About us
The Maryland-National Capital Park Police was founded in 1953 by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). It has grown into a diverse police department with 120 positions - 95 sworn and 25 civilian personnel. The Park Police secure and protect over 33,000 acres of park property in Montgomery County, Maryland on a 24-hour basis.
Our mission
The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division, in concert with the citizens of Montgomery County and The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is committed to providing quality police services through the prevention, detection, investigation of crime, and prosecution of criminals while providing a safe and enjoyable recreational environment. In so doing, we are dedicated philosophically and operationally to the concepts of Problem Oriented Policing.
Our ethics
Organizational ethics exemplify the essence of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police and are the critical attributes most important to individuals, the community and the Division. These ethical values are the foundation upon which we make decisions and each one builds upon the other.
- Integrity
Is essential to the foundation of this agency. Officers commit to stay honest in thought and deed in their personal and official life. All of our decisions will be based on this important quality. Without integrity, public faith and public trust are not attainable. - Respect
Is what commits us to excellence. We honor the badge and the profession by never allowing our decisions to be affected by personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships. The respect runs deep into the core of human decency and respect of the natural environment protects our resources for current and future generations. - Community
Drives everything that we strive for. We work with a diverse community as a part of our team. Through open, timely and effective communication, a clear understanding of direction is established.
Our history
The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division, is a Division within the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The Commission was created in 1927 to protect open space and control development in the geographical areas of Maryland that is adjacent to the District of Columbia.
In 1954, the Commission recognized the need to provide public safety for the parks under its jurisdiction and therefore created the Park Police Division. It began with three officers who worked six days a week for an annual salary of $3,000. The officers shared one police car until it broke down and the Commission purchased two used cars to replace the initial vehicle.
Two divisions were created to serve two counties, one policing the Prince George’s County park system and the other the Montgomery County park system. Both Divisions are now the second largest police agencies in their respective counties. Today, the Montgomery County Division consists of 95 authorized sworn personnel, 25 civilian employees, and approximately 36 volunteers.
Our organization
Office of the Chief
Chief Darien L. Manley Within the Division, the Chief oversees a management staff of over 20 command and supervisory personnel. The command staff is responsible for the supervision of police personnel and the implementation of the operational programs, policies and objectives of the agency. Park Police operate 24-hours per day, seven days per week throughout the park system of Montgomery County. Our jurisdiction covers 487 square miles or 32,950 acres of land that accommodates over 14 million visitors each year. M-NCPPC property includes more than 400 parks, 100 miles of trails, 219 playgrounds, swimming pools, campgrounds, golf courses, horse stables, soccer stadiums, and stream valleys.
Office of professional standards
The Internal Affairs function within the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division, strives to protect the public, the agency, and agency employees by maintaining the standards of professional conduct for officers of the Division. Because complaints concerning police practice may disclose problems or deficiencies in policy, procedure, or training, proper investigation of these complaints allows improvement and correction. Equally important as reporting police misconduct is the recognition of a job done well.
If you would like to provide us with some feedback on our performance, please fill out our feedback form. All persons filing complaints will receive a letter following the investigation process or the administrative hearing which will indicate the outcome of the process. All commendations received are forwarded to the employee and their supervisor.
Also housed in the Office of Professional Standards is the function of training and firearms Training. The Training Section's mission is to provide a variety of training to ensure that employees continue developing their skills and are versed in the latest law enforcement trends.
Field operations
Assistant Chief Jake BiseThe Assistant Chief of Field Operations oversees the Patrol, Special Operations, and Community Services Sections. The mission of the Patrol Section is to provide front line services to our community. Officers assigned to the Patrol Section are the first to respond to requests for service from members of the community and Commission staff. We understand that police responses are critical to community opinion of the Division and the perception of crime. With that in mind, we attempt to provide the most professional, comprehensive, and service-oriented response possible.
Patrol Section
The Patrol section is the largest component of the Park Police. Officers are thoroughly trained to provide exceptional service to the community while maintaining personal and community safety. Officers are tasked with quickly assessing on-going situations, protecting life and property and effectively and efficiently taking appropriate actions. The responsibilities of the officers assigned to the Patrol section are broad and varied.
