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Barrack H - La Plata

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MSP/La Plata Barrack History

History of Maryland Law Enforcement Colonial Maryland

Under English common law, every person had an active responsibility for keeping the peace. This was a vital principle in colonial Maryland, a fledgling society with no police or peace officers. The responsibility included crime prevention through vigilance and the apprehension of suspected lawbreakers by groups of persons raising the "hue and cry" or the more official "posse comitatus." Persons whose previous behavior indicated that they were at risk of breaking the peace could be taken before a local court or magistrate and bound over to keep the peace, thereby, in theory, preventing crime. Adapted from the British legal system were the positions of sheriff and constable, officers of the county court who also enforced the law. Sheriffs and constables had no jurisdiction outside their own county. As population increased, county and municipal police departments were created to meet local needs.

Baltimore City Police Force

The first State agency to exercise police powers was the Baltimore City Police Force. Established in 1867 under a Board of Police Commissioners, the Force was elected by the General Assembly (Chapter 367, Acts of 1867). Baltimore had been developing a police force since the formation in 1784 of a night watch "very necessary to prevent fires, burglaries, and other outrages and disorders" (Chapter 69, Acts of 1784). Its police force, from 1867, was governed by a State board although jurisdiction was limited to the City. From 1900 to 1920, the Board of Police Commissioners was appointed by the Governor. After 1920, a single Police Commissioner of Baltimore City was chosen and also served on the Governor's Advisory Council. The Baltimore City Police Department remained under State governance until 1978, when the Mayor began to appoint the Police Commissioner, subject to confirmation by the City Council (Chapter 920, Acts of 1976).

State Detective Force

In 1909, the Board of Police Commissioners of Baltimore City urged the creation of a State detective force since the Governor, the Fire Marshal, and State's Attorneys in the counties frequently sought help from Baltimore City's expert investigators. The first tentative step towards a statewide police force, however, was taken in 1914 as a corps of motorcycle officers under the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles began to enforce motor vehicle laws throughout Maryland (Chapter 564, Acts of 1914).

State Police Force

When a crime wave struck Maryland after World War I, the need for statewide enforcement of criminal law became critical. The Governor, the Police Commissioner of Baltimore City, and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles came up with a plan for a State Police Force under the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Former servicemen were recruited and the first training camp was conducted early in 1921. By 1922, the force of motorcycle deputies had statewide jurisdiction over criminal cases through deputization by the county sheriffs. The force was supported by a plainclothes investigative department and was known as the State Police Force.

Maryland State Police

In 1935, the Maryland State Police was established as a separate unit of State government (Chapter 303, Acts of 1935). The new agency was funded out of revenues from the Department of Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. It was granted additional statewide police powers to enforce fish, oyster, game and other conservation laws and maintain a training school. The Maryland State Police were made part of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services in 1970.

The La Plata Barrack was originally established in 1956 as the Waldorf Barrack located at 2160 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD. At that time, the Governor was Theodore Roosevelt McKeldin. The Waldorf barrack served the community for over 44 years. The building is now used for the Southern Maryland area office of the Natural Resources Police Department.

In August 2000, a new state-of-the-art La Plata Barrack was completed and is located at 9500 Mitchell Road, La Plata, MD. At that time, the Governor was Parris N. Glendening. The new barrack included an integrated operations center with holding cells, a telecommunications room, prisoner processing area and public entrance and waiting room.

La Plata Barrack personnel are designated, by an agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, to respond to all calls for service, primarily on United States and Maryland routes within Charles County, excluding Part I crimes. According to State Highway Administration estimates, Charles County has six-hundred and fifty (650) lane miles of United States and Maryland highways.

Every year Charles County holds a variety of events such as Annual Six Picks High Schools Exhibit, Charles County Fair. Jazz Festival, United Way/Spring Dell CCSO Trail Bike Ride, Annual Heritage Bike Ride, events at the Maryland International Raceway, American Indian Festival and Pow Wow, National Trails Day, IHBC Indian Head Car Show, and many other events. The barrack supplies trooper for these events for traffic control, law enforcement, and other duties.

