The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), officially the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCP or MCDP), is a nationally accredited agency and the primary law enforcement agency of Montgomery County, Maryland, providing the full spectrum of policing services to the entire county, including the Potomac River.
Established in July 1922, the MCPD is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and in addition to its primary duties, it also provides aid and assistance to other police departments including the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and in neighboring jurisdictions such as the District of Columbia, Howard County, Baltimore City, and Prince George's County as requested by authority.
History
thumb|MCPD officers directing traffic in 1981 while dressed as clowns.
1922–1955: Founding and early years
The MCPD was established in early July 1922, absorbing some responsibilities from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) through Chapter 259 of the Acts of 1922. At the time, the department was designated to consist of three to six officers that were appointed to two-year terms by the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, with one officer designated as the chief.
The first chief of the MCPD was Charles T. "Chas" Cooley, who was from Frederick County, Maryland and served as a soldier in the Spanish–American War.
In 1927, the department was enlarged to twenty officers by Chapter 299 of the Acts of 1927.
From 1922 until 1935, the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners designated one police officer from within the MCPD's ranks to serve as its chief. In 1935, through Chapter 9 of the Acts of 1935, the regulations were changed so that the chief could be appointed from any source, at the discretion of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. In 1948, when Montgomery County transitioned to a charter government, the responsibilities of appointing chiefs for the MCPD was transferred to the Montgomery County Executive. and by 1939, the MCPD had 35 policemen. Also that same year, Robert DiGrazia, a former Boston Police Commissioner, became the MCPD's chief, intending to brings new changes to the department. However, he became unpopular with many officers in the department as they believed he was too sharply critical and demanding of them. As a result, he was removed from his position by the county executive in December 1978. Donald E. Brooks became the MCPD's acting chief after DiGrazia was dismissed. After Crooke died, Donald E. Brooks became the MCPD's acting chief.
In March 1981, MCPD policeman Philip Carl Metz was shot and killed while confronting a gang of armed robbers at a Silver Spring business.Security guard David Myers was also killed by the robbers.
1991–1999: Mehrling and the NAACP
On September 24, 1991, Clarence Edwards became the chief of the MCPD, becoming the department's first African American chief as well as the first African American chief of a Maryland county-level police department. He was a former U.S. Park Police (USPP) officer for 21 years and had joined the USPP in September 1963. He also served in the Maryland-National Capital Park Police.
On February 17, 1997, the local Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) body voted overwhelmingly in passing a resolution of no confidence in Mehrling's abilities as chief, claiming that she was not doing enough to defend MCPD officers against accusations of misconduct and abuse by the NAACP. As a result of these allegations, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) launched an investigation into the operations of the MCPD. On November 17, 1998, Mehrling announced that she would retire from the MCPD and did so on February 3, 1999, with Thomas Evans becoming the acting chief.
Although there had been certain public scrutiny about specific police shootings involving MCP officers, it has been determined that they were all justified under the Constitution, federal and state laws, and department policy. The only exception is when an on duty MCP officer shot and wounded a romantic rival in the Wheaton area. The MCP and the state's attorney's office have a long-standing practice of investigating, prosecuting and terminating corrupt MCP officers, although it is a very uncommon occurrence within MCP compared to other large police departments across the United States.
1999–2003: Moose and the D.C. sniper attacks
On August 2, 1999, Charles A. Moose became the fifteenth MCP chief, during a time when the MCP was nearing the end of a three-year-long U.S. Department of Justice investigation into allegations of misconduct and abuse committed by its officers. and was the former chief of the Portland Bureau of Police.
By the end of 1999, crime in Montgomery County was lower than at the start of the decade, with total violent crime down 16 percent, rapes down 23 percent, robberies down 8 percent, aggravated assaults down 19 percent, and overall crime down 9 percent.
On January 14, 2000, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between the U.S. Department of Justice and the MCP regarding abuses and misconduct committed by the latter. The agreement detailed how the MCPD was to address and correct the misconduct and abuses committed by its officers.
On March 12, 2002, John A. King, on Moose's recommendation, was unanimously approved as the MCPD's assistant chief by the county council, after Alan G. Rodbell retired on December 23, 2001, to fill a law enforcement job position in Arizonan city of Scottsdale.
