# Division 5. Police Department Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted. ## Division 5. Police Department ### Subdivision 1. Organization and Administration #### Sec. 18-134. Purpose of Division Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-134 (2026) This Division provides for the operation of the County Police Department. #### Sec. 18-135. Departmental functions; coordination Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-135 (2026) (a) The Police Department functions shall be as follows: (1) The protection of life and property. (2) The preservation of peace and order. (3) The prevention of crime. (4) The arrest of all violators of the law. (5) The enforcement of this Code and all other laws and ordinances. (6) The prompt service of all summonses and court papers as required by law. (b) In carrying out such functions all members and employees of the Police Department shall coordinate their efforts in such manner as will tend to establish, maintain and promote the highest standards of efficiency. #### Sec. 18-136. Composition of Department Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-136 (2026) The Police Department shall be headed by a Chief of Police who shall be responsible for all law enforcement in the County, except where otherwise specified by State law, the County Charter, or any municipal charter. The Police Department shall consist of such sworn and nonsworn personnel as are provided in the approved Classification Plan and the approved Annual Budget. #### Sec. 18-137. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-137 (2026) #### Sec. 18-138. Training of police officers Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-138 (2026) Each sworn police officer member of the Police Department shall receive training at a police training school approved and authorized by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission and as required by the County Executive and Chief of Police, prior to routine assignment in any capacity in which the officer may carry a gun or make an arrest. #### Sec. 18-139. Compensation of police officers Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-139 (2026) (a) The Police Department shall be the primary law enforcement agency for the County. (b) The Chief of Police and sworn police officers of the Police Department shall receive such salaries and allowances as authorized by the approved Classification Plan(s) and Salary Plan(s). #### Sec. 18-140. Bond and oath required Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-140 (2026) (a) Each police officer shall take an oath before any person duly qualified to administer the oath that the officer will well and faithfully perform the duties imposed on the officer by law. (b) Each police officer, immediately upon taking the oath prescribed, shall report to the Chief of Police and thereafter shall at all times be under the Chief's supervision and orders. #### Sec. 18-141. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-141 (2026) #### Sec. 18-142. Police officers; powers and duties Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-142 (2026) (a) The Chief of Police is the commanding officer and administrative head of the Police Department. By virtue of authority vested in him, he shall issue from time to time orders setting forth the authority, responsibility and duties of the various ranks and positions established within the Department. (b) Members of the Department shall exercise full police authority on all land, water, and air within the territorial limits of the County. (c) While under suspension, as directed, sworn police officer employees of the Department shall not wear the uniform, shall be deprived of all police powers and privileges, and shall not be permitted to represent themselves as employees of the Department. #### Sec. 18-142.01. Hazardous structures Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-142.01 (2026) In the event of an emergency situation constituting an immediate threat to individual human life, property, or the public safety due to a hazardous condition of a building or structure, and if, in addition, the time necessarily consumed in applying for a judicial warrant authorizing entry, or if the amount of time required to locate the owner of such building or structure could readily intensify such threat, or if the said owner refuses to cooperate in making safe such building or structure, then, and in that event, any sworn police officer of the Prince George's County Police Department shall have the right, without permission or warrant, to make an emergency entrance into such building or structure for the purpose of abating or eliminating the dangerous condition existing therein in a manner that will preserve human life, protect the rights of all property owners involved, and minimize the costs of such abatement or elimination of the dangerous condition. The reasonable cost of making safe such a hazardous structure shall be the burden of the owner of said property. In the event that the owner of said property fails to make payment within thirty (30) days of the receipt of a bill demanding payment by the County of all monies expended by the County in abating or eliminating a hazardous structure or dangerous condition in an emergency situation, the County Attorney shall take such actions as necessary to recover such costs from the owner of the premises. Such action of the County Attorney may include, but need not be limited to, initiating those steps necessary to establish a tax lien against said property. #### Sec. 18-143. Departmental administration and discipline Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-143 (2026) The Chief of Police shall establish written