PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office has announced a change to its patrol coverage schedule expected at the end of April due to ongoing staffing shortages.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, 24-hour patrol coverage will be limited to 7 a.m. Monday through 7 a.m. Saturday each week beginning on April 30.
"Those that don't plan to follow the laws know that there will be less oversight and less accountability," Tracy Hall of Somerset County said. "They really should have the funding they need because even with that, it's going to take time for recruitment and retention."
Sheriff Howard said three recruits will enter the academy in July, but that they would not be ready for solo patrol until April of next year.
The Sheriff’s Office says it will then maintain limited on-call responses for critical public safety needs during the weekend. These include warrant verifications and protective order matters, the office said in a statement on Tuesday.
“This decision was made after careful evaluation of current staffing levels and operational demands,” the sheriff’s office said. “Maintaining adequate personnel on duty is essential to ensuring both deputy safety and the reliability of emergency response services. Continuing full 24/7 coverage under present conditions would risk compromising both.”
The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office says it is experiencing significant challenges recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. The office points to compensation, a highly competitive hiring environment, training requirements, and an overall decline in those pursuing law enforcement, among other issues.
Sheriff Ronald Howard told WBOC he is aware that other agencies are facing similar staffing problems.
"We're the first, but we're surely not going to be the last when it comes to agencies having to reduce hours ... it's affecting everywhere," Howard said.
Police say they are actively working with Somerset County leadership to address these challenges and say they recognize the impact of the new patrol schedule. Maryland State Police and other allied agencies will be involved in ensuring continued service and to minimize gaps in coverage, the Sheriff’s Office says.
Full service patrols will resume as soon as staffing levels allow, according to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.
Somerset County Administrator Ernest Leatherbury, Jr. issued the following statement to WBOC News on Wednesday.
The Board of Commissioners for Somerset County has been made aware of the Somerset County Sheriff’s decision to modify patrol coverage schedules, effective April 30, 2025. The County Commissioners remain committed to public safety and the well-being of all Somerset County citizens and visitors, and are hopeful that the scheduling modification is short-lived. In the Sheriff’s news release, it is stated, “Like many law enforcement agencies, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office is experiencing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel,” with compensation referenced among the Sheriff’s list of contributing factors leading to his decision. The County Commissioners have been, and will continue to work with the Sheriff’s Office to address compensation concerns as we work through the FY27 budget process.
Somerset County residents are encouraged to continue to report emergencies by calling 911.