Police Department Overview

Chief Melissa R. Hyatt

A Message from Chief Melissa R. Hyatt

The preservation of life is at the forefront of everything we do in law enforcement. Accountability, empathy and compassion are all vital parts of policing. As Chief, I am dedicated to ensuring our officers maintain proficient skill sets that are aligned with the high standards of honesty, integrity, equity and professionalism. To that end, I have implemented a duty to intervene and sanctity of life provision to our existing policy manual. The Baltimore County Police Department continues to train in de-escalation techniques, and utilizing the Integrating Communications, Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) program. Implicit bias training will become a standalone training requirement for all departmental members.

As Chief of Police, I made a commitment to the communities and residents we serve. Building and maintaining community trust is a cornerstone of policing and you have my promise that we will continue to listen and serve the citizens of Baltimore County.

Police News

Follow @BaltCoPolice

The Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD), welcomes you to our website. This site includes a wealth of news and information:

• Our award-winning iWatch Public Safety News Blog
• News from each of our 10 precincts
• Crime trends, verified by our Criminal Information and Analysis Division and posted weekly

A variety of frequently sought services are available online, including:

• Online crime reporting for certain types of crimes.
• Obtaining crime and accident reports.
• Reporting tips about suspicious activity (iWatch tip program)

Join Us on Social Media

• Facebook, @BaltCoPolice, for police news, including breaking news
• Twitter, @BaltCoPolice, for daily police news, including breaking news updates
• Twitter, @BaltCoEmergency, for information about snowstorms, community emergencies and critical missing persons
• Instagram, @baltcopolice, to view photos of police activities

For those who choose not to join Twitter or Facebook, a feed containing our social media updates appears on this page.

Popular Information and Services

• COVID-19 Crime Prevention and Health Safety
  Citizens are reminded that officers are still out on patrol and continuing to enforce the law during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several tips are provided to help reduce your chances of being a victim of a crime as well as reminders on staying healthy.

• Body-Worn Camera Program
  This resource is designed to provide information about the program and educate citizens about how body-worn cameras will be used.    

• Claiming Property and Auction of Unclaimed Property
  Find how to claim property held by BCoPD. Property abandoned, stolen or lawfully seized by police and unclaimed after 30 days is auctioned.           

• Compliments and Complaints
  Our mission is customer service. We want to hear your thoughts about the work we do.

• File a Police Report Online
  You can report lost property, abandoned vehicles, hit and runs, destruction of property and some thefts online -- saving yourself a trip to the precinct.

• Career Opportunities
  The police academy is a 27-week academic, physical and practical training program, which introduces recruits to a career in law enforcement.

• Child Abuse Facts and Prevention 
  Find valuable information about child abuse.

• Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) Training Video
  Learn the critical actions to take if you find yourself in a hostile situation—avoid, deny and defend.

Baltimore County Police Department
Headquarters:
Public Safety Building, 700 East Joppa Road, Towson, Maryland 21286

Contact the Baltimore County Police Department:
bcopd@baltimorecountymd.gov
Phone: 410-887-2214
Fax: 410-821-8887