rules and regulations for the administration and discipline of the members of the Police Department. The Chief of Police shall promulgate a General Order Manual containing such rules and regulations. The Chief of Police shall maintain a copy of the General Order Manual and all current amendments thereto. #### Sec. 18-144. Assignment of employees; transfers Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-144 (2026) (a) The Chief of Police shall create and maintain such bureaus and divisions as are necessary for the proper functioning of the Police Department subject to approval by the County Executive. He shall assign by order competent police and civilian employees of any rank or classification which he deems proper to command and administer these bureaus and divisions. (b) The Chief of Police shall assign commissioned officers, noncommissioned officers, and officers to such duties as he deems proper for the efficient functioning of the Department, unless such assignments are otherwise established in accordance with law. (c) All employees of the Department shall be subject to transfer from one area to another or from one bureau or division of the Department to another, at the direction of the Chief of Police, unless such direction is otherwise limited in accordance with law. #### Sec. 18-145. Uniforms and equipment Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-145 (2026) The Chief of Police shall establish regulations in accordance with other legal requirements concerning the wearing and use of uniforms and equipment intended for use of the members of the Police Department. Uniforms and equipment intended for use by members of the Police Department shall conform to established specifications and standards. #### Sec. 18-146. Civilian employees; powers and duties Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-146 (2026) Civilian employees of the Police Department shall include all employees that have not been sworn in as peace officers of the County in all bureaus and divisions. The conduct of these employees shall be governed by the rules and regulations adopted for the administration and discipline of the Department and Subtitle 16 of the Code. They will not possess police powers and shall perform such duties as may be assigned to them from time to time. #### Sec. 18-146.01. Drug Analysis Laboratory; establishment; administration; duties Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-146.01 (2026) (a) There shall be within the executive branch of Prince George's County the County Drug Analysis Laboratory. (b) The Laboratory shall be a part of the County Police Department and administered by the Chief of Police. (c) The Laboratory's duties shall include the chemical analysis of materials and substances referred to it by any court within the County, the State's Attorney, the County Attorney, or any Federal, State, County, or Municipal law enforcement agency located in this County. (d) The County Executive, or his designee, is empowered to prescribe regulations for the Laboratory respecting its personnel, location, and operation. #### Sec. 18-146.02. Law Enforcement Activities Tort Claims Report Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-146.02 (2026) On or before December 31 of each year, the County shall report to the County Council, and subject to Section 2-1246 of the State government article, to the County delegations of the House of Delegates and the Senate of Maryland, on the total number of settlements of tort claims involving law enforcement activities in the County and the total expenditures made in the preceding fiscal year for those settlements. ### Subdivision 2. Rules of Conduct for Police Officers #### Sec. 18-147. Rules of conduct; violation; responsibility Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-147 (2026) (a) In setting forth the rules of conduct for police officers, it is to be understood that it is not feasible to enumerate all offenses for which the Chief of Police may take disciplinary action. (b) Any violation of such rules and regulations, or other orders, either written or verbal, shall be sufficient cause for the Chief of Police to take disciplinary action after an investigation, if deemed necessary, of the circumstances has been made. All disciplinary action concerning a nonprobationary sworn police officer shall be taken in accordance with the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, Sections 727, et seq., Article 27, Annotated Code of Maryland. (c) Every member of the Department shall be held responsible for the proper performance of his duties and for strict adherence on his part to the rules and regulations adopted from time to time for the administration of the Police Department. #### Sec. 18-148 through 18-149. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 18-148–18-149 (2026) #### Sec. 18-150. Official communications Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-150 (2026) All members of the Police Department shall treat as confidential the official communications and business of the Department. #### Sec. 18-151. Private compensation or reward; contests Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-151 (2026) (a) No compensation, reward or other consideration from private sources shall be solicited or accepted by members of the Police Department, without special permission from the Chief of Police. Upon receipt of any reward, compensation or consideration, after permission has been granted, a complete report shall be forwarded to the Chief of Police. (b) Members of the Police Department shall not engage in any prize contest or solicit votes or contributions for any such prize contest, or engage either directly or indirectly in the sale of tickets or soliciting the advertisements of business of any nature, without written approval of the Chief of Police. #### Sec. 18-152 through 18-153. