A Maryland town’s entire police force has been mysteriously suspended, leaving residents completely “blindsided” without much explanation.
The commissioners of the small town of Ridgely 1,900 peopleon March 13, all police officers were placed on paid leave “pending an investigation by the Maryland State Attorney’s Office.”
according to announcement Commissioners Anthony Casey, John Hurley and Leonard Buckle said the local government is “currently developing a temporary agreement with the Caroline County Sheriff’s Department to ensure uninterrupted public safety services to our residents. ” he said.
They added that Ridgeley residents can still call 911 in case of an emergency.
Caroline County Sheriff Donald Baker added that Maryland State Police will also assist, FOX News report.
The State Attorney’s Office has not announced the nature of the investigation or when it will conclude.
A law enforcement official who spoke to WBOC claimed: whistleblower The Ridgely officers were accused of “failing to properly dispose of surplus equipment, including guns and cars,” according to the newspaper.
Insiders also claimed that the investigation was looking into department members who failed to properly file management reports and who failed to complete background checks on new officers.
However, official authorities have not confirmed these reports.
Local residents are quite skeptical about the whole situation.
“What is extremely concerning is their failure to communicate with us in an honest and open manner,” Laura Klein, a longtime Ridgely resident, said in a statement obtained by Fox News. Ta. “Please treat us with respect. We are adults, sensible, rational adults who deserve to know the truth.”
Local small business owner Holly Justice said: This makes us question the integrity of the people we are supposed to protect and serve. ”
“That doesn’t make sense,” said Jenny Wu, another business owner. “Everyone is skeptical about what happened. We just want to know how and why.”
According to the bureau, WebsiteSix police officers were employed at the time of the mass suspension.
“Despite concerns about police station closures, the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office reported no increase in crime within the past week,” WBOC noted.
