have gone above and beyond to strengthen this bond and reach all who live in Howard County. We have seen continued success with hallmark community outreach events such as Coffee with a Cop and National Night Out. Public training programs and events have impacted our community's attitudes, and willingness to engage. Not only do you connect, but you also challenge biases, educate the public, and push the bounds of what the police do, making Howard County all the safer.
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 trends: Total violent crime was down nearly 10% in 2023. Property crime continues to be up from historic lows seen in 2020 and 2021, with a notable surge in motor vehicle theft—an issue nationwide. Calls for police service are 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. Note: 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 in-depth fashion. More information on the data can be found on page 17.
Auto theft prevention: With a grant from the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, HCPD’s Auto Theft Unit distributed 375 free SmartTags to help Hyundai and Kia owners at their first giveaway event in December. The tracking devices are intended to aid in locating and recovering stolen vehicles. Police do not have the ability to access location information. Residents were instructed to call 911 if their vehicle is stolen and provide information to police.
CRIME AND TRAFFIC SAFETY DASHBOARDS:
In an ongoing commitment to transparency and public safety, the Howard County Police Department and County Executive Calvin Ball launched two new innovative online interactive dashboards to provide the public with updated information about crime reports and traffic stops. Both are available at HCPD.org.
traffic safety: HCPD recommitted to traffic safety with a restructure of the Traffic Enforcement and Crash Reconstruction Sections, a focus on saturation patrols and specialized details, and a new, streamlined option for the public to share their concerns online at HCPD.org.
Recruitment: Innovation in the department’s recruitment techniques, including a newly implemented Fast Track Hiring Process and SMS marketing campaign, paired with historic funding from County Executive Ball in the FY2023 budget, resulted in the processing of the largest HCPD academy class since 1993, in addition to four lateral classes.
Body Worn Camera Program: The HCPD Body Worn Camera (BWC) program has seen great success and growth since its launch in late 2022, with funding from Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. Police Chief Gregory Der and the HCPD continue to review and update BWC policy that follows best practices. The BWC program has been well-received throughout the community and the agency in a partnership that offers transparency in police interactions with the public.
Youth Outreach: The department continued to offer a variety of programs geared toward local youth in 2023, 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.
A photo from the Long Reach Village Center cleanup that was later selected as a winner in the U.S. Department of Justice Community Policing in Action photo contest
Giving Back: HCPD officers, civilians and charitable organizations continued the law enforcement tradition of giving back in 2023. Members took part in events like the Polar Bear Plunge, Shop with a Cop, and numerous fundraisers and donation drives for those in need.
On Earth Day, Long Reach Community Resource Officer Ben Fisher teamed up with non-profit Power52 Foundation, located right in the Village Center, to organize a cleanup on a piece of land that community members had reported as a problem area. Dozens of volunteers removed trash, bottles, tires, and cleared shrubbery to make it a safer and brighter area.
MISSION BBQ and Howard County Police Officers Association (HCPOA) also contributed to the initiative. A photo from the event was later selected as a winner in the U.S. Department of Justice Community Policing in Action photo contest.
In August, the Beyond the Badge Foundation, a non-profit created by five Howard County Police officers, held its annual Stuff the Backpack event, filling up an astounding 3,900 new backpacks with school supplies for schoolchildren throughout the Howard County and Baltimore region.
As Howard County children prepared to head back to school, Centurions For Justice (Howard County Police Minority Officers' Association) and HCPOA teamed up with others in the Columbia community for a haircut and a school supply giveaway. It was great to see so many families come through and leave with fresh haircuts, smiles, and supplies! Warren’s Barber Shop, the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, and Sno Blast DMV also donated their time and services.
Additionally, Academy Class #48 raised $1,096 for cancer awareness during No-Shave November.
OFFICE OF THE chief
CHIEF OF POLICE
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.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS BUREAU
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.
Gregory Der
L-R: A member of the department's honor guard at the county's 9/11 ceremony; an academy class is briefed by instructors; Chief Der volunteers at a holiday food drive.
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.
PATROL DISTRICTS
FIELD OPERATIONS COMMAND
Deputy Chief Justin Baker
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 who provides focused efforts and assistance to specific populations within the community as well as general community groups.
The Crisis Intervention Section which 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) which includes dedicated officers and a sergeant who address community needs through crime prevention and targeted enforcement. This group focuses on Howard County’s village centers, main street Ellicott City as well as the extensive footpaths, open spaces and parks.
The Victim Assistance Section who 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 14 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: Several patrol officers are credited with saving the life of man who intended to harm himself; an officer shops with a child at the department's annual Shop with a Cop event.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
Deputy Chief Thomas Ehart
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 Crash Reconstruction Section; the School Crossing Guard Section; the Automated Enforcement Section, which oversees the Red Light, False Alarm and School Bus Units; and the Speed Enforcement Section.
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.
L-R: A K9 team poses for a photo; a member of the Forensic Sciences Division tests out their equipment.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMAND
Deputy Chief Cory Zirk
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 and Warrants Sections. The Crime Reduction 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; and the Financial Crimes Section, and Auto Theft Unit. This division specializes in residential and commercial property crimes including pawn and metal theft, auto theft, fraud/forgery and fire investigations.
L-R: Evidence on display during a press conference following arrests in a major gun case; two detectives collaborate on a case; a detective reviews evidence from several cell phones.
ADMINISTRATION COMMAND
Deputy Chief Terrence Benn
INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY BUREAU
THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION houses the County’s 911 Center. Dispatchers on four squads handled 311,272 calls for service in 2023, in addition to 312 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 three lateral academy classes in 2023. 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 2,111 domestic, stray and wild animals at the shelter, facilitated 641 adoptions or release to rescue organizations and returned 247 animals to their owners in 2023. Personnel issued 247 citations and 219 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: An animal handler cares for an adoptable puppy; an assistant recruiter talks with a prospect at a recruiting event; a dispatcher at work in the 911 Center.
awards & recognition
Detective of the Year
Dfc. Timothy Usher
Scott Wheeler Traffic Safety Award
Pfc. Kirk Brown
Leadership Award
D/Sgt. Ryan Gregory
Telecommunicator of the Year
Dispatcher First Class
Christopher O'Connor, Jr.
Community Service Award
Pfc. Benjamin Fisher
Civilian of the Year
Tracy Downard
First Year Service Award
PO Davone Harrison
Officer of the Year
Cpl. Kendall Brennan
Volunteers of the Year:
Auxiliary Officer Thomas Lentscher
Explorer Lt. Natalie Roberts
Animal Control Volunteer Randall Miller
Officers of the Quarter:
Pfc. William Martin
Pfc. Benjamin Fisher
Pfc. Younes Elmaataoui
Cpl. Kendall Brennan
Dispatchers of the Quarter:
Dispatcher First Class Christopher O’Connor
Dispatcher Valerie Cromer
Senior Dispatcher Jeremy Sparks
Dispatcher First Class Charles Cox
Civilians of the Quarter:
Tracy Downard
Shelby DeHaven
Gerald Young
Allison Fischer
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.
NOTE: 2023 crime data pulled on March 9, 2024; 2023 arrest data pulled on June 18, 2024.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS STATISTICS
2023 complaints
CONDUCT
PERFORMANCE
Complaints and dispositions are listed by total number of involved-officers, not cases. One case may involve multiple officers.