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 18-152–18-153 (2026) #### Sec. 18-154. Personal contacts with criminal suspects Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-154 (2026) All members of the Police Department shall refrain from making personal contacts with persons who are engaged in unlawful activity or who are under investigation by a law enforcement agency when such contacts would present an appearance of impropriety, unless necessary to do so in the performance of their duty. #### Sec. 18-155. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-155 (2026) #### Sec. 18-156. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-156 (2026) #### Sec. 18-157. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-157 (2026) #### Sec. 18-158. Public relations Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-158 (2026) It shall be the duty of every member of the Police Department to promote good public relations by giving assistance when it is requested, by the impartial administration of the law, and by clean, sober, and orderly habits. Every member of the Police Department shall furnish his or her name and identification number to any person who requests this information. #### Sec. 18-159. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-159 (2026) #### Sec. 18-160. Violation of laws; false statement Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-160 (2026) (a) No member of the Police Department shall intentionally violate any law of the United States, the District of Columbia, any state, the County, a county of any other state, or the ordinance of any city or municipality in any state. (b) No member of the Police Department, under any circumstances, shall make any false official statement or intentional misrepresentation of facts. (c) No member of the Police Department shall bring or attempt to bring improper influence to bear upon the Chief of Police for the purpose of securing promotion or transfer or to avoid disciplinary action. (d) No employee of the Police Department shall improperly interfere with the discipline of the Department. #### Sec. 18-161. Punctuality Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-161 (2026) Members of the Police Department shall be punctual in attendance to all calls, requirements of duty, court appointment and other circumstances where time is specified. #### Sec. 18-162. Salute required Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-162 (2026) Uniformed members of the Police Department, when encountering other uniformed members of this or any other police department, the Governor, officers of the National and State Guard, officers of the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps shall render the salute in the prescribed manner. This rule shall not apply to plainclothesmen from any bureau or division. They shall only be recognized by uniformed officers when circumstances permit, of which they shall be the judge and shall so indicate by first rendering the salute in the prescribed manner to the uniformed officer, who shall return the salute. #### Sec. 18-163. Periodic relief from duty Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-163 (2026) (a) Sworn police officers are held to be always on duty, although periodically relieved from the routine performance thereof. They are subject at all times to orders from the proper authorities and to call by citizens. The fact that they may be off duty shall not be held as relieving them from the responsibility of taking proper police action in any matter coming to their attention requiring such action. (b) While in the County, sworn police officers shall at all times, when apart from their own homes, be armed, unless the carrying of firearms is specifically prohibited, and carry their badge of authority. #### Sec. 18-164. Communication of information to criminals Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-164 (2026) Members of the Police Department shall not communicate in any way whatsoever, directly or indirectly, in any manner or form, any information which may enable persons guilty of criminal or quasi-criminal acts to escape arrest or punishment or dispose of or secrete any money or valuables, the proceeds of crime, or to destroy any evidence which would establish guilt. #### Sec. 18-165. Compromises or arrangements Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-165 (2026) Members of the Police Department shall not be concerned, directly or indirectly, in making any compromise or arrangements between suspected violators of the law and persons who are alleged to have suffered by their acts. #### Sec. 18-166. Smoking prohibited Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-166 (2026) Members of the Police Department shall not smoke while in uniform in view of the public, or while engaged in any business with the public. They shall not appear in public places with unlighted pipes, cigars or cigarettes in their mouths. Smoking in storerooms and garages shall not be permitted at any time. No member of the Police Department shall unnecessarily loiter in any private or secluded place for the purpose of smoking. #### Sec. 18-167. Sole occupation Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-167 (2026) Members of the Police Department shall not in any way participate in any business which might interfere with proper and efficient performance of police duty. #### Sec. 18-168. Threatening businesses; accepting privileges Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-168 (2026) Members of the Police Department shall not by threat