HoCo Police Officers Prepared To Protect During Inauguration Week

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — As the presidential inauguration approaches, Howard County officials stated Monday that they are "actively monitoring for suspicious activity" and preparing for any security issues that could arise. Officials noted that there have been no threats issued in Howard County or toward the Howard County government to date.

“Although there have been warnings about attacks on the Presidential Inauguration, Congress members, and state Capitols, we have no threats in Howard County at this time,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said in a statement. “However, we need to remain vigilant, be alert and look out for one another. If you see or hear something that threatens violence, please do not hesitate to say something. I remain hopeful that our best days are ahead of us. We will get through this pandemic, and we will be a stronger and more united community from these challenges.”

The Howard County Police Department has been in contact with the Maryland State Police and has offered assistance if requested for any security needs that could arise in Annapolis or Washington, D.C. At this time, HCPD members are in standby mode, Ball said.

Howard County Police Chief Lisa Myers emphasized that the police department is prepared in the event something unfolds.

"Officers will be conducting extra high visibility checks in areas throughout the county, including critical infrastructure," she said in a statement.

Myers has restricted leave for officers and will be placing them on “alert status” during inauguration activities. They are to be prepared to be called up at any time, she noted. HCPD leaders have been in steady contact with the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center and the Joint Terrorism Task Forces, too.

“The office of emergency management will be actively monitoring inauguration activities and coordinating any resource needs with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency,” Mike Hinson, Director of the Office of Emergency Management, said in a statement.