Law enforcement and district officials outline SRO roles, juvenile charging limits and data‑sharing protocols

A panel of law-enforcement and school officials told the committee on May 21 that recent juvenile-law changes and formal agreements shape how schools and police respond to student incidents, and that the district and sheriff's office are reviewing limited information-sharing under legal guidance.

Detective Sergeant Ike Cameron of the Maryland State Police said state juvenile reforms now prohibit charging children under 10 and restrict charging 10- to 12-year-olds to crimes of violence. "We will not charge under 10 years old," he said, describing how youth reports (Form 53) are forwarded to the Department of Juvenile Services and how felony matters are referred to the state's attorney.

Sergeant Woodford of the Calvert County Sheriff's Office detailed the school resource officer (SRO) program: its growth since 2004, coverage for high and middle schools, five dedicated elementary-school deputies and the SRO role as "first line of defense" for active threats. He said the unit conducts interior/exterior checks, assists with bus incidents and provides mentoring, crisis intervention and DARE programming. Woodford also said the sheriff's office receives a Maryland Center for School Safety grant that funds SRO time at schools.

Woodford provided county school-year figures: 154 student arrests in 2023–24, of which 62 were civil citations for marijuana or THC-vape incidents; he said assaults, school disruptions and vape-related citations were among the most common incidents and that firearms on school property were rare.

Larry Titus, community resource and school-safety specialist for Calvert County Public Schools, described the district's safety structure (15 safety advocates and 14 SROs), the role of safety advocates (retired law-enforcement officers in secondary schools), and disciplinary-hearing procedures he oversees as the superintendent's hearing officer. Titus said the district participates in the "Handle With Care" program that sends minimal trauma alerts to schools so staff can provide supports the next day.

On data-sharing, committee members asked whether district protocols would allow ICE or other federal agents on campus. Titus said the district follows a state-provided checklist and that a warrant and legal counsel are required before student access would be granted. Woodford confirmed that "a warrant would supersede" FERPA protections. The panel said the district is researching limited sharing of basic contact information (name, address, emergency contacts) with law enforcement and has involved the state's attorney and school attorneys to ensure compliance with FERPA and other laws.

Committee members raised concerns about alternative-education capacity and the physical space and staffing for the district's alt-ed program. Titus said conversations are underway to explore expanding alternative learning options, including virtual models and a security-assistant role for elementary schools that would differ from retired-officer safety advocates.

The committee asked for follow-up materials, including more detailed arrest breakdowns (special-needs status was requested) and protocols for EPs (emergency petitions) and Mobile Crisis Team responses; presenters said they would research and provide additional data. The panel will be followed next month by the state's attorney, courts and juvenile services to complete the panel of stakeholders.