or in any manner, directly or indirectly, use their position for the purpose of influencing the lawful business, profession or occupation of any person. They shall not allow any lawful business, profession or occupation of persons to be influenced by their position or acts, to the extent of extending to them privileges that are not enjoyed by all patrons. This rule shall especially apply to business places serving food and drinks. #### Sec. 18-169. Reports required Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-169 (2026) Members of the Police Department shall make complete typewritten detailed reports on all cases requiring a report, on the prescribed form, before leaving the station upon completion of their tour of duty. #### Sec. 18-170. Report of death; notifications; preservation of evidence Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-170 (2026) (a) Any member of the Police Department who finds a dead body or learns of a case where death has ensued, without a physician having been in attendance, shall immediately notify the officer in command of the station where the body was found and receive instructions in regard to his further procedure. (b) The officer in charge of such station shall promptly notify the medical examiner and officer in charge of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and report the details concerning the same to the Chief of Police. Should circumstances indicate the possibility of a crime having been committed, the commanding officer shall also notify the State's Attorney and shall at once note all particulars. (c) He shall not permit disturbances of the body or surroundings. He shall take care to prevent the handling of weapons or other objects presenting smooth surfaces as to obliterate visible or latent fingerprints thereon, and, if necessary, detain for the time being any individuals whose testimony, in his judgment, might be needed in establishing any fact or removing any doubt in connection with the case. He shall arrest any person against whom there exists reasonable suspicion of guilt supported by any fact, circumstances or credible information. He shall make a full report of all facts and details connected with the case. #### Sec. 18-171. Report of personal injury or property damage Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-171 (2026) Members of the Police Department shall report promptly, in writing, to their superior officers any injuries to their persons or any damage to the County property in their charge, irrespective of whom or where such injury or damage occurs. Such report shall be in full detail, giving the names and addresses of all witnesses. If a member of the Department is injured to such an extent that he is physically unable to make such report, his superior officer shall promptly make the report. #### Sec. 18-172. Accident involving County liability Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-172 (2026) When an accident occurs as a result of any defect in public property, or where it appears or is alleged that the County may in any manner be held responsible or liable for an injury to a person or damage to property as a result of such accident, policemen shall make a careful and thorough investigation and report all facts in connection therewith, together with the names and addresses of all witnesses. Such report shall be made promptly and in writing. #### Sec. 18-173. Vehicles on streets; examination of buildings Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-173 (2026) (a) Members of the Police Department, while on patrol at night, shall observe vehicles on the streets and shall investigate any suspicious circumstances in connection therewith, making notes of the circumstances for future reference. (b) Members of the Police Department during their tour of duty shall frequently examine the doors, low windows and archways of buildings on their beats or patrol area, to ascertain if they are properly fastened at night. They shall also give vacant houses the same attention during the day. If any are found open they shall report the facts to the station, after steps to secure them have been taken. #### Sec. 18-174. Attendance at race tracks Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-174 (2026) Members of the Police Department attending race tracks, either on or off duty, shall not patronize these establishments by visiting the betting windows while in uniform. They shall not display, exhibit or carry, in any manner visible to the public, paraphernalia such as programs, scratch sheets, newspapers, etc., usually displayed by other patrons. #### Sec. 18-175. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-175 (2026) #### Sec. 18-176. Vehicle pursuit reporting Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-176 (2026) (a) Annual Reporting. No later than September 1st of each year, the Chief of Police shall submit to the County Council a report on vehicle pursuits during the prior fiscal year. The report shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Total number of vehicle pursuits; (2) The reason for each vehicle pursuit; (3) The number of vehicle pursuits that were ceased after initiation; (4) The number of vehicle pursuits that resulted in a collision; (5) The number of vehicle pursuits that resulted in death or injury to an officer or member of the public; (6) The number of vehicle pursuits that were found to be within or outside of Department policy; and (7) Summarized data regarding: location, length and duration of vehicle pursuits; suspect demographics; and collision damage and injuries. #### Sec. 18-177 through 18-178. