From Maryland State Police:
The Maryland State Police is committed to maintaining a strong presence in Harford County and our troopers and civilian employees are working daily to ensure county citizens remain safe and secure. Uniform patrol troopers of the Bel Air Barrack are joined by investigators from our Criminal Investigation Bureau and uniformed troopers from the Special Operations Bureau working in Harford County in this important undertaking. We strongly believe the Maryland State Police fulfills a critical role in supporting local law enforcement through our statewide authority and mission to fight inter-jurisdictional crime and its impact on Harford County.
Crime Fight
Gang Suppression – Bel Air Barrack personnel have been working with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Gang Unit and Violent Crimes Unit to identify/arrest members of the “Bloods” gang and the “WMD – Word’s Most Dangerous” gang that are committing a host of crimes in the Edgewood area. This included a significant investigation by the Baltimore County P.D., HCSO, MSP Bel Air barrack and MSP CED, in which prospects for the Bloods gang would commit armed robberies and burglaries as part of their initiation into the gang. This case was successfully closed with the arrests of several members.
Theft (Conspiracy) – Bel Air Barrack personnel in coordination with the MSP Criminal Investigative Bureau, HCSO Criminal Investigative Division (CID), MSP North East Barrack and Pennsylvania State Police have been working an on-going regional investigation regarding numerous thefts of aerial neutral copper wire. The sharing of intelligence and solid police investigative work has resulted in several conspirators being identified. Further interrogations have led to the identity of additional suspects. Several subjects have been arrested and others are being sought.
Identified drug route (U.S. Rt 1): Assisted the HCSO with an initiative to conduct enforcement efforts in combating drug couriers traveling through the County (by-passing the Interstate 95 corridor – Baltimore/Philadelphia connector) and/or interdict illegal drugs from making it to its final destination within the County.
Criminal Enforcement Division (CED) Troopers: In 2014, Northern Region CED troopers investigated more than 120 Part I crimes; 51 were crimes of violence. Of the cases handled, 50 were closed by arrests; 22 were closed by exceptional means. CED investigators authored and executed 119 search warrants and recovered 66 firearms.
Commercial Burglary and Robbery Spree: In July 2014, a Joppa restaurant was burglarized twice. CED Northern Region investigators developed possible suspects based upon interviews with employees. During surveillance on a possible suspect residence, they observed a vehicle used in several burglaries in Baltimore County. Through coordinated efforts with the Baltimore County Police and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, CED investigators identified three suspects. Search warrants netted evidence that linked the suspects to at least 20 additional burglaries and robberies committed across the three counties.
Maryland State Apprehension Team (MSAT): During 2014, MSAT arrested 26 felons or violent criminals who had outstanding warrants held by local Harford County law enforcement.
Computer Crimes Unit: Investigated three technology-facilitated crimes. Common crimes that are investigated by the CCU include child exploitation, child pornography, manufacturing child pornography, child sexual assault, sexual exploitation of a minor, harassment, and identity theft. In addition, the CCU provided seven Internet Safety Presentations to community organizations in an effort to keep children safe from sexual exploitation.
Child Recovery Unit: Assisted local police with the investigation and recovery of four missing child investigations. Issued three Silver Alerts concerning citizens with a cognitive disorder that went missing.
Drug Enforcement/Continued Saturation Patrols/Reducing Crimes and Crashes (RCAC): These initiatives resulted in the seizure of 1000 grams of Marijuana, 30 grams of Heroin, 12.8 grams of Cocaine and over $54,000in U.S. currency.
Maryland Gun Center: During 2014, the Maryland Gun Center was contacted 175 times and provided direct assistance to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and other Harford County law enforcement agencies concerning Maryland’s gun laws, gun work-ups, and related Gun Center services.
Firearms Enforcement Unit: During 2014, the Firearms Enforcement Unit investigated firearms cases in Harford County which led to the execution of 12 search and seizure warrants, resulting in five arrests and the seizure of 210 firearms.
