HISTORY

In January 2005, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence (MSCFV) submitted a grant application to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP) requesting funds to implement a comprehensive law enforcement program at MSCFV. Through federal Grants To Encourage Arrest funds, GOCCP funded the model program at the agency. In November 2005, Mr. Ron Russum was hired as the Law Enforcement Coordinator (LEC) through this project. Mr. Russum is retired from the Maryland State Police and Caroline County Sheriff's Department and he is past Chief of Police in Ridgely. He has over 20 years experience in law enforcement and brings a wealth of expertise to the position.

MSCFV is the first domestic violence program in Maryland to hire a retired law enforcement officer to be part of its staff. Having the LEC dedicated to working with local law enforcement agencies to provide trainings, technical assistance and coordinating the collection of domestic violence statistics is a model effort. In the short time it has been operating, the project has benefited law enforcement personnel, advocates and most importantly victims.

LAW ENFORCEMENT COORDINATOR (LEC)

The Law Enforcement Coordinator at MSCFV is the liaison between all police agencies in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot counties. The LEC is also the liaison with all the State's Attorney's Offices in the above mentioned counties. The LEC is responsible for monitoring and initiating the Lethality Assessment Programs at various police agencies. The LEC collects and maintains statistical data from all these agencies pertaining to domestic violence response in the community and will report these findings to the Executive Director at MSCFV and the Governor's Office on Crime Control and Prevention quarterly. Data collection includes the number of arrests, number of protective orders, number of criminal investigations, number of cases prosecuted and number of police responses to domestic violence calls. Lethality Assessment statistics are reported to the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence.

The LEC trains police officers on domestic violence law updates, the most recent court decisions and first responder procedures. Modules of this training will be conducted throughout the mid-shore region several times each year. Those attending officers will be given in-service credit through the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions. The LEC assists various police departments with implementing new programs, policy and procedures.

The LEC assists the various agencies in utilizing digital technology to aid them in the collection and preservation of evidence at scenes of domestic violence. This will be accomplished through the purchase of digital photography equipment made possible by a grant through the Governor"s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.

Partners in these programs are:

Maryland State Police Easton Barrack (Caroline, Talbot and Dorchester Counties) Maryland State Police Centreville Barrack (Kent and Queen Anne's Counties) Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police (All 5 mid-shore counties)
Washington College Campus Security

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Law Enforcement Program