Mission Statement

"The mission of the Maryland State Police is to fulfill its role as the State's lead coordinating law enforcement organization with commitment to pride, equity, respect and integrity. the Maryland State Police will effectively direct personnel and multidimensional resources in partnership with private and public entities to achieve public safety by improving the quality of life for citizens of Maryland."

Announcements

Trooper of the Month - Thursday, January 10, 2013

Trooper of the Month - December

Trooper T. Davis

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Producer

Trooper K. Robinson

High Criminal Producer

Trooper T. Davis

NEW NON-FUNCTIONING TRAFFIC LIGHT LAW TO TAKE EFFECT - Thursday, September 13, 2012

NEW NON-FUNCTIONING TRAFFIC LIGHT LAW TO TAKE EFFECT

Maryland State Police are reminding motorists of a new law about to take effect regarding actions drivers must take when approaching intersections with non-functioning traffic signals.

Beginning October 1, 2012, a driver approaching a non-functioning traffic control signal from any direction at an intersection shall stop:

          -at a clearly marked stop line;
          -before entering any crosswalk; or
           -before entering the intersection.

After stopping, the driver must:

-yield to any vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection; and
-remain stopped until it is safe to enter and continue through the intersection.

Intersection traffic control signals, most commonly called ‘red lights,’ or ‘stop lights,’ direct the safe and orderly flow of traffic in and through thousands of intersections across Maryland. Most are powered by electricity that can be interrupted because of storms, traffic crashes, or other incidents that cause power outages. Just because a traffic control signal is not functioning at an intersection does not mean drivers are relieved of their duty to exercise care and caution. The new law makes clear the procedures each driver must now follow.

Violations of the new law carry a fine of $90 and two points if the offense does not contribute to an accident. If the violation contributes to a crash, the fine is $130 and three points.

REMEMBER EXISTING LAWS:

If two vehicles approach an intersection without a traffic control device or with a non-functioning traffic control signal from different roadways at the same time, there is existing motor vehicle law that applies. In this situation, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on his or her immediate right.

There are also times when a traffic control signal that normally operates green, yellow, and red lights may be in ‘flashing’ mode. This usually means red lights may be flashing in one direction and yellow lights are flashing in another direction. Flashing red and yellow lights on a traffic control signal do not mean the light is ‘non-functioning.’

In this situation, the drivers approaching the red flashing light must stop and can only proceed when the intersection is clear. Drivers approaching the yellow flashing light should slow down and use caution, but are permitted to proceed through the intersection without stopping. Drivers are also reminded that if a police officer is directing traffic in the intersection, they should obey the directions of that officer, regardless of the signal indicated on the traffic control device.

It is difficult to describe every potential intersection situation. Above all, drivers are reminded that it is their duty to always drive with care and caution, especially when approaching an intersection with a non-functioning signal. If other drivers are present at the intersection, remember to be courteous, use caution, and do everything possible to try to determine the intentions of other motorists and communicate your intentions, if you are unsure of how to proceed. Even if you have the right of way, it is better to allow another driver to proceed if it appears he or she is going to do so, instead of risking an intersection crash.

MVA UNVEILS EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD CAMPAIGN - Thursday, September 06, 2012

COOPERATIVE EFFORT CALLS FOR FAMILY NOTIFICATION PLAN

**MVA UNVEILS EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD CAMPAIGN
**MD HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION INITIATES STATEWIDE EFFORT
**STATE POLICE WILL ASSIST HOSPITALS IN FAMILY NOTIFICATION
(Baltimore, MD) – The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), Maryland
Hospital Association, the Maryland State Police and others are joining forces to better
notify the next of kin and to urge Marylanders to carry information with them about
whom to notify in the event of an emergency.

The Motor Vehicle Administration is unveiling a new family notification card.
The card is carried with information about whom to call in the event of an emergency.
The Maryland Hospital Association is encouraging the use of the notification cards and
strengthening family notification procedures at hospitals. The Maryland State Police is
revising its policy concerning family notifications and encourages other police
departments to do the same.