Assistance to Allied Departments
Aberdeen Burglary: On March 21, 2014, Aberdeen police were in a vehicle pursuit with a suspect who had just burglarized the Aberdeen Target and attempted to strike an Officer with his vehicle. JFK Troopers Took over the pursuit on I-95. The pursuit came to an end when the suspect drove off the roadway near the MD House. The deliberately used his vehicle as a weapon in an attempt to strike officers who were on foot. In fear for their lives, officers discharged their weapons and incapacitated the suspect.
Criminal Enforcement Division Narcotics: The Harford County Sheriff’s Office heads the joint narcotics task force in Harford County. The Maryland State Police has one trooper assigned to this task force as an undercover narcotics investigator.
Cocaine trafficking ring: In the spring of 2014, members of the Harford County Narcotics Task Force received information concerning the dealings of Crack Cocaine, powder Cocaine and Heroin in the eastern portion of Harford County and the western communities of Cecil County. During the course of the investigation, evidence was obtained corroborating facts the primary target was involved in a large-scale Cocaine and Heroin distribution operation, conducting business throughout Harford, Baltimore and Cecil counties. Investigators learned a second target played a major role in the drug organization; the second suspect acted as a contact to the sources of supply and a courier for the organization. On October 6, 2014, the investigators arrested two subjects as they returned to Maryland from Philadelphia; seized from the vehicle were 1,250 grams Cocaine, $410 in U.S. Currency and 50 grams of raw Heroin. The directed stop and subsequent search warrant sweep netted approximately $228,502 in cash, 1311.8 grams of Cocaine, 63.1 grams of Heroin, 125.6 grams of Marijuana, 29 Oxycodone pills, three firearms and nine vehicles. Twenty-two individuals face charges as a result of the investigation.
Post-Conviction Sex Offender Polygraph Examination: A Harford County man previously convicted of sexually abusing his niece was referred by his probation agent during 2014 for a post-conviction polygraph examination to determine his compliance with his probation conditions. During the polygraph examination, the man admitted to violating his probation conditions by using and selling illegal drugs as well as having prohibited contact with minors. The Harford County Circuit Court issued a violation of probation warrant, and the man was arrested and returned to custody to await a VOP hearing.
Crime Analysis: The Bel Air Barrack shares daily criminal and traffic investigations with the HCSO precincts and Crime Analysis Unit (CAU). The data is collected by the CAU and disseminated throughout the County to all the law enforcement agencies. This tool has been very useful while conducting multi-agency investigations in determining modus operandi (GPS locations, dates, times, etc…).
MD Comptroller’s Office
Bel Air Barrack assisted the MD Comptroller’s Office and the Harford County
Alcohol Enforcement unit with a warrant service of a local vineyard that was violating various local and state laws.
Preventing Injuries and Deaths
Increased Sobriety Checkpoints: The Bel Air Barrack hosted three sobriety checkpoints in 2014. Barrack personnel participated in (3) additional sobriety checkpoints conducted by MSP John F. Kennedy Highway (JFK) barrack and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). Members of the Bel Air Police Department (BAPD) assisted with several of the checkpoints.
Underage Alcohol Enforcement: The Bel Air Barrack teamed up with the Harford County Liquor Control Board in various undercover operations to address underage drinking violations, fictitious identification card violations and unlawful conduct by employees at bars (based on complaints from citizens/patrons).
Harford County Traffic Task Force: Maryland State Police continued its participation in the Harford County Traffic Task Force (TTF). The TTF is comprised of the Bel Air and JFK Highway Barracks, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Bel Air Police Department, Aberdeen Police Department, and Havre De Grace Police Department. The TTF deploys weekly in various areas of the county / municipalities to address traffic enforcement needs in a unified deployment of law enforcement personnel.
Department of Emergency Services (DES): Bel Air barrack Command along with members of the MD State Police Training Division and Aviation have been collaborating with personnel from DES Planning Section, HCSO, Havre de Grace P.D., Aberdeen P.D., Bel Air P.D., Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and the Harford Community College to prepare for a County-wide deployment of resources and personnel in the event of an “Active Shooter” scenario. Full-scale exercises are imminent.
