State Police Superintendent Marcus Brown Resigns
Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus Brown announced late today he will resign his position on Jan. 19 to pursue other opportunities.
In a letter to Maryland State Police troopers and civilian employees, Colonel Brown said he is leaving with a “heavy heart.” He thanked Maryland State Police employees for their outstanding service to the citizens of the state. “I am in awe of the successes you have achieved,” Colonel Brown said. “Nothing has been more impressive than the work you have done with our local and federal partners to make all Maryland communities safer. Over the past four years, you have helped reduce violent and property crime to historic lows. Homicides across the state are lower than they have been in three decades. More lives were saved on our highways during the period than ever before. If making communities safer and saving lives is our ultimate goal, which it is, your success is unprecedented.”
Brown also thanked sworn and civilian employees for working together to accomplish significant changes that have made the Maryland State Police more effective. While Superintendent, the State Police obtained new pistols for troopers, obtained a funding plan to replace the patrol vehicle fleet, transitioned to a new fleet of helicopters, implemented new radio and computer-aided dispatch/records management systems, and deployed the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort, or SPIDRE Team, a full-time unit of drunk driving enforcement troopers.
Changes were also made within the organization. The Special Operations Bureau was created and the Criminal Investigation Bureau was reorganized to prioritize the State Police mission of focusing on cross border and inter-jurisdictional crime. The Maryland State Police also pursued and achieved national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The Maryland State Police is now the only state police agency in the nation to hold the prestigious Tri-Arc Award, presented to police agencies achieving accreditation in law enforcement, public safety communication, and public safety training.
According to a news release, Brown prioritized community service and outreach for the Maryland State Police as well. Two years ago, he established the Superintendent’s Council of Advisors on Diversity and Inclusion, which includes representatives from the ACLU, the NAACP, the Maryland General Assembly, and local business and community leaders. This committee examines the Maryland State Police regarding unbiased policing, minority recruitment, and other related issues. Recommendations are provided regarding how the Maryland State Police can improve in these areas and promote positive relations with the communities that troopers serve. Colonel Brown established a partnership program with the State Police and the Maryland Food Bank. He also encouraged the formation of Law Enforcement Explorers posts to increase youth involvement with State Police.
“I am very proud to have led a force of dedicated troopers and civilian employees who commit themselves each day to doing all they can to fight crime, reduce traffic crashes, and protect our citizens,” Colonel Brown said.
The 19th Maryland State Police Superintendent, Colonel Brown has served since being appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley on August 1, 2011.
Is the COL taking credit for this? “Homicides across the state are lower than they have been in three decades.”
Violent crime is down everywhere in the country. Since 1991 the US homicide rate has dropped 50%, although every year several million new guns enter circulation.
The homicide rate in Maryland continues to be 50% to 80% HIGHER than in Virginia, although Maryland has long had very strict gun control laws.
Correlation does not prove causation, and in my opinion, the COL had the good fortune in serving during a period when crime was decreasing for reasons not at all connected to his tenure.