The MVA has launched the Emergency Information Contact Card Program. A
simple ID card has been developed that lists the individual’s name, address and phone
number. The card also includes three persons, and their phone numbers, to contact in
case of an emergency. The form can be downloaded free-of-charge by visiting
www.marylandmva.com.

“We share the concern of our sister agencies and are glad to be able to provide
one simple solution to the problem of notifying family members when a loved one is
injured in an accident,” stated Maryland MVA Administrator John Kuo. “Clear, readily
accessible information will significantly speed the notification process, especially if the
injured person is unconscious, or unable to provide contact information.”

This summer, Maryland State Police reviewed the department policy concerning
the next of kin notification in the event of injury or death. While State Police who
investigate a fatal crash are responsible for family notification, nothing addressed the
notification of family for injured individuals transported to hospitals. Now, the initial
responsibility for family notification will remain that of the medical facility providing
treatment, however State Police will provide notification assistance if requested by the
hospital. This had been an unwritten policy of the State Police, but is now in formal
policy.

“While performing the multitude of duties involved with the investigation of a
traffic crash or other serious incident, we will not forget the families or friends of the
injured person or persons,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence
Sheridan said. “If a hospital is unable to make the notification and requests our
assistance, we will do all we can to help in locating and notifying the closest relative or
other person so designated by the injured individual.”

The Maryland Hospital Association, which represents 68 hospitals and health care
systems, coordinated meetings to address this issue among the medical community.
Included in the meetings were representatives from area hospitals, the Maryland Chapter
of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Maryland Institute for Emergency
Medical Services Systems, State Police, and the Motor Vehicle Administration.

“Notifying the next of kin has always been a priority for Maryland’s hospitals,”
MHA President Cal Pierson said. “Full cooperation among the appropriate police
agencies in doing so and the MVA card should help us improve the process.”

“We try to notify family members from the emergency department as soon as
possible, but we don’t always have accurate identification or up to date phone numbers.
Contact cards will certainly help. We applaud the Maryland State Police and the Motor
Vehicle Administration for working together with Maryland hospitals to develop a better
approach,” said Dr. Stephen Schenkel on behalf of the Maryland Chapter of the
American College of Emergency Physicians.

The Maryland Hospital Association will be working with its members to develop
written notification policies. The State Police will coordinate similar efforts through the
Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and the Maryland Sheriffs Association. The
Motor Vehicle Administration will promote the use of the card internally to all state
employees, as well as externally to all licensed drivers.

CONTACTS
Pegeen Townsend/Nancy Fiedler
MD Hospital Association
410-379-6200

Buel Young
Motor Vehicle Administration
410-762-5188

Greg Shipley
MD State Police
410-653-4236

Pedestrian Safety - Tuesday, November 01, 2011

NEWS RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF
MARYLAND STATE POLICE
LA PLATA BARRACK

(301) 392-1200

www.mdsp.org www.facebook.com/MarylandStatePolice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2011

STATE POLICE REMIND PEDESTRIANS TO TRAVEL SAFELY

(La Plata, MD) – State troopers from the La Plata Barrack remind pedestrians about the importance of safety when traveling Maryland roads on foot. Statewide and local pedestrian fatality collisions have increased significantly from the previous year.

More and more people are choosing to take to the roads than ever before. For some people, maintaining a healthy lifestyle means using the road to walk or run. As a reminder, there are numerous Parks and Recreation areas in Charles County for these types of activities. For those who try to save on gas, electing to walk to the store or to their friends’ homes is the mode of transportation used instead of driving.

It is not only motorists who need to take extra caution when a pedestrian is using the road. State troopers also remind pedestrians to use extra caution.

