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Park Police Maryland-National Capital Park Police
Prince George's County Division Headquarters 6700 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, Maryland 20737
Information: 301-459-9091; TTY 301-459-3051
Non-Emergency: 301-459-9088
Emergency: 911 OR 301-459-3232
Southern District Station 7208 Allentown Road, Ft. Washington, MD 20744
Information: 301-248-2601
Mounted Unit - Enterprise Station 3002 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD 20721
Information: 301-249-2030
Mounted Unit - Cosca Station 11000 Thrift Road, Clinton, MD 20735
Information: 301-868-2999
Mission Statement
"To provide professional Park Police services for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in partnership with the community and other divisions of the Commission in order to provide a safe and secure environment, protect life and property, and identify and apprehend violators."
CALEA Accreditation
Career Opportunities
Operation CARE
Volunteer Association
Cops Camps for Kids
DARE
Doing Something Right
Patrols and Services
Police Reports
Safety Tips
Links to Public Safety Organizations
Founded in 1953, the Maryland-National Capital Park Police has grown into a diverse police department with an authorized strength of 112 sworn officers and 27 civilian staff members.
Through the prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, enforcement of criminal and motor vehicle laws of the state, and enforcement of park regulations, the Park Police secure and protect over 26,000 acres of park property in Prince George's County, Maryland, on a 24-hour basis.
The Office of the Division Chief establishes policy; provides human resources and financial management to the division; manages media and provides public information; manages and coordinates the agency's accreditation process; coordinates internal affairs matters; conducts audits and inspections; and manages recruitment. Field Operations contains the patrol function, and includes marked police vehicles, mountain bicycles, K-9 officers, and the horse-mounted unit. Patrol personnel respond to calls for service and perform daily pro-active policing.
Support Operations provides additional police services such as Technical Services (Communications, Records Management and Alarms), Property and Evidence, and Staff Services (training, research, and community services). Investigative Operations conducts criminal investigations, provides crime analysis and tactical services to patrol and coordinates the Victim/Witness Assistance Program.
Park Police Annual Reports The most recent Park Police annual report will be posted soon.
CALEA Accreditation The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George's County Division received international accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. in 2002, and was re-accredited in 2005 and 2008. Each achievement was the result of a comprehensive three-year review of the division's operations, equipment, policies, practices and procedures. The accreditation process allows a law enforcement agency the opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate conformance and compliance with established standards that promote professional excellence.
CALEA is a national program that was formed in 1979 and is currently sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Sheriff's Association (NSA), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
Park Police and the Community The Park Police participate in over 200 community events each year. A cornerstone of the Park Police philosophy is found in its Operation C.A.R.E., a program designed to work closely with the community in resolving issues of local concern. Other programs include the Cops Camp for Kids, DARE, Doing Something Right, and the Park Police Community Volunteer Academy.
Operation C.A.R.E. In keeping with the changing trends of modern day policing, the Park Police have expanded their policing practices from the traditional methods to include the Problem-Oriented Policing philosophy. Operation C.A.R.E is a program designed to work in partnership with the community in solving problems in the park system. Through proactive patrols and community input, officers locate, analyze, and respond to problems and concerns related to the parks and park-owned facilities. Citizens living near parks are contacted at their residence by a Park Police officer who explains Operation C.A.R.E. and asks about any problems or issues related to the park. Citizens are provided with contact telephone numbers and information about the Park Police. With this program, the Park Police become a partner with the community in solving park-related problems.
Park Community Volunteer Academy and Volunteer Association The Park Police host a yearly Park Community Volunteer Academy. The academy meets one night a week for eight weeks. Members of the community learn about the function of the Park Police, criminal and traffic laws, radio procedures, personal protection, drug issues, crime scene investigation, and other areas of interest. CPR training is also offered as part of the academy training. Individuals completing the academy are invited to join the Park Police Volunteer Association. Members of the association volunteer their services to the Park Police. Volunteers perform bicycle patrols on hiker-biker trails, fingerprint citizens for child care clearances and employment purposes, provide information and traffic direction at large events and festivals, and perform other important tasks. Visit www.ppva.net
for more information about the academy or alumni association, or contact Park Police Staff Services at 301-429-5637.
