Maryland town suspends entire police force without explanation after mysterious investigation

Ridgely, Maryland, commissioners suspended the town’s entire police force pending an investigation, leading to speculation from residents.

Ridgely commissioners announced the suspension on the town website last week without any further explanation. They reached an agreement with the Caroline County Sheriff’s Department to fill the void as the investigation continues.

“The Commissioners of Ridgley … suspended with pay the entirety of the Ridgely Police Department … effectively immediately, pending investigation by the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor,” a statement on the town website reads. “The Commissioners are currently developing a temporary agreement with the Caroline County Sheriff’s Department to guarantee uninterrupted public safety services for the citizens of Town of Ridgely.”

The Washington Examiner reached out to Caroline County Sheriff Donald Baker for comment.

Ridgely’s police department has six law enforcement personnel listed on its website.

The small town of about 1,600 is famously safe — violent crime peaked in 2010 with 41 incidents reported, according to the Associated Press. Despite this, residents are anxious about the opaque nature of the investigation, with many viewing it as a betrayal of trust.

“What’s very concerning is that they didn’t communicate with us in an honest and open way,” resident Laura Cline told the outlet. “Treat us with respect. We’re adults — thinking, rational adults who deserve the truth.”

“We were blindsided,” resident Holly Justice told the outlet. “It makes you question the integrity of people who are supposed to protect and serve.”

Ridgely has not revealed any clues as to the reason for the suspension of the police department. The town commissioners will hold a closed-door meeting on Friday, WMDT reported.

-Washington Examiner