Sheriff requests staff, technology and patrol upgrades; commissioners weigh priorities for Lexington Park

The St. Mary's County sheriff on Monday asked the Board of County Commissioners to approve a package of personnel and equipment additions for the sheriff's office aimed at expanding patrol presence and improving investigative capacity, with a particular emphasis on a community-policing push in Lexington Park.

The sheriff said the office's FY2013 request would increase law enforcement spending and outlined specific asks including additional deputies for a community policing initiative in Lexington Park, new ranks and promotional moves, civilian station clerks intended to free supervisors for street duties, an NCIC validation coordinator, internal-affairs software and investments for the crime lab.

Why it matters: Commissioners repeatedly described Lexington Park policing as a priority and pressed staff and the sheriff to identify lower-cost alternatives and trade-offs. Several members said they favor steps that put more uniformed officers on the street, but they also flagged the county's limited revenue outlook and asked that rank promotions and systemwide compensation decisions be resolved in a separate March 13 meeting covering countywide pay and benefits.

Most significant requests and debate - Community policing in Lexington Park: The sheriff sought five deputies for a C-Safe/community-policing initiative to patrol Lexington Park and pursue a broader problem-solving approach, saying the additional officers would let the county "clean up"…