The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police and Maryland State Police-Leonardtown Barrack will be conducting joint traffic and criminal enforcement operations on Saturday June 21.

Recent arrests resulting from routine traffic stops, including seat belt violations, have indicated that a significant number of people who are traveling to Point Lookout State Park are involved in misdemeanor traffic violations as well as criminal misconduct.  Such recent violations are, but not limited to, open warrants, drug possession, weapons possession, driving while intoxicated, driving without a license and driving revoked.

In an effort to improve the quality of life in the surrounding areas and of the recreational activities for families arriving at the park, the Maryland State Police-Leonardtown Barrack and the Natural Resources Police have combined resources to focus enforcement efforts in the area.

Additionally, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputies will be available to translate during traffic and/or criminal interdiction stops.  The Maryland State Police Vehicle Enforcement Team will have the Tag Reader on location which scans tags and can produce automatic and immediate records on wanted persons.

This assignment is intended to educate the public, as well as display pervasive police presence in an effort to thwart criminal activity.  In addition, intelligence gathered during this assignment will be used for further enforcement activities.

Natural Resources Police will be responsible for enforcement of traffic and misdemeanor criminal offenses within Point Lookout State Park and surrounding waterways.  The Maryland Sate Police – Leonardtown Barrack will be responsible for all traffic and criminal enforcement upon the roadways leading to the park and responsible for the investigation of all Part I crimes occurring at the park.

The best means available to the police for the prevention of crime is to recognize that public education, security consciousness, public awareness and involvement and other crime prevention techniques are extremely important in deterring and controlling criminal activity.

The outcomes of this operation will be made available next week.  For more information on highway safety initiatives, please contact Ms. Jacqueline M. Beckman at 301-475-4200 ext. 1850 or email jackie.beckman@co.saint-marys.md.us.