Wasting no time, I'm signing up for grad-level courses

 Almost three weeks after starting at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) as a police officer, I'm signing up for classes for a master's degree in criminal justice management.  This decision was not only driven by my lifelong passion for furthering my education but also by the unique opportunity to enroll tuition-free as a state employee. Additionally, this benefit extends to my children, ensuring that they have access to higher education.

I've chosen to pursue my master's degree through the University of Maryland Global Campus, renowned for its extensive online programs catering to a global audience. The flexibility of online learning will allow me to seamlessly integrate my studies into my demanding work schedule. I'm particularly excited about the prospect of earning a master's degree without incurring significant financial burden. While the application fee and other associated costs are not waived, the overall savings are substantial.

I elected to pursue a degree in criminal justice management because I would like to lead and make it easy for me to promote to a supervisory role, such as a sergeant or lieutenant with my current department.

I'm ready to be very busy next year as I anticipate to start in January 2024. I'll do my best to complete the program within two years amid overtime assignments I plan on picking up as well.

Police corruption in Berkeley County, WV

In a recent news article, it was reported that a petition has been filed to remove the sheriff of Berkeley County, West Virginia from office. The sheriff, Nathan Harmon , whom I voted for, is accused of misusing public funds and property, obstructing justice, and pressuring witnesses. The petition was filed by the Berkeley County prosecutor and county commissioners.

This is not the first time that a sheriff has been accused of corruption. In fact, there have been a number of high-profile cases in recent years. For example, in June 2023, two lawyers pleaded guilty to conspiracy stemming from efforts to get the former sheriff of Milwaukee County, David Clarke, to run for US Senate back in 2017. In 2018, the sheriff of Los Angeles County, California, Lee Baca, was indicted on charges of corruption and obstruction of justice. More recently, Sheriff Charles Jenkins of Frederick County, Maryland, was indicted with weapon charges related to alleged backdoor dealings with a private firearms business.

Police corruption is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on communities. When law enforcement officers abuse their power, it can lead to a loss of trust in the police, an increase in crime, and a decline in public safety.

Berkeley County where I reside is located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, in the United States. It is the second-most populous county in the state, with a population of 126,069 as of 2021. The county seat is Martinsburg. Its Sheriff's Office has improved operations under Sheriff Harmon despite the scandal he's involved in. Deputies drive better cars and the agency has a special unit to help combat the drug epidemic in the county.

I'll be curious to see where this goes: will Sheriff Harmon, a former West Virginia state trooper, keep his job, or will he be ousted. 

Sworn-in at UMBC with an unexpected big raise on the side

The excitement and anticipation I felt on my swearing-in ceremony on Friday, November 17, 2023, were palpable. It was a momentous occasion, marking the official beginning of my career as a police officer first class with the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Police Department.

As I embarked on this new chapter, I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Catonsville community and make a positive impact. However, amidst the thrill of starting anew, there was also a lingering concern about financial stability, especially given the rising cost of living and my hour+ long commute to work.

To my immense delight, I received news of a significant pay bump, effective next month. To be clear, this wasn't a total surprise. I was aware there were ongoing negotiations to increase my pay as that was communicated to me prior to my hiring. The surprise was the increase amount. My salary, which was initially set at $57,000 per year, was increased to a figure that has significantly improved my financial outlook, allowing me to focus on my new role without worrying about financial strain.

This pay bump was not just a personal victory; it was a testament to UMBC Police Department's commitment to valuing its officers and ensuring their financial well-being. This gesture of appreciation served as a powerful motivator, further fueling my determination to excel in my role and contribute meaningfully to the department.

I was not the only officer to receive a raise. Several of my colleagues also experienced a similar increase in their compensation, highlighting the department's commitment to fair and equitable compensation practices. This collective pay bump boosted morale within the department, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared success.

As a newly sworn-in police officer, receiving a pay bump right after my swearing-in ceremony was an unexpected and incredibly rewarding experience. It not only alleviated my financial concerns but also served as a powerful affirmation of UMBC Police Department's commitment to its officers.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Catonsville community, particularly the UMBC campus, and the support I have thus far received from my colleagues and the UMBC Police Department. I am eager to continue learning, growing, and making a positive impact in my new role.

