Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recently cited changes in Maryland’s use-of-force policy as the reason multiple law enforcement agencies were unable to assist with security for the 2025 presidential inauguration ceremonies. In the days leading up to the inauguration, seven Maryland-based police departments confirmed to The Daily Caller their decision not to collaborate with MPD.
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This marks a departure from previous years when they had provided security assistance in the nation’s capital. The Montgomery County Police Department was among those not participating, citing issues with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the jurisdictions.
Some departments, including those in Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Maryland State Police, indicated they would instead support the United States Capitol Police.
Washington, D.C. police explained to The Daily Caller that differences in the interpretation of Maryland’s recent legislation on the use of force compared to the District of Columbia’s policies were the main reason some Maryland agencies could not assist MPD directly for the inauguration. Nonetheless, these agencies are contributing to the event’s security efforts through agreements with the United States Capitol Police.
Maryland state legislators passed new restrictions on police use-of-force and repealed the nation’s first Police Bill of Rights in April 2021, following the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The comprehensive police reform bill stipulates that force can be used only to prevent “an imminent threat of physical injury” to a person or to “effectuate a legitimate law enforcement objective.” It also changed the standard for using force from “reasonable” to “necessary and proportional.”
Police departments operating in different jurisdictions are required to be sworn in under an MOU, which typically includes the home department’s use-of-force policy. In this context, Maryland police departments could face legal liability in their home state if operating under the District of Columbia’s less stringent policy.
Maryland’s new law states that officers who violate the use-of-force standard and cause serious injury or death can face up to ten years in prison. Former Republican Governor Larry Hogan vetoed the legislation, but the Maryland General Assembly overrode this on April 10, 2021.
The MPD has operated under the same MOU for the past two inaugurations. They noted that the MOU governing mutual aid assistance for the inauguration is the same Department of Justice-approved agreement that has been in use for the last two inaugurations. The MPD emphasized that the safety of the city, its visitors, and residents remains their top priority, expressing confidence that their coordinated efforts would lead to another successful inauguration.
In 2022, Washington, D.C.’s City Council passed legislation to update the criminal code, reducing sentences for some offenders. While Congress sought to block the bill under its December 1973 Home Rule Act authority, President Joe Biden vetoed this move. However, the bill did not alter use-of-force policies for police. The city later passed a public safety bill in 2024, rolling back some progressive justice reforms.
The MPD highlighted that they maintain strong relationships with Maryland partners, with some departments assisting the Capitol Police in securing the Capitol during the inauguration. President-elect Donald Trump announced that the inauguration ceremonies were being moved into the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing weather conditions forecasted for January 20. The MPD stated that there was no dispute between agencies and that they continue to maintain robust relationships with partners in the National Capital Region.
An estimated 25,000 military personnel and law enforcement officers from across the country will assist with security at the inauguration ceremonies. Although some Maryland departments will not participate, MPD has secured cooperation from 173 other departments to ensure a safe and secure experience for all involved.
The MPD emphasized the value of strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies nationwide, noting that these partnerships are critical to ensuring public safety during significant events like the Presidential Inauguration. They expressed gratitude for the continued support of partner agencies in upholding the highest standards of public safety.
Despite the complexities surrounding the use-of-force policies and the non-participation of certain Maryland police departments, the MPD remains committed to ensuring a successful and secure inauguration. The collaborative efforts among various law enforcement agencies are expected to provide a comprehensive security framework for the event, reflecting a unified approach to public safety.
Maryland Police has to be nullified,no assistance for this Democrat filled group of haters