County Public Safety Teams Deepen Commitment to Community Policing

From National Night Out celebrations to expanding community outreach year-round through safety initiatives, county police and sheriffs are enhancing community-policing efforts statewide. 

Anne Arundel County Police Department local car show at The Severn Run Church.

Policing nationwide, for some time now, has continued moving beyond a strictly enforcement-driven model to one that prioritizes prevention, trust-building, and community service. This has included the rise of specialized response teams, alternatives to arrest, and stronger partnerships between law enforcement and the public. County police and sheriffs in Maryland continue to exemplify and expand on these trends in visible and practical ways.

The Baltimore County Police Department’s recent recognition of its Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) demonstrates the importance of pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals. By embedding clinicians alongside officers, Baltimore County reduces unnecessary arrests and hospitalizations while ensuring residents in crisis are connected with treatment and resources. This program, that has been underway for sometime, is an early example of the co-responder model that is essential for modern policing, bridging the gap between public safety and public health. The Worcester County Sheriffs Office recently highlighted a similar program during the 2025 MACo Summer Conference where deputies are partnered with co-responders who can not only assist with mental and behavioral health needs of a resident but also, if needed, connect them with housing resources for those experiencing homelessness.

Baltimore County Police Dept Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Units.

Montgomery County Police’s recent Autism/IDD driver safety course, run by their Autism/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Unit, also aligns with the call for police to become educators and facilitators rather than simply enforcers. Training individuals with autism and developmental disabilities on how to interact safely during traffic stops reflects a preventative, trust-focused strategy. Instead of waiting for potential misunderstandings to escalate, MCPD is building awareness and preparing residents in advance.

Worcester County Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli discussing co-responder program.

Prince George’s County Police Department’s annual Domestic Violence 5K offers another example of this shift. By hosting a community walk/run centered on awareness and healing, PGPD is broadening its role beyond responding to violent incidents after they occur. The event highlights prevention and solidarity, showing that police departments can be partners in addressing root causes of harm while fostering a sense of unity with the public. Similarly, Howard County Police Department’s National Night Out kickoff event at Blandair Park illustrates how Maryland agencies are strengthening unity through community celebration. By emphasizing fun, safety, and collaboration with public safety partners, they underscore that trust and approachability are built through consistent, positive engagement with residents.

Montgomery County Police Department driver safety course with their Autism/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Unit.

Finally, Anne Arundel County Police Department’s recent participation in a local car show rounds out this picture of modern policing in practice. Like National Night Out, the car show created space for informal, friendly interactions between officers and families, particularly children. These settings make officers more approachable and reinforce the values of trust, transparency, and respect that are essential for 21st-century policing. These examples demonstrate that community policing is more than just abstract ideals in Maryland and are tangible practices shaping the day-to-day work of local law enforcement to keep residents safe.