Cops Camp for Kids The Park Police hosts two week-long summer day camps, called "Cops Camp for Kids". Especially designed for children ages 9 to 12, the program fosters relationships between police officers and youth. Structured to include tours of local and federal police facilities and attendance to a juvenile court session, the camp provides exposure to the many different facets of the law enforcement profession and the judicial system. Horse mounted officers, motorcycle officers, bicycle officers, detectives and other specialists demonstrate their skills to campers. The children also participate in staged crime scenes, mock trials and team building exercises. The camps have proven to be positive experiences for both campers and officers. Sign up for these camps as part of the M-NCPPC summer camp registration process in the spring.
Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) The Park Police has officers specially trained in the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program. The DARE officers teach children in local elementary schools about the harmful effects of drugs and how to overcome the temptations of drugs and alcohol. The 17-week program includes instruction on self esteem building, choosing a role model, and avoiding peer pressure.
"Doing Something Right" With the cooperation of the Bowie Baysox Baseball Club, this program allows officers to reward children and adults for safe and law-abiding acts. Complimentary vouchers for tickets are given to patrol officers to distribute when they observe a person "Doing Something Right". Examples include wearing bicycle helmets and using seat belts and child safety seats. The Park Police distribute over 1500 vouchers per season.
Patrols and Services Mounted Services The Park Police Mounted Unit has been a popular part of the community for many years. These horse and rider teams patrol park areas not accessible by motor vehicles, and perform routine patrols in the regional parks. The Mounted Unit also participates in event crowd control, parades, color guard details and regional mounted unit competitions. Officers are regularly assigned to assist other law enforcement agencies throughout the region and nationally. Officers and their horses are available to visit local schools for "Show and Tell" programs.
Bicycle Patrol Some Park Police officers patrol their beats on mountain-style bicycles. The bicycles are quiet, unobtrusive, and eliminate barriers with the public.. Officers on bicycles easily patrol the hiker-biker trails and urban environments.
Canine Operations The Park Police Canine (K-9) Patrol is a complement to the Patrol Services Unit. There are currently two Canine teams. Officer Bussey and Officer Gormley and their canine partners "Bolo" and "Smokey" have completed intensive training and conduct searches for evidence, narcotics and people.
Tactical Services Tactical Services includes officers trained in surveillance, follow-up investigation, security analysis, warrant services and motorcycle skills. These officers are used for special events, warrant services, surveillance, undercover operations, and other special duty or enforcement assignments.
Technology Technology is an integral and necessary component of progressive law enforcement. The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George's County Division has remained pro-active in its efforts to utilize modern technology to enhance its service to the community.
- In-Car Video Cameras are installed in marked patrol cars. Cameras are used to videotape officers engaged in traffic stops and during priority response calls. The use of cameras not only monitors activities, but also can be used as a training tool to enhance officer safety.
- Mobile Data Computer (MDC's) are used in Park Police cruisers. Docking stations for the computers allow officers direct access to crime information and motor vehicle records from their cruiser. The system also allows communication from car-to-car or dispatch-to-car. Global Positioning System (GPS) software affords communications personnel the ability to track vehicle locations for more efficient call dispatching.
- Digital Imaging and Forensic Video Photographic Lab Technology is used to document crime scenes, reports of property damage, and other incidents of interest.
- Forensic Video Analysis analyzes and enhances photographs and video to aid in investigations. This specialized technology is used to solve crimes and develop suspects for police agencies throughout the region.
Aid to Crime Victims and Witnesses Being an innocent victim of crime or witnessing a crime can be an intimidating and frightening experience. The Maryland-National Capital Park Police have a program to help people through this difficult process. The
Victim/Witness Assistance Program is designed to provide guidance and assistance as you move through the judicial process.
For more information about how we can help you, call the Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinator at 301-731-2604, TTY 301-459-3051. Or e-mail: vwap@pgparks.com . You may also write to the coordinator of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Maryland-National Capital Park Police, 6700 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD 20737.
Crime Reporting The community is our eyes and ears. Report crimes or any other suspicious activity to the Park Police at 301-459-3232 for emergencies or 301-459-9088 for non-emergencies. Notify us of anything on park property that appears unusual or any activity that occur at unusual times of the day or night.
Call us if you see persons peering into parked vehicles; persons loitering, but not participating in park activities; persons or vehicles in the park after hours; persons screaming; the sound of gunshots, explosives, breaking glass or other loud noises; and/or persons consuming alcohol or drugs.
When you call, be prepared to report the following details:
- Report what happened
- Where it happened
- When (what time) it happened
- Tell whether or not someone was injured
- Provide the name of the person who did it or a description of persons involved, including age, sex, race, height, weight, clothing and any other unique characteristics to help identify suspects
- If a vehicle is involved, get the license plate or tag number, state of registration, make, model and color of vehicle. Describe any unusual characteristics such as body damage, bumper stickers, etc. It is helpful to provide a direction of travel to assist the officers who may be responding.