As a pedestrian, it is important to avoid dangerous situations and make yourself visible to others:

- Wear bright/light colored clothing

- Wear reflectors, to make you more noticeable, especially from dusk to dark

- Carry a flashlight when walking at night

- Cross the road in only the well-lit areas at night or at crosswalks, if available

- Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars and other obstacles BEFORE
crossing

- Always walk on a sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic

-   Don’t assume vehicles will stop, make eye contact with
    drivers. If the driver is on a cell phone, be aware, they
    may not see you

- Don’t rely solely on pedestrian signals; look before crossing

- Watch for turning vehicles and make sure the driver sees you and stops

- Look across ALL lanes before crossing.

- Avoid wearing headphones or talking on a cell phone

- Children should always be accompanied by an adult

“Pedestrian safety is a serious safety concern for not only motorists, but for pedestrians,” said Lt. Charles Parlett, Commander of the La Plata Barrack. “It is also the responsibility of the pedestrian to take extra precautions to ensure their visibility to the motoring public.

CONTACT: Duty Officer, La Plata Barrack, (301) 392-1200

Barrack H - La Plata

9500 Mitchell Road
La Plata, MD 20646

301-392-1200 (phone)
301-392-1212 (fax)

msp.laplata@maryland.gov

Commander
Lieutenant C. A. Parlett

Assistant Commander
First Sergeant T. White

Assistant Commander
Detective Sergeant
K. Beauchamp

Southern Troop Headquarters
Commander
Captain M. A. Spaulding

The Southern Troop not only
includes the La Plata Barrack,
it also includes the Glen Burnie
Barrack, Leonardtown Barrack
and the Prince Frederick Barrack

Major L. S. Stascavage
Assistant Bureau Chief
Southern Command

The Southern Command
encompasses the following:
Washington Metro Troop
(Forestville, Rockville and College
Park Barracks) Commanded
by Captain J. T. Dewees; the
Eastern Troop (Salisbury, Easton,
Centreville, Berlin and Princess
Anne Barracks) Commanded by
Captain R. B. Lewis, and the
Southern Troop (La Plata, Glen
Burnie, Leonardtown and Prince
Frederick Barracks) Commanded by
Captain M. A. Spaulding.

Fingerprinting Information

Effective March 19, 2012, Paper Fingerprint Cards will no longer be accepted by the FBI.

As a result, the Maryland State Police will no longer take fingerprints using ink and paper fingerprint cards.

If you require fingerprints to be taken, you must have this completed at an approved electronic fingerprint capture location.

Electronic fingerprinting service website can be located at:

www.dpscs.maryland.gov

Click on the "Fingerprint Services" link beneath the "Quick Links" Column.

Accident Reports

To obtain a copy of your accident report one of two ways:

You may stop in the Barrack between normal business hours. The requestor shall submit a check or money order (NO CASH) for $4.00, payable to the Maryland State Police for each report requested. A maximum of two Accident Reports per person, per day, will be allowed. Persons requesting more than two reports will be referred to the Central Records Division.

Request a copy by mail - Mail a written request to: Maryland State Police, Central Records Division, 1711 Belmont Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21244, along with a check or money order for $4.00, paypable to the Maryland State Police for each report requested. The following information is required: driver's name, date of incident, location of incident, report number, MAARS number and a self address stamped return envelope.

Department of Transportation 511 Traveler Information

"Know before you go!" Maryland 511 is Maryland's official travel information service. Maryland 511 provides travelers with reliable, current traffic and weather information, as well as links to other transportation services. Maryland 511 helps motorists reach their destination in the most efficient manner when traveling in Maryland. Click on the link below.

http://www.md511.org/

For Salvage Information - click the link below

http://www.mdsp.org/Organization/FieldOperationsBureau/AutomotiveSafetyEnforcementDivision/SalvageInspections.aspx

Citizen Contact Brochure - click the link below

Brochure that is given out to citizens when contacted by the State Police.

http://www.mdsp.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=7keJNLL2p1k%3d&tabid=429&mid=1074

AT&T’s Pledge
to never Text & Drive

Did you know people who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in an accident? That’s why the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack is asking you to take the pledge.
Just go to itcanwait.com now to take the pledge to never text and drive. NO TEXT IS WORTH THE RISK. #ITCANWAIT