Darlington Dublin Initiative March 13, 2014
CVED personnel along with Bel Air Barrack Troopers conducted an enforcement initiative in the Darlington/Dublin area of Harford County based on citizen’s complaints about unsafe commercial motor vehicle operations.
The enforcement was concentrated on Maryland Route161, Main Street in Darlington, and Maryland Route
136, Dublin Road in Dublin.
29 inspections, 3 Out Of Service vehicles, 1 warrant arrest
Bel Air Auto Auction Initiative May 29, 2014
CVED personnel conducted a commercial motor vehicle enforcement and inspection initiative around the Bel Air Auto Auction located on US Route 1 in Harford County to detect and deter commercial vehicle and non-commercial vehicle traffic offenses that occur after the auction concluded.
Enforcement focus on tow trucks and rollbacks.
22 inspections, 3 Out Of Service vehicles
Community Involvement
Community Policing Efforts: Numerous criminal initiatives and directed enforcement efforts have been conducted throughout Harford County to include foot patrols at business establishments and “hot spot” areas.
Philadelphia P.D. Explorer Program: A member of the Bel Air barrack went to the training camp in Fort Indiantown Gap (Annville, PA) to work with the Explorers. The Trooper favorably represented the Department by providing a memorable learning experience for the Explorers. This interaction with the youths could be fruitful for the Department, by gravitating future applicants to seek employment with this Agency.
Cal Ripkin Sr. Foundation “Badges for Baseball ” : Several Bel Air Barrack Troopers participated in this summer long program. Troopers worked closely with less fortunate children while in a baseball environment. Relationships were fostered with the children to give them a favorable perspective when dealing with law enforcement officers and to hone their baseball skills.
Pardon me, but misspelling the name “Ripken” in Harford County, Md., is inexcusable.
Wow way to toot your own horn MSP. now go and actually do some work like the rest of the police in this county. You forgot to talk about the amount of motorist your troopers harassed and issued tickets to.
I would hate to be a commercial driver on 152 and 95.
The police are there like stink on a monkey.
Amazing, in this day and age, when Marijuana is deemed a civil offense, the number one drug they still seem to be targeting is Marijuana. Congratulations……I guess.
Once again, the comments here never leave me without a laugh. No matter who you are, or what you do, commenters in the Dagger will find a way to tear you down. Police articles are the best laugh. No matter how good an agency does, people on the Dagger find a way to complain. “Oh you solved 10 cold cases? Captured 100 murderers? Stopped the Joker from destroying Gotham? But you still cant seem to crack the case of who stole my Micheal Bolton CD from my Pinto, you all suck” Keep the laughs coming Dagger Commenters!
Well, had they seized 3,616 grams of Heroin or Cocaine, I may not have commented at all.
“down some dead end streets there aint no turnin back” -Gil Scott Heron. Harford county is the ULTIMATE dead end street. There is no hope in the disgusting place. it costs too much money for ANYONE to get on their feet. why do you think people out here in the rust belt make it to the NFL in free schools but John Carrol can’t produce anything but bums and murderers for a 14000 dollar a year tuition? for the amount of money people pay to live there it should look like utopia. it doesnt unfortunately, and the police claiming that they will do anything about the bullshit down there is laughable. the rich people throw cocaine parties for their children in harford county. business owners daughters end up on drugs and putting their parents 100000 dollarsi n the hole. dont believe me? i witnessed it first hand, and fled. you just all are blind to it. there is nothing positive about harford county. i love trolling this website because i can sit here from my 300 mile catbird seat and feel sorry for you all.
tt, if we cared about you we would feel sorry for you. But we don’t, so we won’t.
well 500 dollar bills from BGE wont be coming to me, and neither will house payments for 100000 dollar home shells in east baltimore. you can all have that expensive shithole and shove it
OH and lets not forget the property tax on those rowhome shells is 30000 bucks a year. in ohio its 300 bucks for a nice rural property away from thugs.
