A new unit has been formed within the Department - Special Operations. It combines efforts of drug investigators, Bike Patrol and the Special Weapons Team. This unit has been assigned the task of dealing with drug problems reocurring in a number of neighborhoods. The Special Operations patrol fleet has been augmented through the conversion of seized vehicles from drug investigations and our goal is to continue this trend and use the proceeds from drug investigations to further our investigation into the areas of manufacturing and distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS).
The Department is currently at full strength and I am hopeful the attrition rate will continue to decline and look forward to working at full strength.
As employees of the Easton Police Department, we are proud of our dedicated service to the Town of Easton and look forward to the celebration of 100 years of service in 2006.
Melbourne J. "Ben" Blue
Chief of Police
The past year has been one of transition and change. Chief George Harvey retired in July of 2004 and I was named Chief of Police in August. I named Captain David Spencer as Deputy Chief and promoted him to the rank of Major. Since the change in leadership, a lot of transition has occurred.
Great effort has has been made to re-establish a positive working relationship with law enforcement agencies in the county (Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police, St. Michaels Police Department, Oxford Police Department, the State's Attorney's Office, as well as, the court system).
In September of 2004, we adopted the use of a new 800 MHz radio system. This system has proven to be reliable and the inter-operability with allied agencies was proven beneficial on October 26, 2004 when Easton Bank and Trust was the victim of an armed robbery. The ability to communicate with the Talbot County Sheriff's Office and Department of Natural Resources resulted in the quick apprehension of the suspect and eventually the recovery of the stolen money and the weapon used.
