Announcement

OPPD Chief highlights safety initiatives, Board welcomes new officers

Monday, December 23, 2024

(Dec. 23, 2024) Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson provided a detailed update on safety initiatives during the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting on Saturday.

The Board also welcomed two new police officers, Michael Arnold and Kyle Mann, introduced by Association President Dr. Stuart Lakernick.

Robinson addressed recent police activity, emphasizing the department’s diverse responsibilities beyond traditional law enforcement.

“The police department’s pretty active here, and we do a lot of nontraditional stuff,” Robinson said. “We’re visiting people, doing check-the-welfare calls, responding with the fire department, and checking on suspicious activity.”

Robinson detailed several incidents since the last Board meeting, including two arrests for domestic assault — among the most common charges in Ocean Pines — an assault on an officer, and a trespassing case. He noted progress in holding individuals accountable for a vandalism incident at the Ocean Pines Golf Club restroom.

“We were very pleased that when [the juveniles involved] decided to come back, we were able to catch them, identify them, and hold them accountable for the damage,” Robinson said.

Robinson also highlighted the department’s efforts to promote traffic and pedestrian safety. He worked with the Worcester County Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition to secure a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. The grant funded safety equipment such as bicycle lights, reflective strips, and blinking lights for nighttime walkers.

“We’re also looking at new signage, particularly advisory signs for curves, and working with the Director of Public Works in Worcester County on possible improvements,” Robinson said.

Traffic enforcement will remain a priority, aided by tools like the department’s portable speed camera.

“Most people, when they see it, it’s already caught you,” Robinson said. “It gives me a very good indication of what the true picture is.”

Robinson concluded with a commitment to continuing safety education for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, especially for Ocean Pines’ aging population.

The meeting began on a celebratory note with the introduction of Arnold and Mann, who join the Ocean Pines Police Department to enhance its mission of community safety.

For more information about the Ocean Pines Police Department, visit www.oceanpinespolice.com.

Announcement

OPPD Chief highlights safety initiatives, Board welcomes new officers

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