Crime & Safety

Westminster Police Department Recognized as Top Agency

Westminster comes out on top in the annual Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge.

The Westminster Police Department was honored last week as the top agency in its category at the annual Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge recognition ceremony in Baltimore. 

The 2010 campaign featured an emphasis on seat belt, DUI, and aggressive driving enforcement and education activities, according to a news release.

Sergeant Keith Benfer of the Westminster Police Department reported that the department issued 510 seatbelt citations, 888 speeding citations and made 118 DUI arrests during this campaign in 2010.

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The Hampstead Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff's Department and Maryland State Police, Westminster Barrack, also won awards in their category. 

“Traffic safety is one of our top priorities,” said Westminster Police Chief Jeffrey Spaulding in a news release. “Earning this award, especially in light of the increased demands of the program, is truly special and it is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the department.”

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Co-sponsored by the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, the Maryland Sheriff’s Association and the Maryland Highway Safety Office, the Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge promotes competition among Maryland police agencies while recognizing and honoring those that excel in traffic safety enforcement, the news release reports.

“More than 500 people are killed every year on Maryland’s roadways,” said Maryland Chiefs of Police Association President Chief Bernie Gerst in the release.  “I want to congratulate the officers of the Westminster Police Department for their commitment to the Maryland Law Enforcement Challenge and the service to their community.”


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