Howard County Sheriff Details Agency’s Improvements

Howard County Sheriff Marcus told Columbia-Patuxent Rotarians recently that he was reluctant to run for office in 2018, but ultimately was motivated to give back to the community. He began his career in the Baltimore County Police Department in 1993 and has been in Howard County for approximately 30 years, inspired by stories of the harmony here.

Upon taking office, Sheriff Harris focused on improving employee benefits (reduced retirement from 30 to 20 years despite county opposition) and had to demonstrate broader value beyond just courthouse security. “We had to roll our sleeves up and go to work and prove our worth … because we are a law enforcement agency,” he explained.

The sheriff's office expanded from 52 to 100 deputies through negotiation and outreach efforts and built a strong collaboration with the police department. “The memorandum of understanding was already there. We just never followed it,” he said. “We never worked together, but now we do.” In short, the sheriff’s office has statewide jurisdiction, handles warrants, courthouse security, and outreach. The police department handles criminal investigations and 911 responses.

To improve his organization, Sheriff Harris began Voices for Deputies, monthly meetings with representative deputies to listen to concerns and suggestions, aimed at reducing complaints and building morale. The sheriff is committed to accessibility and offers personal responses to community members input as well.

His office has special units and activities to include: a Warrant Unit handling extraditions and significant warrant activities, and collaborating with federal agencies (DEA and task forces); a Domestic Violence Unit handling service of paperwork, welfare checks, and child custody in sensitive cases; a K9 Unit that expanded to two bomb dogs with the opening of the new courthouse; and Community Outreach featuring adopting schools, nonprofit partnerships, and running programs like “Blessings in a Backpack” and the Boys and Girls Club.

Sheriff Harris said he’s a good steward of the taxpayers money and sought grants aggressively, securing $400,000 in his first four years to meet departmental needs that county funding couldn’t cover. He’s worked to bolster the office’s self-sufficiency, including securing funding from DEA interdiction work. He believes in innovation and compassion, balancing budget constraints with community needs.

He stressed that Howard County is a supportive, engaged community where public safety and service are priorities. “I just love where we live, I just love what we have,” he declared. “We have some great people. People actually care in Howard County, regardless of how you feel and what you think and what you read on Facebook. I work with these individuals every day, and I can tell you that they care.”

Columbia-Patuxent Rotary is the largest and most active of Howard County’s seven Rotary clubs. It meets on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at JAM Eateries. Visitors are always welcome.