Patrol Commander Lt. Antonio DeVaulLt. Antonio DeVaul is the Patrol Commander for the daywork shifts. The daywork shifts work 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lt. DeVaul is also in charge of the Division's ATV, Traffic Management, Sign Board and Homework Club Programs.
Patrol Commander Lt. Karen PetrarcaLt. Karen Petrarca is the Patrol Commander for the evening and midnight shifts. The evening shift works 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and the midnight shift works 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Lt. Petrarca is also in charge of the Division's Field Training and Evaluation Program, Bike and Canine Programs, and the Special Events Response Team.
Special operations section
The Special Operations Section (SOS) patrols the regional parks and the hiker and biker trails throughout Montgomery County utilizing horses, motorcycles, and boats. This section also staffs and manages special events with large crowds of people. When not participating in special events, SOS officers assist Patrol Services with their normal responsibilities. SOS also focuses on enforcing hunting and game law programs and unusual event planning. Officers assigned to SOS are cross-trained in horse-mounted, motorcycle, and marine patrols. In addition to patrolling park property, Special Operations officers are often called on for control at large events, search and rescue operations, dignitary escorts, and specialize in patrolling park areas with limited access.
Community services section
The Community Services Section coordinates a number of special programs for the Division. The section conducts event analyses of large events in the parks to determine the need for additional security measures. Recommendations can include additional police staffing, changes in location, the type of entertainment allowed, etc. The Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) expert assists in the development, renovation, and construction of park facilities in Montgomery County to ensure a safe recreational environment. Community Services also coordinates the Division's volunteer program. There are approximately 36 volunteers who perform a variety of functions during the year. One of the goals of the program is to improve police service by using volunteers to assist in patrolling our parks and developing a spirit of cooperation and partnership with the community.
Support operations
Assistant Chief Dan McNickleThe Assistant Chief of Support Operations oversees the Communications Section, Investigative Services, and Management and Technology Services. He is responsible for the supervision of police personnel and the implementation of the support programs, policies, and objectives of the Division.
Communications section
The Communications Section is responsible for receiving and dispatching all calls for police service, emergency and non-emergency, within the park system in Montgomery County. The Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Using state-of-the-art equipment, Communication Technicians work with the community and Officers to keep Montgomery County parks safe.
Investigative services
Lieutenant Brian SmithThe Investigative Services Section investigates crimes against persons and property, and follows up on reports taken by Patrol personnel as needed. This section also maintains Crime Scene Evidence Collection equipment, manages Vehicle and Asset Forfeitures, and coordinates the Investigative Response Team. The Investigative Services Section is also responsible for recruitment and applicant investigations.
Management & technology
The Management & Technology Section is committed to providing quality support services to the Division. This section consists of technology, communications, evidence/property management, records, information technology, facility management, and fleet management. Mobile data terminals, computer aided dispatch, and a records management system are all being interfaced to create a total technological package for the officer on the street. These computers allow an officer to conduct database queries, receive calls for service information, write reports, and access the agency's e-mail system. The system has turned the patrol vehicle into a mobile office. Currently, we are supporting officers from other local agencies on our computer servers allowing them to access the latest technology also. The Technology section is always looking for new and innovative ways to make everyone's job easier and more efficient.
The Guardian newsletter
- October - December 2009 (pdf, 485KB)
- July - September 2009 (pdf, 440KB)
- April - June 2009 (pdf, 268KB)
- January - March 2009 (pdf, 440KB)
NOTE: For past issues check our The Guardian Newsletter archives
Reports
- 2006 Annual Report (pdf, 876KB)
- 2005 Annual Report (pdf, 2MB)
- 2007-2012 Strategic Plan (pdf, 167MB)
- 2006-2011 Strategic Plan (pdf, 1.02MB)
- 2005-2010 Strategic Plan (pdf, 1.76MB)
Date of last update: January 14, 2010
Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division