Dear Members of the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, 

It is an honor and privilege to serve as your President of the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association. I would like to recognize and thank our dedicated leadership team: First Vice President Colonel Roland Butler of the Maryland State Police, Second Vice President Chief Russ Hamill of the Laurel Police Department, and Immediate Past President Chief Malik Aziz, for his outstanding service and leadership. 

I also extend my congratulations to Sheriff Gary Hofmann of Queen Anne’s County on being sworn in as President of the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association. I look forward to working closely with Sheriff Hofmann and his team on the many issues that impact both of our associations. I am also grateful for the experience and leadership that our Executive Director, Darren Popkin, continues to bring to both organizations. 

As we know, Maryland’s law enforcement community faces many challenges and increasing demands. My commitment is to ensure that officers across the state have access to the training, equipment, and guidance needed to best serve their communities and foster positive interactions with the public. 

We will maintain a strong and active presence in Annapolis during the upcoming legislative session. Our role in advising lawmakers is critical—particularly in addressing the negative consequences that can arise from poorly crafted legislation. Communities continue to experience the impact of changes to Maryland’s juvenile laws in recent years, and I am committed to working with the Department of Juvenile Services to bring us back to a more balanced and effective approach. 

Your participation as members is vital to our collective success. I encourage you to attend our Legislative meetings, where you will hear updates directly from Annapolis, as well as our general membership meetings. Together, we are a stronger, more effective association. 

I look forward to the year ahead and to working alongside each of you as we continue to protect and serve the citizens of Maryland. 

Kind regards,

Stephen Yates
Chief of Police
North East Police Department