A Message from Sheriff Melvin C. High

Working Together: Where We Stand and What We Stand For

On behalf of the Office of the Sheriff, I want to thank the members of our community, and communities throughout the state for following the instructions and recommendations for protecting yourself and your loved ones given to us by Governor Larry Hogan and by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. I am as proud of our state and county leadership as I have ever been because of their forthrightness in addressing the current crisis and the challenges ahead, and for acting quickly and innovatively to address our critical needs, particularly those of young people and seniors in our community.  They have provided the standard for where Marylanders and Prince Georgians stand and of what we stand for by working together in the face of COVID-19.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a wholesale reshaping of our daily lives; like the rest of the country, we are feeling its impact. Our schools, at every level, along with most workplaces, entertainment venues, and even our places of worship have answered the call to cancel most, if not all, activities and are seeking out new ways to stay connected. We’re using and learning new ways to communicate, working from home, finding and getting use to unforeseen supply shortages and the reality of limits on our social entertainment options. Many are facing job loss and financial difficulty, particularly within our small business community. Even as we manage the “right now”, if we dare look into the future, we know that COVID-19 will leave in its wake a challenging economic future for the country and for many of our friends and family.

I urge you to believe, as I do, that our resilience and resolve as Americans are mainstays of our society that have brought us through many challenges before and, I believe, will bring us through the current situation.  I hope you’ll find the time to note the many reported stories about the generosity and kindness that is exhibited throughout this community every day. You’ll be lifted! While the demands on all of us are extraordinary, I encourage everyone to adhere to social distancing and preventive recommendations to protect yourselves and each other to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Like all our outstanding public safety partners in the county and throughout the state, our deputies, operating under appropriate safety precautions, continue the work of keeping the community safe. The Warrant Fugitive Division remains focused on serving felony warrants for persons who most represent a danger to the public and are working closely with the State’s Attorney to assess extraditions geographically. We are serving Peace and Protective Orders throughout the county and executing Emergency Petition Service (EPS) to help persons in mental distress or with mental illness get aid.

Our Domestic Violence Intervention Division (DVID) is responding to 9-1-1 domestic violence emergency calls for service in Police District III and Police District VIII.  The Family Justice Center (FJC) is still connecting victims of domestic violence to support services by phone at 301-952-8008 as are our Special Victim Assistants (SVAs) located in our headquarters. They can be reached at 301-780-8426.  

During this difficult time, you may rest assured that the members of the Office of the Sheriff are committed to the safety and vitality of this community. We remain prayerful for everyone’s safety, health, and sense of community. Clearly, we know where we stand and what we stand for.