2007 was a year filled with hope and anticipation as we moved forward
with our plans for the expansion of the
Police Administration Building. With
the support of Mayor Willey and the Town Council, we have been able to develop a
site plan and schematic drawings that we are optimistic we will be able to
proceed, staying within our budgeting guidelines.
The Department participated in a number of initiatives that are targeting
the ever prevalent issues of drug abuse and the related criminal activity
associated with that abuse. The
Department participated as a member of the Talbot County Blue Ribbon Commission
to develop strategies for substance abuse prevention.
Further, the Department is also represented as an active member of the
Drug Court Steering Committee. The
Drug Court has two initiatives that are currently operational, they are the
Juvenile Drug Court and the Talbot County Adult VOP Drug Court.
Commanders of the Support Services Division, Patrol Division and Special
Operations Division have been very active and involved in our Department’s
mission and each submits the following summary.
Support Services Division
- As technology in the Criminal Justice field has expanded, the
Department was able to keep up the pace.
To supplement the lap-top computers installed in our
patrol vehicles, mobile video cameras were installed to aid in the
prosecution of criminal and traffic offenses occurring along the streets and
roadways of Easton. An update was
made to the in-house video security system as well, enhancing our ability to
monitor prisoners awaiting an initial appearance
at the Commissioner’s Office. Officers
received training in the use of the LiveScan Automated Fingerprinting System,
soon to be implemented by the Department.
The Department received a grant for over $500,000 for an upgrade to the
current telephone system, allowing the Department to serve as a backup for the
911 Center in the event the Center has to evacuate
for any reason. In addition, the new
phone system will greatly enhance our Department’s ability to serve the
public. Another grant for $20,000
was approved for Electronic Ticketing, or E-Tix,
allowing officers to electronically obtain drivers’ license checks, alert for
wanted persons, and forward tickets to the Courts instantly.
Patrol Division -
The Patrol Division theme for 2007 was “Quality Performance”.
Members of the Patrol Division were instructed to improve the quality of
service in all complaints and investigations to achieve better outcomes.
This resulted in an increase of over 62% of controlled dangerous
substance (CDS) closures/arrests and an increase in the number of
firearms removed from the streets.
Although this quality over quantity approach resulted in a minor reduction
of overall traffic statistics, improved outcomes resulted.
Officers were directed to dedicate an enhanced and systematic
response to neighborhoods and roadways where citizen complaints
identified problem areas. This approach included speed surveys, radar traffic
sign, Metro-Count, and traditional enforcement.
Marked crosswalk compliance was also targeted for enhanced enforcement,
utilizing plain clothed officers. A
year long project was initiated to address Easton’s diverse driving community.
This project
implemented a variety of educational and enforcement strategies.
At the end of 2007, the Town of Easton enjoyed a reduction in traffic
crashes by 7%. With the successes
that have already been identified, we are optimistic to report even greater
achievements for the 2008 Annual Report.
Special Operations Division
- Consists of twelve specialized officers. These
officers are broken down into the Criminal Investigation Unit, the Narcotics
Investigation Unit, including an officer assigned
to the Talbot County Narcotics Task Force, and the Bicycle Unit. Officers
selected to serve in the Special Operations Division must pass a rigorous and
stringent selection process.
During 2007, this Division’s stats consisted of
359 criminal reports, 241 arrests, 113 drug arrests, 8 DWI’s, 1,208
traffic violations, 26 civil forfeitures, resulting in $19,846 and 5 vehicles
being forfeited to the Town of Easton.
The Special Operations Division was also responsible for 52 Search and
Seizure warrants.
The Bicycle Unit conducted numerous bicycle education talks, gang awareness
presentations and neighborhood association meetings.
They were also involved in National Night Out and organized the Martin
Luther King basketball tournament and the Family Fun Day event.
The Special Operations Division also has the responsibility for the eleven member part-time Special Weapons Team, which was activated 29 times, to include 19 high risk entries and 1 hostage/barricade. The other 9 call-outs were resolved prior to the Team needing to be utilized.
Melbourne J. "Ben" Blue
Chief of Police