The Maryland Chiefs of Police Association is an outstanding organization made up of professional men and women who are committed to public safety leadership that results in quality law enforcement services across our state. I am honored to serve as President of this association and will do everything I can to further the cause of public safety and professional policing in Maryland.
Author and educator Stephen Covey said, “Policing is one of America’s most noble professions. Service, justice, and fundamental fairness are the foundational principles in which every police action must be grounded. The nobility of policing demands the noblest of character.”
Policing is a noble profession and I am honored by the privilege given me by Governor Martin O’Malley to serve as Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. Governor O’Malley often reminds us that public safety is the most important service government provides. That is why it must be a daily priority and why those who serve our citizens as law enforcement officers must uphold the highest standards of the police profession.
Working together and with the support of elected officials from Annapolis to every county, city and town across this state, law enforcement in Maryland has accomplished great things in recent years, including driving violent crime to record lows. There are thousands of dedicated men and women on our streets around the clock serving and protecting our citizens. Our priority as police leaders must be to support our sworn and civilian employees as we work together to make their jobs safer and more effective through the integration of better equipment, increased training and enhanced technology. All of this must be done with the ultimate goal of making Maryland a safer place to live, work, and raise our families.
The integration of technology into our daily law enforcement mission has provided significant assistance and must continue to be pursued. One of my priorities while serving in this position will be to work with my fellow law enforcement leaders to expand the use of technology in a way that increases our ability to communicate, share criminal information, and fight violent crime.
We have a great law enforcement partnership in Maryland, led by dedicated chiefs and sheriffs who are committed to providing quality public safety services. I am proud to be a part of that team. I look forward to our continuing partnership in the days ahead as we work to make Maryland safer.