Police Satellite Office Opens At Columbia Mall

COLUMBIA, MD — A new satellite office for the Howard County Police Department has opened at The Mall in Columbia.

Leaders gathered outside the entrance to the satellite office Tuesday for a ribbon-cutting. The new satellite office will provide patrol officers assigned to the area with a home base to address concerns at The Mall in Columbia, Merriweather District and Downtown Columbia Lakefront.

One patrol officer will be assigned exclusively to The Mall area 24/7 and two officers to downtown Columbia shifts throughout the week. Although it won't be staffed every day, all day, the new satellite office will provide patrol officers assigned to the area with a home base where they can:

• Complete reports and conduct investigative follow-ups;
• Maintain a visible presence in the community;
• Build relationships with local businesses and residents; and

• Stay rooted in Downtown Columbia during their shifts.

“These past couple of years, we have worked tirelessly to address concerning violent incidents in our county that have shaken our community’s sense of safety. This past year, then Police Chief Gregory Der and I announced our new impactful ‘Crime Reduction Plan’ for Downtown Columbia aimed at strengthening security at The Mall in Columbia, combating area crime and ensuring community members feel safe. This new satellite office is part of that plan,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at the ribbon-cutting. “This new satellite office expands our community policing progress even further and supports our patrol officers to building relationships with community members, being more proactive and maintaining a visible presence to ensure Howard County is the safest place to live, work and play.”

As the sixth operational satellite office in the county, the new satellite office enhances coverage alongside offices in Elkridge, North Laurel, Oakland Mills, Harpers Choice and Glenwood.

“The opening of this satellite office was one of the promises when we announced the Crime Reduction Plan, and today it is now open,” said Terrence O. Benn, acting chief of the Howard County Police Department. “To have a permanent physical presence inside the mall was integral in our plan. This office will provide work space for community outreach officers and patrol officers. Our strong partnership with mall security and management is critical to making The Mall in Columbia the safest place it can be.”

HCPD formalized its agreement with The Mall in Columbia for its new police satellite office in mid-2025, with the county agreeing to pay a lump sum of $100,000 along with the handling of any future typical office expenses.

"We are excited to start this new chapter in our partnership with the Howard County Police Department," said Mary Williams, senior general manager of The Mall in Columbia. "The satellite office is another step in providing our guests, retailers and merchants with a warm and inviting place to shop, dine, play and experience community."