A largely unexplained decision by a Maryland town to suspend its entire police force has left residents shocked, skeptical and on edge.
The small town of Ridgely, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, announced it was suspending officers of the Ridgely Police Department, leaving other public safety agencies to fill the void. But the town’s residents remain entirely in the dark about why it was being shut down.
“What’s very concerning is that they didn’t communicate with us in an honest and open way,” said Laura Cline, a longtime Ridgely resident. “Treat us with respect. We’re adults — thinking, rational adults who deserve the truth.”
Holly Justice, an esthetician who owns a spa in Ridgely, added: “We were blindsided. It makes you question the integrity of people who are supposed to protect and serve.”
Last week, officials said on the Ridgely’s website that the town’s three-member commission had “suspended with pay the entirety of the Ridgely Police Department,” and that the Office of State Prosecutor is investigating potential wrongdoing.
“It doesn’t add up,” said Gennie Woo, a business owner in downtown Ridgely since 1983. “Everybody is skeptical about what happened. We just want to know how and why.” The department’s website says it employs half a dozen officers to service its population of about 1,600 residents.
According to city officials, Ridgely has made arrangements for officers of the nearby Caroline County Sheriff’s Office to respond to emergency calls for now.
Caroline County Sheriff David Baker said Maryland State Police would also pitch in. Having officers from a neighboring town respond to service calls has some residents worried about slower response times. Some residents have also suggested a reduced law enforcement presence could make them targets for potential criminals.
