As the citizens of Frederick continue to adjust and modify daily activities due to the COVID-19 virus, I want to take this brief opportunity to articulate how your police department is operating in this new and ever-changing environment. The Frederick Police Department will always prioritize public health and safety above all else as we continue to fulfill our mission. We will continue to be proactive in our assignments and duties while undertaking an abundance of caution to limit unnecessary personal exposure.
- We continue to conduct proactive patrol checks of neighborhoods, businesses, grocery stores, medical facilities, financial institutions, and all other areas in our City.
- We will always respond to in-progress calls for service, calls for service requiring evidence collection, and of course, all emergencies. All call response will be immediate, adhering to already established protocols and procedures. However, we have modified specific response protocols, incorporating telephonic reporting procedures, for certain offenses. An example of those offenses includes minor thefts where no evidence exists to collect, and the suspect is not on scene and telephone misuse. In those instances, the officer will collect all relevant information and provide the reporting person with their name and case report number.
- We continue to enforce all laws and work with our criminal justice system partners, such as the Frederick County State’s Attorney Office and the District and Circuit Courts, and other local and regional law enforcement agencies. The District Court Commissioner’s Office continues operations, remaining available for application of charging and protection (protective and peace order) orders.
- Our Neighborhood Advisory Council liaisons are making weekly contact with resident NAC coordinators to inform our communities of what is occurring in their neighborhoods and to answer any questions.
- We have daily communications with community partners such as Way Station, Community Action Agency, Religious Coalition, and Downtown Frederick Partnership.
- We are assisting the Frederick County Public School system with meal distribution. Please visit https://www.fcps.org/about/news/1677052/fcps-feeds-children-while-schools-are-closed for more information regarding the FCPS meal distribution program.
Through these challenging and uncertain times, the Frederick Police Department asks that all citizens adhere to Governor Hogan’s Executive Orders about social gathering, follow the directives and guidance of City of Frederick leaders, Public Health officials, and be good neighbors to each other.