(PatriotSpotlight.org) – The town of Ridgely, Maryland has suspended its entire police force. In a move announced on its official website on Wednesday, March 23rd, officials said their three-member commission had removed all Ridgely Police Department officers from duty pending an Office of State Prosecutor probe, for reasons currently unclear.
On Friday, March 25th, the County Sheriff’s Office shared a Facebook post which said the suspension was short-term and its agreed deal with Ridgely officials, which starts from April 1st, includes “an additional 35 hours per week above and beyond normal patrol hours”. A deputy will also be available for emergencies.
One longtime resident of the town, in Maryland’s Eastern Shore region, told the Associated Press that the lack of “honest and open” communication about the shock decision was “very concerning”. She said the town needed to treat residents “with respect” as they are adults “who deserve the truth.” Local spa owner Holly Justice also complained to the press about the baffling affair, which she said had “blindsided” people and brought into question the integrity of the authorities.
The community has a small population of just 1,600 or so, with around half a dozen law enforcement officers employed in the area. While all these officers remain suspended, neighboring law enforcement agencies have been drafted in to respond to any emergency calls from Ridgley. Naturally, this could well result in longer wait times should any emergencies occur, potentially risking community safety.
Crime rates in Caroline County, which includes the small town of Ridgely, have generally remained low, with federal crime figures showing just four homicides reported between 2000 and 2023. Still, residents say they require local police to not just combat major crimes but to back community events and address smaller safety issues. Violent crime hit an all-time high back in 2010 when a total of 41 incidents were recorded. The settlement has always been modestly sized. It grew in the 1860s railroad boom and has since become known for agriculture, garnering it the nickname “Strawberry Capital of the World”.
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