I just hope MSP keeps collecting easy money from the 161/155 stop sign. Minimal risk and work, maximum revenue. ( No, I’ve never been tagged there. )
Ever seen the accidents they have there…. Usually not just minor fender benders. I am glad MSP is at that intersection.frequently. Sure I am not alone on that thought either
Know how to move them on….stop running the stop sign…
harford county md, the ultimate dead end street.
iM SURE THERE IS ALOT MORE WARRANTS, AND ALOT MORE DRUGS TO GET! Thanks for the hard work
How many HCPS teachers were arrested and charged with crimes? How many fired? How many transferred to other schools for “swept under the rug” hush hush details?
How about you inform citizens you are now writing tickets for air freshners that are hanging from your rear view mirror!
An $80 ticket for an air freshener is absolute bullshit.
It’s called Obstructed View…perhaps you were given the ticket based purely on your attitude over the actual infraction?
Maryland Traffic Attorney Explains Obstructed Windshield Tickets
Written by David R. Waranch | Category Maryland Traffic Defense
A “Windshield Obstruction” Can Costs You Fines and Points In Maryland
We all expect to get pulled over for the big stuff – speeding, texting – but not for those Mardi Gras beads hanging from your rearview mirror. Maryland is one of several states issuing tickets for windshield obstructions.
A windshield obstruction in Maryland is anything blocking a driver’s line of sight. This includes useful everyday items like a hanging parking pass. In fact, most people don’t realize that they can even be stopped for a hanging air freshener. It’s best to keep parking 1passes and air fresheners of this sort in your glove compartment. You can always pull them out when you need them.
Although a ticket for a windshield obstruction is not the most common Maryland traffic violation, I see them once in awhile. Usually, its a pretext to stop a particular vehicle or investigate a particular driver.
In Maryland, an obstructed windshield can be a $70 fine and 1 point. The fine goes up to $110 and 3 points if an accident occurs.
Technically, windshield obstructions include the EZ-Pass transponder and windshield mounted GPS devices. There are numerous ways to mount your GPS device on your dash. Sticking it to the windshield with a suction cup risks a ticket and a collision. At night, it also risks a break-in. Thieves look for that suction cup mark to know what gadgets you might have stowed in your glove compartment.
When mounting the EZ-Pass transponder, follow the guidelines set by the Maryland Transportation Authority.
Need help with a Maryland traffic ticket? Call me BEFORE you go to court or pay any tickets at 301-563-9575 or 1-877-566-2408. I’d be happy to assist you as I’m an experienced Maryland traffic defense lawyer who has handled thousands of Maryland traffic tickets.
Great news. How much do you charge to save me from a $70 ticket? I can’t wait to be represented in court by a LazyDog.
the next time my glove box smells, I will be sure to take the air freshener off the rear view mirror and place it in the glove box.
this is the dumbest law ever written AND ENFORCED.
cops are nothing but glorifed tax collectors for the State.
they should be locking up illegal aliens instead of busting balls of citizens.
In all honesty, “traffic” enforcement is generally “run hard” in the same spots all over the county.
Examples are I95/Aberdeen, Route 22/Ripken stadium/cemetary. Its “random” but areas like this is where you always see person(s) “stopped.”
Unlikely you will have much traffic enforcement on roads where there is no “safe” place for a LEO to stop a car for traffic violations like roads without a shoulder.
Every once in a while you will see an operation like a “caterpillar” you would see a car in a traffic stop every 1/4 mile for a few miles of road.
Its slim Pickens, loom for yourself how many people still use a phone to their head, have headlight out, etc.
that ticket is $110 – fyi
MD is the sixth worst state to drive in according to NMA.
“I think Maryland drivers are treated as a source of revenue rather than a constituency that needs to be served,” said Ron Ely, the chairman of the Maryland Drivers Alliance, a local affiliate of the National Motorists Association.
Indeed. What is very interesting about the factors used to determine the overall rankings is the category of “enforcement tactics” where Maryland is ranked in second place, only to be outdone by the District of Columbia, the overall worst place for a motorist to drive.
That ranking certainly seems to support that motorists are indeed a cash cow for the State of Maryland.