It was like a 60’s love-in Monday night at the St. Mary’s County Commissioners’ meeting room. The occasion was a community meeting conducted by the two law enforcement professionals who are visiting the county to assess whether the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office should receive reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
The eight speakers were unanimous in their praise for Sheriff Tim Cameron and his officers. Speakers included representatives from the Calvert and Prince George’s sheriff’s departments. But Deb Ray of Lexington Park summed up the testimony of the others: “I really like them. I feel very safe in the county. They always treat citizens in a professional and courteous manner.”
Calvert County Lt. Bobby Jones delivered a message of support from Sheriff Mike Evans. He noted the cooperation between the two agencies in law enforcement and achieving accreditation.
Prince George’s Captain Art Rosen said he has children living in St. Mary’s and grandchildren in the county schools. He called the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s department “extremely progressive.” He said St. Mary’s had helped his agency in the accreditation process. He noted that the St. Mary’s Accreditation Manager Pam McKay is president of a regional organization of more than 30 accreditation managers. “We rely on them as an example of where we want to be,” the captain said.
Janice Bonham, a nursing professor, praised the school resource officers. “When I pull into the parking lot there is always a sheriff’s presence there,” she said, adding, “They are always polite and they are so knowledgeable,” she added.
Debra Rousseau testified that she had some neighborhood problems, and deputies always responded very quickly. “I feel very safe with their protection,” she said. Rousseau took part in the sheriff’s Citizens Academy. Out of that experience, she came to conclude: “They are wonderful role models. I feel like I am related to them.”
Rousseau told the assessors that the sheriff did need more resources to do his job. “Probably more people!” she said.<!–
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