The Frederick Police Department is deeply committed to working in partnership with our residents, businesses, and community organizations to creatively solve problems and ensure a safer city for all. It is FPD's goal to ensure fair and equitable policing for every resident. In order to accomplish this, FPD must continually look for positive, meaningful, and non-traditional ways to build trust with all segments of the Frederick community. To that end, the Frederick Police Department is excited to announce two new initiatives geared toward uniting its officers and the diverse communities they serve.
On July 1st, FPD will officially introduce its Multicultural Liaison Unit (MCLU), consisting of seven Frederick police officers assigned as liaisons to five communities, as follows:
- African American community - Officer Coty Campbell and Officer Tyler Branche
- Asian American community - Officer Nicholas Aylward
- Deaf/Hard of hearing community - Officer Maggie Lee
- Hispanic/Latino community - Officer Mike Grunwell and Officer Ethan Ramos
- LGBTQIA+ community - Officer Sean Geiser
In addition to their regular patrol duties, these officers will be responsible for attending meetings and special events within their assigned communities, engaging with residents, and visiting local businesses. Liaison officers will be available to handle matters of a sensitive nature and will assist in connecting crime victims to available resources. Photographs and contact information for liaison officers will be available on the Frederick Police Department website shortly.
Also on July 1st, FPD will begin a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick, where police officers will visit the club five afternoons a week, participating in fun, educational activities with kids 6-16 years of age. This program will involve sworn members of the department from all units and among all ranks, from our newest officers up to and including the chief. The goal of this program is for our entire department to connect with kids from across the city, building relationships and reducing fear of police.
In announcing these important new initiatives, Chief of Police Jason Lando said "The Frederick Police Department is known for being a leader in policing. We are committed to staying ahead of the curve in how we train our officers and the innovative ways in which we work with our residents. At a time when many in policing are stepping back, our officers are stepping up. I could not be more proud of their willingness to serve our community. These two programs are the first of many exciting initiatives we have planned for the residents of Frederick."
Mayor Michael O’Connor said these initiatives reflect Chief Lando’s departmental goals to increase community engagement and build strong relationships with the residents of the City.
“These efforts by Chief Lando and the Frederick Police Department are aligned with my administration’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Mayor Michael O’Connor. “Since Chief Lando has arrived in Frederick, he has made clear he prioritizes equitable community policing. My office is proud to support these initiatives, which will strengthen the bonds and relationships between our residents and our police department.”