Community Policing and
Resource Officers
Community policing offices, also known as satellite offices, provide local residents and merchants with the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with a police officer dedicated to the neighborhood. The Howard County Police Department utilizes community policing offices throughout the county as part of the community-oriented policing philosophy that emphasizes cooperation between police and community members and problem solving.
Community policing offices are staffed by a dedicated Howard County officer and support personnel who are responsible for communicating with community members about crime and safety, addressing citizen concerns, attending community meetings, participating in community events, providing an active police presence in the community and conducting enforcement.
The officer, known as a neighborhood community resource officer, frequently conducts foot and bike patrols in the neighborhood and patrols the area in a marked police car.
Additionally, the community policing office coordinates Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch and hosts an annual celebration each August for National Night Out.
Residents are encouraged to visit the community policing office and introduce themselves to the neighborhood community resource officer.
All Howard County officers who patrol the neighborhood regularly utilize the community policing office to meet with residents and conduct police business. Although the office is not staffed 24 hours a day, residents can expect to see police in the office during days, evenings and weekends.
In case of emergency, do not call the community policing office. Call 911.
District Station Community Resources
Howard County police also provide community policing support for neighborhoods not listed above. Both county districts have a designated community resource officer to serve the county’s northern and southern areas.
Northern District Community Resource Officer
(Clarksville, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Western Howard County)
3410 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-313-3015
PFC Bonita Linkins
Southern District Community Resource Officer
(Columbia, Jessup, Laurel and Savage)
11226 Scaggsville Road, Laurel, MD 20723
410-313-3755
Ofc. Terrence Benn
Senior Safety & Senior Liaison
The population of senior citizens in Howard County is growing. With the unique challenges this community faces, the police department is devoting the resources and attention of a full–time officer to their needs. Senior Liaison PFC Holly Burnham is working to increase protection for the senior population and reduce levels of fear by establishing better communication between seniors and police.
The senior liaison coordinates crime prevention and training and works closely with various senior citizen groups, government agencies and private institutions to ensure all the needs of seniors are being met. She can be contacted at 410-313-2207 or by email.
Multi-cultural outreach & multi-cultural liaison
The Howard County police department multi-cultural liaison carries out the department’s community policing goals with diverse populations. PFC Karen Reyes serves in this role and can be contacted at 410-313-2207 or kreyes@howardcountymd.gov. You may also leave a voice mail on the Spanish language line, 410-313-7807. In case of emergency, call 911.
The liaison’s role is to establish positive relations with diverse community groups so residents will feel comfortable calling police when needed. The liaison also strives to help reduce crime and victimization of multi-cultural populations. The liaison builds relationships with civic groups, local industry, businesses and members of the community. The liaison also coordinates translation services so non-English speaking residents can communicate with police during critical and emergency incidents.
