Today, legislative analyst Susan J. Farag of the Montgomery County Council’s Advisory Commission on Policing provided the Public Safety Committee with the following overview of the Montgomery County Police Department’s staffing:
• The Department’s sworn strength has dropped from 1,295 Officers in 2019 to 1,101 in 2024 – a loss of 194 Officers over the past five years.
• There are 179 sworn vacancies now (14% vacancy rate).
• There are also 137 professional staff vacancies (18% vacancy rate).
• The 911 Emergency Communication Center (ECC) has 64 vacant positions (43%
vacancy rate).
• Vacancies have operational impacts: patrol overtime jumped 54% and priority response times increased more than 17% from 2019 to 2023.
• Sworn Attrition slowed during 2023, but that may be as result of enhanced pension
multipliers and other benefits that will be effective January 1, 2025.
• This pension benefit change may also significantly increase sworn retirements in 2025.
• Recent recruit classes have averaged 23 recruits each, which remains too low to address
current attrition.
Overview: The police staffing shortage is not new, it is national, and it persists. Departments struggle
to adapt as they experience high numbers of retirements and resignations, and many younger
members of the workforce are not choosing policing as a profession. While the County has made significant progress shifting certain responsibilities away from police, such as its robust expansion of mobile crisis outreach teams (MCOTs)1 that respond and provide support and services for individuals experiencing behavioral health concerns, there will always been a need for Police Officers to respond to calls for service for crimes (particularly those of violence) and conduct
professional criminal investigations.
Police departments are examining innovative ways to meet community safety needs. Not only are departments faced with shrinking numbers of sworn staff, but the nature of crime and disorder continues to change as well. For example, social media has fueled an auto theft trend and has facilitated car meetups that take over entire streets and intersections. The internet also provides some individuals with an often-false sense of invisibility, who then call in bomb threats or swatting incidents, often from overseas.
This region has unique challenges as well, with a
growing number of protests and rallies that require event management such as traffic direction and
crowd control, to threats against high-profile public officials5 that require investigation and protection. Some of these events require large police responses that further diminish available staff to respond to more typical calls for service. These changes require departments to do more with less, while providing flexibility to address emerging public safety needs.
Against this challenging and changing landscape, MCPD is experiencing its highest sworn vacancy rate in the past 10 years, with most attrition occurring after 2019.
Overall, the Department has 194 fewer officers than it did that year, as filled positions have dropped from 1,295 to 1,101. The authorized sworn complement has also decreased since then, from 1,307 to 1,280. Today, the current vacancy rate is 14% and reflects 179 vacancies.
Charts and additional information available here.
Recent Stories
Montgomery County Police responded to the report of shots fired on Wednesday, May 8 in Montgomery Village.
Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School, Cabin John Middle School, and Albert Einstein and James Hubert Blake high schools have been named 2024 Maryland Green Schools, bringing the MCPS total…
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will hold a virtual Purple Line Community Advisory Team (CAT) meeting for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase community on Tuesday, May 14 from 6-7:30pm.
The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division and Montgomery Parks are seeking the public’s help regarding a fire that destroyed the Greenbriar Local Park main playground, located at 12525…
FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