In October 2002, several of the D.C. sniper attacks occurred in Montgomery County. Moose and the MCP played a major role in the ensuing investigation. In June 2003, Moose resigned amid controversy over a book he helped author alongside Charles Fleming, that detailed Moose's experiences during the D.C. sniper attacks. The county government objected in stating that the MCPD chief was not allowed to profit privately from official duties; the book itself was released on September 15, 2003.
In the aftermath, Moose eventually became a police officer in Honolulu, Hawaii. During the sniper case, he was frequently criticized for his lack of public speaking abilities during interviews with the news media.
2003–2004: O'Toole and the search for a new chief
After resigning as the MCPD's chief in June 2003, Moose was succeeded by William C. "Bill" O'Toole, who served as the MCPD's acting chief until a new chief could be found. O'Toole was the MCPD's assistant chief previously; he himself retired from the MCPD on August 1, 2006. Manger is a graduate of the FBI National Academy
Each officer involved in the scheme were either fired, resigned, forced to retire or otherwise disciplined depending on their individual involvement.
From its founding until 2008, the MCPD wore khaki-colored uniforms. However, in 2008, the MCPD switched to its current black-colored uniforms. These uniforms are usually worn with a ballistic vest on top of the uniform's shirt, with the word "POLICE" embroidered onto the back. However, formal uniforms for ceremonial occasions are still khaki and olive-colored.
In 2010, the MCPD shot and killed an armed hostage-taker at the Discovery Communications building in Silver Spring after he attempted to chase after his hostages when they attempted to flee.
An MCP officer that was in the area of the building at the time was awarded for his actions for placing himself inside of the building, communicating with on duty officers and saving multiple lives.
The MCPD's total number of personnel declined from 2010 to 2012 due to the recession and budget county problems. In 2010, the MCPD had an authorized strength of 1,200 sworn officers, but by January 2012 it only had 1,159.
On the evening of January 30, 2014, an MCPD officer shot and killed his son at their home in Gaithersburg as the latter was stabbing the officer's wife, who later died.
In early 2015, during the riots in Baltimore, the MCPD dispatched a Lenco BearCat to assist the Baltimorean police.
In December 2015, an MCP officer was struck and killed in Rockville by an automobile being driven by an inebriated person. That officer, Noah Leotta, was working a DUI enforcement assignment at the time. Maryland legislature later passed Noah's Law which provides enhanced penalties for persons arrested for driving under the influence.
2019–present: The Jones era
In April 2019, J. Thomas Manger retired as the MCP's chief of police. He was succeeded by Marcus Jones a few months later. On March 26, 2021 the department released January 14, 2020 body camera footage showing two officers screaming at and handcuffing a five-year-old special needs child in crisis at Silver Spring and threatening that he should be beaten, and confirmed that the officers remained employed.
In January 2021, members of the MCPD's SERT unit were present at the U.S. Capitol during the riot there by supporters of outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump.
Organization
The MCPD is divided into four bureaus and the Office of the Chief.
Headquarters
The MCPD is headquartered at the J. Thomas Manger Public Safety Headquarters at 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland, near Lake Placid. It was formerly headquartered at 2350 Research Boulevard in the county seat of Rockville until the early 2010s.
Office of the Chief
The Office of the Chief is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the MCP. This section also contains Community Services, Internal Affairs, Legal and Labor, Media Services, and Stress Management.
The current chief of police is long-time MCP officer Marc Yamada, who was sworn in on July 2, 2024. He was preceded in office by Marcus Jones, who had held the office since November 8, 2019.
The MCP also uses Lenco BearCats for emergency situations that require an armored vehicle. The Emergency Services Unit (ESU) utilizes other types of vehicles to supplement the fleet in a support capacity for the Emergency Response Team (ERT ... also known as SWAT) and for major incidents. These include a command bus and other support vehicles.
Officers are issued the Glock Model 17 9mm caliber pistol as the standard issue sidearm. Other Glock 9mm models are available to officers depending on their rank and assignment. The Glock Model 17 replaced the previous issue Models 22, 23 and 27 in .40 caliber. Prior to the Glock, officers were issued a 9mm Beretta 92 Beretta which did not have a safety on it. It was a custom Beretta model created for MCP and other police agencies. Detectives were once issued Smith & Wesson pistols as their sidearm.
