The Anne Arundel County Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States, serving a population of more than 564,195 per 2015 census estimates across of jurisdiction. The Department was created by an Act of the Maryland General Assembly in 1937, and originally consisted of a Chief of Police, three sergeants, and seventeen patrolmen. , the department is staffed by approximately 790 sworn officers and more than 200 civilian members, including chaplains, crime scene technicians, animal control officers, communications call-takers and dispatchers, and volunteer "reserve officers" under the leadership of Interim Chief of Police, William Lowry. The Anne Arundel County Police Department has been internationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies since July 30, 1994.
Rank structure
The Anne Arundel County Police Department operates as a para-military organization using these sworn personnel ranks:
The section provides community service-oriented support in the areas of crime prevention and community relations, provides a variety of educational and community-based recreational youth programs and oversees the department’s volunteer program and the Office of the Chaplain. The section serves as a direct liaison with community groups to foster a better working relationship between the department and the communities.
Crime prevention
Through its Crime Prevention Unit, the section provides support and subject matter expertise in the area of crime prevention and avoidance. It conducts crime avoidance surveys for businesses and residences, and oversees neighborhood watch programs. The Crime Prevention Unit also manages the department’s volunteer Reserve Officer program, the Volunteers in Police Service program, and the Office of the Chaplain. The Office of the Chaplain provides counseling and spiritual support to Department employees.
Special operations
The Special Operations Division includes the Quick Response Team, K-9 Unit, Traffic Safety Section, and Aviation Unit. QRT and K9 provide tactical support for a variety of department activities including patrol operations, high-risk warrant service, selective patrol and narcotics operations, dignitary protection, and response to hostage, barricade, and terrorist incidents. The Traffic Safety Section is responsible for investigating all life threatening and fatal traffic crashes. This Section also manages several traffic related programs and handles all escorts. The Aviation Unit provides aerial tactical support of ground units including traffic enforcement, aerial observation and pursuits, missing persons, search and rescue, tactical patrol operations, and extraordinary police incidents.
Communications
Anne Arundel County operates an 800 MHz trunked radio system for all county police, fire and DPW communications. Broadcasts are currently digital communications for law enforcement; however fire, DPW and other users are still analog as of April 12, 2019. A new radio system is currently being installed and eventually all users will be digital.
Weapons
Handguns
In 2019, the Department transitioned to the Glock 17 and Glock 19 models chambered in 9mm. Prior to the transition to Sig Saur handguns in the late 1990s, officers were issued the 9mm Beretta 92F.
Long guns
Remington 870 shotguns and AR-15 rifles are issued on each patrol shift to ensure the county is prepared for the contingencies that are a reality in the 21st century.
Other
The ASP expandable baton, O.C. spray and X26p Tasers are issued to all officers. "Less lethal" beanbag shotguns are issued on each shift to ensure they are capable of de-escalation in unavoidable use of force encounters. Vehicles include Ford Taurus Interceptors, Utility Interceptors, and F150 trucks.
