'Current updates and operations' - A message from the Police Chief

OCEAN PINES POLICE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS: The full service, 24-hour-a-day operation of the police remains available to respond to the needs and calls for service during this unusual time as our community manages the pandemic and its effects on our local residents. Our officers and office employees have had to take major steps to protect themselves as well as those they serve or assist every day.

PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLES AND PROPERTY: During the past several weeks, the local police agencies have had an increase in reported thefts from motor vehicles in the area. The investigation has led to the arrest of multiple subjects. These thefts could be avoided by locking your vehicle.

SCAM / FRAUD: With tax season upon us, many people have received phone calls related to income tax information, Social Security information and other banking information. Be advised that no response to these calls will be the best action. This type of information will never be requested by phone.
Beware that any caller who requests your banking information or requires you to pay for a service by purchasing a gift card or cards is most likely a scam. Even with educational information and advertising in the local press, the number of these cases has still increased in this area.

ARRESTS: Since our last report, police made several arrests for domestic violence. Some of these situations are alcohol or drug related. Remember that drugs and/or alcohol will not help with a domestic event. There are several hotlines and resources that may be used to assist with the domestic situations.

Other arrests relating to drugs, alcohol violations and traffic offenses continue to be handled by our officers.

DRUG OVERDOSES: Ocean Pines has also seen an increase in the number of drug overdose calls in recent months. The police are here to help anyone battling the addiction of any drugs or alcohol to prevent these accidental overdoses. The police are now connected with the LEAD team, which will become a large, faster link to resources to return to a normal, healthier life.

RETURNING HOMEOWNERS: Homeowners who take advantage of our residence house check program while employees have had to take major steps to protect themselves as well as those they serve or assist every day.

IN CLOSING: The Ocean Pines Police would like to thank everyone for the strong show of support from this community during these stressful times. Please remember that the police in your community not only work cases, respond to calls and enforce traffic laws, they are here to help you, serve you and care for you and your families as well as your property.