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A summer tradition is continuing this week at Kings Landing Park in Huntingtown. Camp C.O.P.S., a weeklong day camp coordinated by the Maryland State Police (MSP) with the help of other law enforcement agencies, started Monday, July 16 and will conclude Friday, July 20 with a mid-afternoon graduation ceremony.

The various activities, exercises and programs simulate many of the same tests candidates for law enforcement are put through before getting hired to work for police agencies. In addition to MSP, deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, correctional officers from the Calvert County Detention Center, deputy fire marshals from the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal are participating as supervisors and instructors.

The camp was started in Calvert during the 1990s. The prototype for the camp was developed in Pennsylvania during the late 1960s as a way for youth to view the positive and beneficial aspects of law enforcement.

Several other Maryland jurisdictions also hold Camp C.O.P.S. weeks during the summer.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com