In an exclusive interview, Maryland’s newest police chief, Marc Yamada, shares how his approach to transparency, technology, and interagency partnerships could model solutions for counties statewide.

Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada brings something rare to law enforcement leadership: 37 years of experience in the same department serving the community where he was born and raised. In a recent interview with Bethesda Magazine, the county’s first Asian American police chief outlined his approach to modern policing—one that balances technology, community trust, and officer wellness while addressing universal challenges like recruitment and retention.

I wanted to help the community that I grew up in, and I thought I would be out doing things as opposed to in an office somewhere… Looking back on it, I can’t imagine doing anything else for 37 years.- Yamada tells Bethesda Magazine

Yamada’s policing philosophy has three pillars. It starts with:

• Bridging the Gap:
  • Expand school outreach programs
  • Rebuild elementary/middle school connections
  • Increase cultural competency training for officer

• Smart Technology Integration (along with the drone as a first responded program)
  • Body cameras with “multiple layers of review”
  • Real-time crime center reducing response times
  • Data-driven patrol allocations

• Supporting Officer Wellness
  • Mental health partnerships (Harbor of Grace program)
  • Financial literacy training
  • “Checking in” email system for all ranks

For county leaders, Yamada’s approach demonstrates how sustained community engagement can help rebuild trust while maintaining public safety.

“I don’t have any visions of living anywhere else,” says Yamada, whose children and three grandchildren all live in the area. “I’ve never had any desire to leave, and now to be in charge of public safety for the same place that I was born and raised is just an honor.”