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 18-177–18-178 (2026) #### Sec. 18-179. Release of prisoners Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-179 (2026) No member of the Police Department shall, without proper authority, release any prisoner in his charge or, through neglect or design, suffer any prisoner in his charge to escape. #### Sec. 18-180 through 18-181. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 18-180–18-181 (2026) #### Sec. 18-182. Recovered property; securing; report; release; return Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-182 (2026) (a) All members of the Police Department shall properly secure any property which may have been confiscated or which has otherwise come under their care. Securing of such property shall be carried out pursuant to the provisions of Division 2 of this Subtitle. (b) All members of the Police Department shall, upon impounding any vehicle, make a complete report on the form provided for such action showing that the owner of such vehicle has been notified as to its whereabouts, before leaving the station upon completing his tour of duty. (c) No property shall be released until a proper release is signed by persons authorized to obtain such property, by reason of their showing proof that they are rightfully entitled to have possession of such articles or items. (d) Members of the Police Department, upon their separation for any cause from the Department, shall promptly return to the Department all County property issued them. #### Sec. 18-183. Use of firearms; regulations Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-183 (2026) (a) No member of the Police Department shall discharge firearms on or off duty, except in the following cases: (1) In self-defense or in the defense of another when no apparent alternative exists for protection from what appears to be a significant and immediate threat of death or serious physical injury. (2) To apprehend a fleeing person when no reasonable alternative for apprehension exists and the officer has probable cause to believe that the person has committed a crime involving the infliction or threatened infliction of serious physical injury and poses an immediate and significant threat of serious physical injury to the officer or to others. (3) To kill a dangerous animal or to kill an animal so badly injured that humanity requires its relief from further suffering. (4) When used in practice on the range. (5) Lawful game hunting. (b) Firearms shall be kept out of reach of the public and shall be secured in appropriate locked containers when not in the immediate possession or control of the sworn police officer. Riot equipment shall be kept under lock and key, in an inconspicuous place, and shall not be displayed to the general public. #### Sec. 18-184. Uniforms and equipment; regulations Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-184 (2026) (a) Sworn police officers are required at all times to be neat, clean, and well-groomed. Uniform and civilian clothes shall be clean and pressed at all times. Shoes, leather equipment, and brass shall be regularly polished, and sidearms shall be clean and serviceable at all times. (b) No member of the Police Department shall allow another member of the Department or any other person to use his badge or any other of his means of personal identification. (c) Members, when on duty, shall appear in the prescribed uniform or appropriate authorized civilian attire at all times. (d) Members, when attending court or any function where they will represent the Department, shall appear in full uniform or business civilian attire. (e) Any member of the Police Department under suspension, as necessary, shall turn in all County property and equipment before leaving the station to which he is assigned. (f) Uniformed members of the Police Department shall be held responsible for the uniform, motor vehicle, or other equipment issued to them; and, where it is established that this equipment is lost or damaged through the officer's negligence, the officer concerned shall be obligated to replace it at his own expense. (g) Any member of the Police Department losing his badge or other equipment issued to him shall report the facts at once, in writing, to the Chief of Police through official channels. (h) No decoration or insignia shall be worn by any member of the Police Department on the County police uniform unless authorized by the Chief of Police, who will designate where, when, and in what manner the insignia or decoration shall be worn. #### Sec. 18-185. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-185 (2026) #### Sec. 18-186. Reports and communications Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-186 (2026) (a) All official business transacted by members of the Police Department shall be through official channels. (b) Members of the Police Department shall refer to the Chief of Police all inquiries relating to official orders and shall refrain from discussing with the public any of the general policies of the Department. Information requested in all cases by the press, attorneys, or relatives of injured persons shall be furnished, where a report is available, by the station clerk. (c) Police telephone service is for official business only and shall not be used for personal calls. (d) Members of the Police Department are required to report, in writing, through official channels, any change in their place of residence and telephone number within forty-eight (48) hours after such change. (e) Such reports as may be required to properly administer the affairs of the Police Department or furnish information shall be submitted as covered by orders. ### Subdivision 3. Reserved #### Sec. 18-186.01 through 18-186.10. Reserved Prince George's County, Md., Code §§ 18-186.01–18-186.10 (2026)