After operating as a “Special” Police Department for more than 30 years, the Ocean Pines Police Department will now be recognized as a certified law enforcement agency by the State of Maryland, effective October 1st.

The support of local and state elected officials, as well as the criminal justice community, was critical in passing legislation in Maryland’s General Assembly to formally recognize the hard work of the OPPD dedicated police officers, both past and present.

Signed by Governor Bob Ehrlich on May 26, 2005, the bill would make the OPPD eligible:
• To receive state and federal grants such as homeland security funding
• To receive death benefits if an officer dies in the line of duty
• To access criminal information

The ceremonial “swearing in” of the entire department took place on Monday, October 3, 2005 at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. 
“It was a night of community pride for Ocean Pines,” said Ocean Pines Police Chief David C. Massey.