Patrol officers also have the option of carrying a Remington 870 12 gauge shotgun, a Benelli 12 gauge shotgun, or a 5.56 caliber patrol rifle, similar to an M4 carbine.
The issued MCP badge has been manufactured by Hahn, Blackinton and CW Nielsen. By 2019, the contracted manufacturer of issued MCP badges is Smith & Warren. It has changed once from a plain, common style Maryland shield badge to an eagle-topped badge. The badge wording, from top to bottom, reads POLICE (RANK) MONTGOMERY COUNTY MD. MCP also uses the Maryland coat of arms as the center piece of the badge instead of a full color state seal.
The national non-emergency contact number for the MCP and Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) is (301) 279–8000. Locally, residents and visitors can call 911 in case of emergencies ONLY. The ECC is staffed 24/7/365. Montgomery County borders Washington, D.C., and is home to over 1 Million residents and growing. The population increases during the average work week. Montgomery County suffers from the usual urban and suburban crime rate such as homicide, rape, robbery, assault and other violent, gang and drug-related crime as any other major metropolitan area. When comparing Montgomery County to police staffing and population, it is slightly below the expected national average. Montgomery County is considered to be one of the wealthiest and most populated areas of the United States. Development, traffic congestion and crime is at its peak, and there are currently plans at the state and local levels to address it.
Current vehicles
{| class="wikitable"
! Colspan="2"| Vehicle
! Colspan="1"| Type
! Colspan="1"| Country
|- valign="center"″
| border|center|215px
| First-generation Dodge Charger
| Cruiser
| (origin)<br /> Canada (manufacture)
|-
| border|center|215px
| Second-generation Dodge Charger
| Cruiser
| (origin)<br /> (manufacture)
|-
| border|center|215px
| Ford Police Interceptor Sedan
| Cruiser
|
|-
|
| Ford Econoline
| Van
|
|-
| border|center|215px
| Lenco BearCat
| Armored car
|
|-
| border|center|215px
| Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
| Cruiser
| (origin)<br /> Canada (manufacture)
|- valign="center"
|
| Ninth generation Chevrolet Impala
|Mobile command center
|
|-
|
|Chevrolet Caprice PPV
|Cruiser
|
|}
Past vehicles
{| class="wikitable"
! Colspan="2"| Vehicle
! Colspan="1"| Type
! Colspan="1"| Country
|- valign="center"
|
| Third-generation Dodge Caravan
| Minivan
|
|- valign="center"
|
| First generation Ford Crown Victoria
| Cruiser
|
|- valign="center"
|
| Fourth generation Chevrolet Caprice
| Cruiser
|
|- valign="center"
|
| Eighth generation Chevrolet Impala
| Cruiser
| (origin)<br /> Canada (manufacture)
|}
List of chiefs and superintendents
{| class="wikitable"
! Colspan="1"| No.
! Colspan="2"| Chief
! Colspan="1"| Rank
! Colspan="1"| Life
! Colspan="1"| Tenure
|- valign="center"
|1
|
|Charles T. "Chas" Cooley
|Chief
|November 1976 – December 1978
|Chief
|
|2019–2024
|-
|18
|
|Marc Yamada
|Chief
|
|July 1, 2024- Present
|}
Ranks
{| border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="5" style="border-collapse:collapse;" class="wikitable"
!Rank
!Insignia
!Duties/Responsibilities.
|-
|Chief of Police
|center|50px
|The chief of police is in charge of running the entire department. The rank insignia for the MCPD's chief is a gold-colored U.S. eagle, similar to the silver ones worn by colonels and nautical captains in the U.S. military.
|-
|Assistant Chief of Police
|center|27px|Commander, MCPD
|The rank insignia for an MCPD Assistant Chief of Police is a silver oak leaf, similar to a lieutenant colonel's rank insignia in the U.S. military. The Assistant Chief of Police is the commander of a MCPD Bureau.
|-
|Commander
|center|27px|Commander, MCPD
|The rank insignia for an MCPD commander is a gold oak leaf, similar to a major or lieutenant commander's rank insignia in the U.S. military. Commander is a title rather than a rank and is given to captains in charge of a district.
|-
|Captain
|center|25px
|The rank insignia for an MCPD captain are two gold bars, similar to the two silver bars worn by captains in the U.S. Army. They are usually worn embroidered on shoulderboards. Captains are in charge of a division, act as countywide supervisors, and assist assistant chiefs of police.