Police Reports Copies of police reports and motor vehicle accident reports on M-NCPPC property or completed by Park Police officers can be purchased from the Records Section, at the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George's County Division Headquarters, 6700 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, Maryland 20737. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm. There is a cost of $5 per report. Reports are available five days after the date of the incident or accident. Restrictions due to Privacy Laws may apply to some reports, such as arrest reports. Only accident reports can be mailed. All other reports must be picked up in person by a person of interest or their legal representative. Contact the Records Section at 301-429-5650 for additional information.
Complaint Investigation and Administrative Review Supervisory personnel of the Park Police will investigate all complaints. We strive to protect the public and agency employees by maintaining standards of professional conduct for officers of this division. Park Police personnel are required to receive complaints and assist you with filing them. This is how you may file a complaint:
1. Come to the Park Police Headquarters at 6700 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD, and speak with a supervisor. You will be asked to fill out a "Complaint Concerning Practices" form providing a written record of your complaint.
2. Call the Park Police at 301-459-9088 and ask to speak to a supervisor. Many concerns can be handled this way. If the matter cannot be resolved immediately, the supervisor will mail a "Complaint Against Police Practices" form, which can be completed and returned through the mail.
3. Send us a letter detailing the complaint. Please be sure to include your address, and your daytime and evening phone numbers so someone can contact you for additional information, if necessary.
All persons filing complaints will receive a letter following the investigation process or administrative hearing, which will indicate the outcome of the process.
 2007 Internal Affairs Annual Report (50 kb)
Citizen and Community Comments Let us know how we are doing by completing our feedback form . We are interested in our agency's performance, the competence of our employees, our officers' attitudes and behavior towards citizens and our community's concerns related to safety and security within the M-NCPPC parks system. Equally as important as reporting misconduct is the recognition of a job well done. Your recommendations and suggestions for improvements are also encouraged. All commendations are forwarded to the employee and their supervisors. Residents are encouraged to contact the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George's County regarding the service or performance of its employees; you may write to Office of the Division Chief, Maryland-National Capital Park Police, 6700 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD 20737.
Park and Trail Safety Tips M-NCPPC TRAILS AND PARKS ARE FOR USE FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET UNLESS POSTED OTHERWISE.
- Walk or jog with a partner, if possible. Remember to carry identification and pertinent medical information.
- Tell family and friends where you will be traveling and when you should be back.
- Carry a cell phone - program the Park Police Emergency number (301-459-3232) into the phone- or carry coins for a pay phone.
- Report any suspicious activity to the Park Police.
- Stay alert and be observant about your surroundings.
- Avoid areas where visibility is poor.
- Avoid unfamiliar areas.
- Carry a whistle or other type of noisemaker.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing.
- Do not wear headphones.
- Know your location at all times (Cross streets, mile markers, land marks, etc.).
- Stay to the right on the trail. Only walk the designated trails or paths.
- If riding a bicycle, wear a helmet.
- Maintain a safe speed while riding on the trails.
- Let walkers or joggers know that you are passing on their left.
- Don't stop and sit on the trail.
Links to other Public Safety Organization
American Red Cross Community Crisis Services, Inc.
For information and assistance for individuals and families in crisis. The Community Crisis Services Hotline assists individuals with access to mental health services within the community. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone facing crisis and personal turmoil.
DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)
DARE offers a variety of interactive, group participation, cooperative learning activities which are designed to encourage students to solve problems of major importance in their lives. A Park Police officer certified to teach DARE, presents each weekly lesson to students. The classroom teacher maintains an important role in their class, assisting with lessons and classroom management. Click the above title to learn more about DARE.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
Maryland Sex Offender Registry
The National Sex Offender Public Registry, coordinated by the Department of Justice, is a cooperative effort between the state agencies hosting public sexual offender registries and the federal government. This web site is a search tool allowing a user to submit a single national query to obtain information about sex offenders through a number of search options.
Maryland State Police Missing and Exploited Children
Help find a missing child. The Maryland-National Capital Park Police supports the work of organizations such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Click the above title for more information and to view missing children.
Montgomery County Division Park Police
Park Law Enforcement Association (PLEA)
The Park Law Enforcement Association is an affiliate of the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA). The association was established to improve law enforcement and visitor protection in park and recreation areas. Our agency has been involved in this organization for many years and has twice hosted the PLEA Annual Conference in Prince George's County.
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