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Calvert County Sheriff

DUTIES: Established in 1654, the Calvert County Sheriff is the Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer for the primary law enforcement agency within the territorial boundaries of Calvert County. The Sheriff manages the crime and traffic enforcement efforts, crime prevention and control efforts, and coordinates law enforcement activities within Calvert County. The Sheriff has direct responsibility for court and judicial security and overall responsibility for county jail operations.SALARY: $139,391 TERM: Four (4) years. HOW ELECTED: Every four (4) years by county-wide election. * Must be at least 25 years of age and a state resident for at least five (5) years.

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    Ricky Cox
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

QUALIFICATIONS: What skills, experience, and motivation will you bring to the office of Sheriff?

CHALLENGES: What are Calvert County’s greatest law enforcement challenges?

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: How will you involve residents in improving public safety?

TRANSPARENCY: Do you recommend any changes in how the Sheriff’s Office shares information with the public?

IMMIGRATION COOPERATION: What is your position on the Calvert County Sheriff's Office assisting federal agents with immigration enforcement?

SUBSTANCE ABUSE & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: What specific steps should this office take in confronting the problems of substance abuse and domestic violence?

JUVENILE JUSTICE: What are the greatest needs of our juvenile justice system?

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS (SROs): What are your views on whether and how School Resource Officers should be assigned in Calvert schools? What special training and supervision should they have, if any?

EQUAL TREATMENT: What policies will you pursue to promote equitable treatment for everyone interacting with law enforcement, including staff within the Sheriff’s Office?

PRIORITIES: What are your top 3 priorities for this office, and why?

Campaign Phone 4436247332
Campaign Email cox4sheriff@outlook.com
Campaign Mailing Address PO Box 1275
Huntingtown, MD 20639
I bring a proven leadership, accountability, and results. Over the past three years, we've lowered crime, expanded our presence with school deputies and district stations, and used taxpayer dollars responsibly. My experience focuses on preventing crime and building strong community partnerships. I'm motivated by service to our citizens and deputies, and committed to continuing this progress to keep our county safe.
Calvert County's greatest law enforcement challenges include drug activity and overdoses, traffic safety along growing corridors, and managing growth while maintaining strong community policing. Recruiting and retaining qualified deputies remains critical, as does addressing mental health calls and repeat offenders. We must continue strengthening partnerships and proactive policing to stay ahead of crime and keep our communities safe.
I will actively involve residents by building strong partnerships and open communication. Our Citizen Police Academy gives residents a firsthand look at law enforcement, builds trust, and encourages collaboration. We'll expand community outreach, neighborhood engagement, and feedback opportunities so residents can share concerns, stay informed, and play a direct role in keeping Calvert County safe.
Yes, We will expand timely, transparent communication through social media, alerts, and community updates. We'll provide clear, consistent information on incidents, crime trends, and safety tips. Strengthening two-way communication through forums, surveys, and outreach will build trust, keep residents informed, and ensure the Sheriff's Office remains accessible, responsive, and accountable.
We will honor and respect all state and federal laws. Our role is to protect public safety while maintaining strong, professional relationships with all law enforcement partners. We will continue to cooperate as the law requires, focusing our efforts on those who pose a threat to our communities, while ensuring our approach remains fair, consistent, and focused on safety.
We must take a proactive, coordinated approach. For substance abuse, expand enforcement against dealers while strengthening partnerships with treatment providers, schools, and outreach programs. For domestic violence, prioritize victim safety, enforce zero tolerance, and ensure deputies are trained to respond effectively. We will work closely with community partners to provide resources, prevention, and support for those in need.
The greatest needs of our juvenile justice system are early intervention, accountability, and support. We must expand diversion programs that keep youth out of the system while addressing root causes like substance abuse, mental health, and family instability. Strong partnerships with schools and community groups are key. At the same time, we need consistent consequences for serious offenses and the resources to guide young people toward better choices and safer futures.
School Resource Officers should be assigned based on each school's needs, with a focus on safety, prevention, and building trust. Their presence deters crime and strengthens relationships with students and staff. All SRO's complete state mandated and annual in-service training, and we will continue emphasizing de-escalation, adolescent development, and strong supervision to ensure effective, positive engagement.
I will promote clear, fair policies that ensure equal treatment for everyone. This includes consistent enforcement standards, strong accountability, and ongoing training in professionalism and de-escalation. We will strengthen transparency, track data to identify concerns, and maintain open communication with the community. Within the office, we will foster a culture of respect, fairness, and opportunity for all employees.
My top three priorities are public safety, supporting our deputies, and strengthening community trust. Public safety comes first by continuing to reduce crime through proactive policing. Supporting our deputies ensures we recruit, retain, and equip the best people. Strengthening community trust builds partnerships that prevent crime and improve communication. Together, these priorities keep our county safe and moving forward.