Sheriff and local police chiefs brief oversight board on arrests, staffing and state policy concerns

Caroline County — At its June 1 meeting, the Caroline County Police Accountability Board heard routine reports from Sheriff Donald Baker and a Benton Police Department captain that included arrest counts, staffing numbers and concerns about state-level rules governing discipline.

Sheriff Baker said the sheriff’s office recorded 187 arrests during the reporting period: three felonies, 184 misdemeanors and eight DUIs. He reported 50 sworn officers on the roster and said the department had no vacancies at the time; five officers are scheduled for the training academy and two are currently in the academy with upcoming graduations. Baker also discussed ongoing issues in Greensboro and noted the Maryland State Police had taken the lead there while the town appoints an interim chief.

Baker raised policy concerns about costs and timelines for administrative trial boards and pay during criminal proceedings. "I shouldn't have to pay you for 2 years to sit around and wait for a trial," he said, urging legislative fixes to reduce the time and expense associated with trial boards and to better align suspension and pay rules with the severity of alleged misconduct.

Captain Jamie Seacrest of the Benton Police Department presented that agency’s recent community-policing activities and statistics, noting participation in local events and policy updates. Seacrest reported 12 felony arrests, 44 misdemeanor arrests (including five juveniles), 24 traffic arrests (one juvenile), two DUIs, and 7,168 calls for service. Benton PD has an authorized strength of 14 officers and reported four vacancies, with background investigations underway for candidates.

Both presenters said they would provide supplemental statistics and policy updates to board staff. The board did not take further action on the reports but scheduled interview and follow-up meeting dates to handle ACC business.

Next steps: The sheriff said he would forward commendations and complaint-related information from the department for the board’s records; the Benton captain agreed to email his quarterly statistics to staff for retention.