Residents shocked as town in Maryland suspends entire police force

RIDGELY, Maryland: Pending the results of an investigation by state prosecutors, the small town of Ridgely on Maryland's Eastern Shore has suspended its entire police force, and an unexplained decision that has shocked residents.

The crackdown on law enforcement in the town indicates that rural U.S. communities are also feeling the effects on policing in the country by George Floyd's killing.

Although other public safety agencies have taken over the duties of the Ridgely Police Department, residents of the historic town are concerned about issues such as response times. They are in the dark about the reason for their police department's suspension.

Ridgely resident Laura Cline, said, "What is very concerning is that they did not communicate with us in an honest and open way. Treat us with respect. We are adults, thinking, rational adults who deserve the truth."

In a statement posted to the town government's website last week, officials said Ridgely's three-member commission had "suspended with pay the entirety of the Ridgely Police Department," and the Office of State Prosecutor is investigating.

Holly Justice, an esthetician who owns a spa in Ridgely, said, "We were blindsided. It makes you question the integrity of people who are supposed to protect and serve."

The suspension is not the first time Ridgely has faced questions about policing practices.

The department made headlines several years ago when its then-chief was involved in the 2018 death of Anton Black in neighboring Greensboro.

Crime in the county has been low for decades, with federal crime data showing that Caroline County, which includes Ridgely, has reported only four homicides since 2000.

In Ridgely itself, violent crime peaked in 2010 with a total of 41 reported incidents. Ridgely police officers usually deal with minor public safety issues.