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Council unanimously expands public-safety property tax credit to include Maryland-National Capital Park Police
Summary
County bill CB-8-2025 amending the county’s real property tax credit for public safety officers was enacted unanimously after testimony from the Fraternal Order of Police and park police officers seeking parity with other public safety agencies.
Prince George's County Council on May 27 enacted CB 8-2025, which revises the county’s real property tax credit for public safety officers to explicitly include Maryland-National Capital Park Police officers. The measure passed by voice vote with unanimous support.
Supporters from the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 30, and park police officers testified during the public hearing that the Park Police perform law enforcement duties across parks, historic sites and public events throughout the county and that extending the real property tax credit would encourage officers to live in the county and assist recruitment. Trevin Sherrard, first vice president of FOP Lodge 30, told the council that roughly one-third of Maryland-National Capital Park Police officers currently live in Prince George’s County and that including the agency in the existing tax credit would “make sense” to attract and retain officers.
Lieutenant Calvin Charles, testifying as a county resident and park police officer, described routine off-duty assistance he provides countywide and said the credit would help his family and could encourage other Park Police officers to become county residents.
Council members praised the bill sponsor and the agency’s service and moved to enact on the same day. The motion to enact was made by Council Member Blaguay and seconded by Council Member Fisher. The clerk recorded unanimous support during the roll call and the bill was adopted.
The bill is a revision to a county policy previously enacted in 2023; the council’s change adds the park police agency to the list of eligible public safety personnel for the tax credit. The council’s action leaves implementation steps — such as administrative guidance and how officers apply for the credit — to the county’s Department of Finance and the assessor’s office.
Council remarks emphasized recruitment and public-safety recognition as primary objectives for the amendment. The council’s recorded outcome on the motion to enact was 9-0 in favor.
