If Mount Airy forms an independent police force, the town would opt out of a long-term law enforcement plan with Maryland State Police, a contract expected to increase in cost by 20 to 30 percent in the next fiscal year.
A police task force in Mount Airy is looking for cost-effective ways to keep residents safe as costs increase for its current law enforcement program. Included in a growing list of options is the formation of an independent police force in a town with a growing population. Mayor Patrick T. Rockinberg commissioned the three-member group months ago to research policing options.
“This year we had a huge increase in the cost for our state police,” he said. “Part of the problem is that they were going to continue to escalate.”
This year’s Maryland State Police contract cost the town $536,896, according to state police records. Rockinberg commissioned a task force experienced in law enforcement and finance. Members include retired Montgomery County police officer Robert Disinger, retired Howard County officer Gregory R. Scott and former banker Rick Blatchford.
The Maryland State Police Resident Trooper Program became a law enforcement staple for the community decades ago. Established in 1968, the program provides contractual law enforcement services to counties and municipalities.
Task force members say costs associated with the program are expected to reach about $800,000 in the next fiscal year, and it is time to explore options for the town, which is split between Frederick and Carroll counties.
“They said once it’s gone it’s gone, perhaps it’s a program that may have run its course,” Disinger said. “That’s a decision the town fathers are going to have to make.”
A number of possibilities are being added to a comprehensive report, scheduled to be presented to residents early next year. If an independent police department is formed, task force members say start-up costs would be significant and they are still working on figures related to the idea.
“We don’t own a badge or a button,” Disinger said. “We have to start from nothing and buy the cars and everything else.”
Another option would call for a contract with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office or the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. Resident deputies could turn out to be a more economical option than resident troopers, task force members said.
If town officials opt for resident deputies, a mutual aid agreement would be made between the two counties’ commissioners, according to Maryland criminal procedure code. Both elected sheriffs made presentations during a Tuesday task force meeting.
“We are talking about a dollars-and-cents issue — that’s all it is,” Disinger said.
Task force members also wanted to know how much it would cost to hire deputies on a part-time basis. Overtime rates would be paid to deputies asked to work special events, such as carnivals. Deputies needed to patrol problem areas could also be dispatched for part-time work.
Going without contracts or a police department was also discussed, an option task force members called “going naked.” In this case, Frederick County and Carroll County deputies would be dispatched as needed.
“Everything is on the table,” Rockinberg said.
