DGS Blog: Maryland Capitol Police: A Life of Service

 Today, I am pleased to present a guest post by Maryland Capitol Police Chief Michael Wilson

Secretary Gail Bassette

MCP Police Chief Michael Wilson (back, center right) and members of the force are recognized for exemplary service by Governor Larry Hogan and Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford.

Background

The history of the Department of General Services – Maryland Capitol Police (DGS-MCP) can be traced back to 1862, when an act of legislation made the Governor responsible for appointing a competent person for upkeep of state buildings and grounds. Two watchmen and a keeper of the steam house and furnace were assigned this task.

As state government grew, the Maryland Capitol Police expanded in numbers, duties and responsibilities. Today, it is one of five major law enforcement agencies in the state and has a dual-function role: providing police services (enforcing criminal and motor vehicle laws), and providing a safe and secure working environment by securing facilities with checkpoints and access control.

There are two detachments in the MCP: Annapolis Detachment and Baltimore Detachment.  The Department is responsible for police and security functions at 30 state office buildings, 16 parking garages, and several surface lots located at each facility.  Police and security officers provide security and protection to some of Maryland’s most valuable and historic critical infrastructures, including the following buildings in Annapolis:

• Maryland State Capitol (State House)
• Governor’s Mansion
• Miller Senate Office Building
• Lowe House of Delegates Building
• Legislative Services Building

MCP’s workforce includes 65 sworn law enforcement officers, 81 security officers and 12 police communications officers.  Changes in job function, jurisdiction, and laws impacting the Department have challenged MCP to evolve into a more efficient and effective agency.  In today’s society, with the threat of government terrorism (foreign and domestic), workplace violence, and active shooter aggression, our job has never been more important.  MCP continues to strive for excellence in order to meet the demands and expectations of an ever-changing society.

Goals

MCP’s goals include preventing crime, securing facilities, increasing accountability and efficiency, and developing and maintaining a highly trained professional law enforcement and security agency. The Department strives to meet these goals by committing to our core values:

• Integrity
  • Upholding public trust through honesty and trust.
  • Maintaining the highest standards of ethical and moral character.
• Fairness
  • Treating individuals with respect and dignity.
  • Applying laws fairly and justly.
• Service
  • Providing dedicated and compassionate assistance and service to customers.
  • Promoting leadership and cooperation in support of DGS’s mission.
  • Improving customer service, quality of life and partnership with sister agencies of DGS.
  • Ensuring compliance of MCP rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Service to others

Our police and security officers are dedicated to maintaining a professional level of building security while providing responsive and courteous customer service. They are the “first line of defense” in protecting state facilities and providing a safe and secure working environment to fellow employees and customers doing business with the state.

To “protect and serve” are words that carry considerable weight and meaning. They require sacrifice and a commitment to a profession that demands service to others despite the dangers that are always present. Officers swear to a “Code of Ethics,” which states that they will serve the public, safeguard lives and property, protect the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation, maintain peace and order, and uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.

21^st Century Policing

The Internet has significantly altered how the world gets its information.  Anyone with a smart phone can take videos, upload them onto a social platform (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), and send them to anyone who has access to a computer, phone or any number of other electronic devices. This reality is changing the way information is shared and news is communicated. It is in “real time,” and the immediacy has resulted in profound changes in public expectations. This includes their expectations regarding public safety, and police agencies need to be cognizant of these changes.

Police agencies play a very public role in maintaining safety and security in the communities they serve because they are on the front lines of enforcing the law. Advances in technology have made it possible for cameras to be mounted in police cruisers and body cameras to be worn by police. As egregious crimes and/or police behavior are caught on these cameras, or by someone who happens to pass by, and broadcast around the world, public perceptions of the police change, and so do expectations. Police departments must respond and adapt. Already, they are focusing greater attention on training and establishing stronger ties with the communities they serve through community policing and service. I have great confidence that police agencies across the nation can change for the betterment of all the communities we serve.

Conclusion

Edmund Burke wrote “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

There is no higher calling than that of a law enforcement officer. Being able to positively affect someone’s life, particularly a complete stranger, is a blessing and a gift.

The book of Matthew states, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” I have had the honor and privilege to serve with the Maryland Capitol Police for over four years. I continue to be humbled by the service and sacrifice of our police and security officers.

I would personally like to thank each and every member of our Department for their continued service and support. They have assisted in making a positive change within MCP. Our police and security officers continue to work hard to establish and maintain credibility and trust with others. They are outstanding examples of individuals who rise to the occasion, no matter the risks.

Chief Michael Wilson, Maryland Capitol Police