Ocean Pines police budget adds staff and seeks grant-funded equipment such as tasers

Police Chief Robinson told the Budget & Finance Committee the department has grown from a short-staffed seven-officer force to 12 active officers and expects to reach 14 during the current fiscal year. He said the department has focused on competitive compensation and a take-home-car program to improve recruitment and retention.

The chief described several state and county grants that helped offset unfunded mandates and said a recent state grant will fund a taser program. "We're probably the only police department in the region or anywhere in the state that does not equip their officers with tasers," the chief said; the new grant will fund initial acquisition.

Chief Robinson told the committee he expects overtime to decline as hires fill vacancies; until staffing reaches target levels, some overtime for shift coverage is still projected. Committee members asked whether uniform and equipment budgets were sufficient; the chief said apparel and outfitting estimates cover the department at 14 officers.

The committee requested follow-up on grant terms and how they constrain use of funds; the chief said grants are typically earmarked for specific equipment or programs and cannot be repurposed.