Abbreviation FPD Population 68,400 Phone +1 301-694-2100 | Size 57.50 km² Legal jurisdiction Frederick, Maryland | |
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Legal personality Governmental: Government agency Operations jurisdiction* State of Maryland, United States Address Frederick County Courthouse, 100 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA Profiles | ||
The Frederick City Police Department (FPD) is a law enforcement organization that provides police services to the city of Frederick, Maryland, the second-largest city in that state. The department is organized into several divisions, and is responsible for policing more than 68,000 people in a land area of 22.9 square miles. FPD is headed by Edward Hargis, who was appointed Chief of Police in July 2015, replacing outgoing Chief Thomas Ledwell who resigned in September 2014.
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History
In 1745, Daniel Dulany, a lawyer and land developer, founded "Frederick town" on a feeder creek of the Monocacy River. Frederick became incorporated in 1817 and had a population of 3,640. Four town constables were appointed that year to provide security on the streets and enforce animal laws.
The Police Department was created and organized in 1858. At that time, there was a captain and two constables. The department staff eventually increased the following years and quickly followed other major cities' models.
Today
The department has 144 sworn officers and about 40 civilians, and is composed of several divisions that provide police services. Its headquarters are located just outside the Frederick County courthouse on West Patrick Street. Like many law enforcement agencies across the country, community policing is an important part of its core services provided to the citizens of Frederick.
FPD also has an auxiliary unit composed of uniformed volunteer officers to supplement regular officers. Auxiliary officers perform essential support duties and assist sworn police officers in their daily activities as well as during special events.
Training
FPD has its own police academy, certified by the Maryland Training Police Commission. The department trains not only its own officers, but also cadets from surrounding jurisdictions including the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Brunswick Police Department. Additionally, the academy periodically trains prospects for the auxiliary police force.