The police are law enforcement officers who usually take an oath (make a promise) to protect and serve their communities. Police officers—or collectively, police departments—enforce laws, investigate potential crimes, and make arrests.
In Maryland, as in other states, police officers are sworn law enforcement officials who have taken an oath to protect and serve the public. They are responsible for enforcing state laws and local ordinances. Their duties include patrolling communities to deter and detect crime, conducting investigations into criminal activity, and apprehending individuals suspected of committing offenses. Police departments in Maryland operate under the authority of state statutes and are also subject to federal laws that govern law enforcement practices. These departments work in conjunction with other agencies, such as the Maryland State Police, to ensure public safety and uphold the law throughout the state.