Photo credit: Major Dan Sexton/UMBC Police.

Photo caption: Me getting sworn-in by Chief Bruce Perry on Friday, November 17, 2023 at UMBC Police headquarters in Catonsville, Maryland.

Officer Coly leaves Washington County with a past he can't forget

As the sun begins to rise over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Hagerstown Community College (HCC) campus, I reflect on my last day as a member of the campus police force. A bittersweet emotion fills my heart, a mixture of pride for the 1.7 years of service I had on this 319 acres rural small campus, and a tinge of sadness as I prepare to embark on a new chapter in my life.

The day unfolds with me patrolling the near-empty campus grounds on this Saturday morning, passing one of many HCC deer on Scholar Drive, but quickly return to the office as I try to avoid a last-minute police scandal that could delay my start date with the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Police Department. Around 0830 hours, a professor at one of the buildings calls me to unlock her classroom. Easy enough.

This week, I engaged in friendly conversations with staff, offered a listening ear and a helping hand whenever needed as I announced my departure to college departments I regularly interacted with.

As the afternoon progresses, I find myself retreating to the police department offices in a lonely shift as the radio scanner keeps going with calls elsewhere in Washington County. Computer Aided Dispatch is down, a dispatcher announces over the air. So is Police Mobile that all law enforcement officers use to conduct police business.

The final hours of the day pass with no police activity for me. As I make a second round of patrol checks, I stop by the Kepler Theater and interact with a couple of staff members working a rehearsal for an upcoming play. One of them ask me if we could provide security because the play deals with Jews and anti-Semitism, and the current war between Israel and Palestine is on everyone's mind.

Towards the end of my shift, around 1500 hours, my supervisor, Lieutenant Murray, comes in to collect the rest of my equipment: my firearm, my vest, my duty belt and other accessories.

As the shift ends, I stand at the entrance to the police department offices with hallway security cameras rolling. Having no badge to flash or blue card, I'm technically no longer a law enforcement officer for the time being until new credentials are issued to me by UMBC Police. I take a deep breath, then slowly walk away from room 115 with my now former lieutenant, heading to the exit of the Learning Resources Center building. This place has been my second chance at a law enforcement career since May 2022 -- when so many others rejected my applications -- after such career came to an abrupt end with the Washington County Sheriff's Office in April 2021. I was involuntarily transferred to its Detention Division after a lackluster performance in the Patrol Division. I will always remember this ordeal as it happened just prior to me facing another challenge: a very difficult divorce that would eventually bankrupt me, forcing me to sell my house and one of my cars.

With a final glance at the campus that has been my second home, even if briefly, I walk away, my footsteps echoing in the quiet afternoon air. I carry with me a trove of memories, each one a testament to the small impact I have made on this campus during my career stint.

As I drive away, I start feeling a profound sense of gratitude. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served my community, for the friendships I have forged, and for the lessons I have learned. Washington County and HCC have had some challenges for me. But I look forward to the new adventures that await me in Baltimore County, I know that the indelible mark I have left at HCC will forever be etched in my heart. 

Photo caption: my equipment and uniforms laying in the conference room table at HCC Police offices. 

UMBC-bound

I was recently hired by the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) as a Police Officer II, despite receiving a rejection from the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office (PGSO). This was a difficult experience because I gave it my best with PGSO, but I am grateful for the opportunity to work at such a prestigious educational institution.

Starting a new job is always an exciting time, and I am especially looking forward to starting at the UMBC Police Department. The university is known for its academic excellence and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. I am confident that I will find many opportunities to learn and grow.

In my new role as a police officer, I will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students, faculty, staff and visitors by keeping them safe in an educational environment. I am also excited to collaborate with other talented and dedicated fellow police officers, many of them with backgrounds from the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore School Police Department.

While I was disappointed to be rejected by PGSO, I am now grateful for the opportunity to work for the UMBC Police Department. I believe that this is a better fit for my skills and interests, and I am excited to start this new chapter in my career. A huge benefit I'm excited about is potentially getting my master's degree for free and having my kids enrolled in college for free as well.

I start later this month.