|-
|Lieutenant
|center|10px|border
|The rank insignia for an MCPD lieutenant is a single gold-colored bar, similar to that worn by second lieutenants and ensigns in the U.S. military. Lieutenants act as shift commanders in a district and as unit or section commanders.
|-
|Sergeant
|center|35px
|The rank insignia for an MCPD sergeant are three gold-colored chevrons. They are metallic pins and are worn on the shirt collar of uniforms. Sergeants are field supervisors and may act as Squad commanders.
|-
|Corporal
|center|35px
|The rank insignia for an MCPD corporal are two gold-colored chevrons. They are embroidered onto black cloth rectangles and worn as shoulderboards, as well as metallic pins and worn on the shirt collars of uniforms.
|-
|Police officer III
|
|
|-
|Police officer II
|
|
|-
|Police officer I
|
|
|}
Historical ranks
{| border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="5" style="border-collapse:collapse;" class="wikitable"
!Rank
!Insignia
!Notes
|-
|Chief of police (2002)
|center|54px
|During the tenure of Chief Charles A. Moose in the early 2000s, the MCPD chief's rank insignia consisted of two five-pointed yellow stars, identical to the chief's rank insignia in the Portland Bureau of Police and similar to the silver ones worn by major generals or rear admirals in the U.S. military.
|-
|}
Awards and decorations
{| border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="5" style="border-collapse:collapse;" class="wikitable"
!Award
!Ribbon
!Criterion
|-
|Medal of Valor
|center|65px|border
|The MCPD's highest award, the Medal of Valor is awarded to an MCPD officer for heroism and distinction in extremely hazardous circumstances. In order to be considered for this honor, an employee must exhibit unusual bravery in the performance of duty while facing the threat of death of serious injury.
|-
|Life Saving Award
|center|65px|border
|The Life Saving Award is given to an MCPD officer who makes a major contribution toward saving the life of another by providing essential medical treatment prior to arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.
|-
|Commendation
|center|65px|border
|A Commendation is awarded to an MCPD officer who makes a significant contribution to the mission of the department beyond the ordinary call of duty. It recognizes those incidents wherein the member's courage, resourcefulness, tenacity, and/or perseverance in the performance of the employee's duties has resulted in the protection of life or property, the prevention of a major crime, or the apprehension of an armed and dangerous criminal.
|-
|}
Patches
{| border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="5" style="border-collapse:collapse;" class="wikitable"
!Patch
!Dates of usage
!Notes
|-
|center|162px
|1930s–1955
|
|-
|center|162px
|1955–1972
|
|-
|center|162px
|1972–1981
|Patch used by the MCPD during much of the 1970s and the early 1980s. It was the last patch to feature the old Montgomery County coat of arms before it was redesigned in 1978.
|-
|center|162px
|1981–present
|In 1978, the Montgomery County coat of arms were redesigned by the British College of Arms, and thus, a new patch incorporating the new design was adopted shortly thereafter. The patch is five inches in height. The patch was slightly modified when uniforms changed to black in 2008. The current patch is taller, but still retains the same design. The standard uniform patch is also now worn on both sleeves since the uniform change in 2008; previously they were only worn on one sleeve. A badge patch may be worn on uniforms depending on assignment. The badge patch is either gold/yellow in color or "subdued". There are also newer, subdued K9 unit and ERT patches in use. Most division patches are similar in shape, size and colors with various designations of divisions or units.
|}
In popular culture
- The Montgomery County Police Department is featured in a chapter of the 1996 novel, Unintended Consequences.
- The Montgomery County Police Department is briefly featured in the 2001 episode of The X-Files television show, "Essence".
- The Montgomery County Police Department is featured prominently in the 2003 television film D.C. Sniper: 23 Days of Fear, where they are shown investigating a string of murders committed by a sniper in the county.
- The Montgomery County Police Department is featured in the 2005 comedy film The Pacifier.
- The Montgomery County Police Department is featured in the 2010 comedy film Red.
- The Montgomery County Police Department is featured in the third-season episode "Gerontion" of the television show Homeland in 2013, where they investigate a murder at a house in Bethesda.
See also
- Shooting of Duncan Lemp
- List of law enforcement agencies in Maryland
- Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
Notes
References
External links
- Montgomery County Police Department at the Officer Down Memorial Page