Posted on July 23, 2021
For more information, contact:
Arnold Downing, Chief of Police
410-641-1333
[email protected]
Friday, July 23, 2021
For Immediate Release…
Clarification of a Facebook Post by the Berlin Police Department
Berlin, Md. – On Thursday, July 22, 2021, the Berlin Police Department made a post to Facebook announcing the end of the agency’s SWAT team. The Berlin Police Department would like to thank everyone for their support of our officers’ service and dedication every day to help keep those who live, work, and visit Berlin safe. Unfortunately, what was intended as an announcement to the public marking the end of a decade of service from our SWAT team, quickly transitioned into a debate over much more significant issues. This press release is an effort to add clarity to yesterday’s post.
Due to the implementation of new regulations in September of 2020 via the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), changes occurred requiring increased travel and the number of hours of training for the SWAT team. During 2020, the Berlin Police Department was also experiencing retirements and transfers by senior officers, further complicating the department’s ability to staff an active SWAT team adequately. The SWAT team’s last mission was on July 31, 2020, bringing the team’s total to 36 successful missions with no injuries.
To date, the Berlin Police Department is now fully staffed, and the disbanding of the Berlin Police Department SWAT team has not resulted in the loss of any officers.
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Categories: News
