I would like to welcome you to the web site of the Baltimore County Police Department.

It is my hope – and the hope of everyone in the agency – that this site will reflect our commitment to public safety. Making the public safe is the most critical service government provides, and all the men and women in this department are dedicated to that mission.

Public safety is not a one-dimensional pursuit. It has a number of facets, including enforcement, education, and emergency management. This site has information on all of those areas.

If you are interested in the department’s activities to enforce the law, you can read about our support units, our cold case squad, our most wanted criminals, and the many other law enforcement activities we undertake every day.

This site is also meant to educate. Among other things, you can learn about crime prevention activities and crime statistics for your own neighborhood. You can learn about protecting yourself from high-tech crimes, such as identity theft. And you can read about our efforts to work with young people, so they learn how to lead productive and law-abiding lives.

Of course, if you are interested in volunteering to help the agency, or you want to learn about a career in law enforcement, we have information on that too.

Emergency management and emergency response are responsibilities for law enforcement that intensified after the attacks of 9/11. To learn what we are doing to respond to emergencies, whether natural or manmade, you can look into the activities of our Homeland Security Division. It details not only the response of government to disasters, but it provides solid guidance on what you can do in the face of such threats.

I know I speak for all the men and women in this department – sworn and professional staff – in thanking you for visiting us. I believe you'll find the time you spend here is time well spent.

James W. Johnson