Maryland town commissioners suspend entire police department 'pending investigation,' no explanation provided

In a statement, Commissioners Anthony Casey, John Hurley, and Leonard Buckle informed residents that they had "suspended with pay the entirety of the Ridgely Police Department (the 'Department'), effectively immediately, pending investigation by the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor."

They added that a "temporary agreement" was in the works with the Caroline County Sheriff's Department to "guarantee uninterrupted public safety services for the citizens."

Following a special public meeting on Wednesday, the commissioners released another statement confirming that they had successfully negotiated an agreement with the county.

"Under the Agreement," they wrote, "the Sheriff’s Department will continue providing public safety services for the Town of Ridgely on an interim basis pending a decision by the Commissioners regarding the long-term provision of public safety services for the Town."

The trio added that "updates will be made on the Town website as they become available."

According to the calendar, the next monthly town meeting is scheduled for Monday April 1.

As the Associated Press reports, while Ridgely's former police chief was involved in an officer-related death of a black man in 2018, it is generally a safe and sleepy town, leading many of its 1,600 residents to question what exactly happened.

"What's very concerning is that they didn't communicate with us in an honest and open way," a local woman told the outlet. "Treat us with respect. We're adults, thinking, rational adults who deserve the truth."

Another resident said she felt "blindsided" by the decision.

"It makes you question the integrity of people who are supposed to protect and serve," she said, adding, "I knew those guys. It just makes you wonder."