The new Chief of Police, Adrian Baker was sworn in by Mayor Christopher Miller at on November 17. His appointment comes after a long search to replace the former chief Jason Etzler who resigned last November. Baker will make $130,223 annually despite the job posting capping the salary at $105,000.
Baker began his career on the eastern shore with the Maryland National Resources Police in 1984. He retired after 28 years of service as commander of the Central Region which includes Carroll County. Immediately upon his retirement from NRP he was hired as Chief of police in Chestertown Maryland where he served for seven years when the Governor’s office asked if he would come back to NRP as superintendent. He took the job and served for three and a half years, leaving when the Governors term ended in January of 2023.
He said he would like to begin his role as Police Chief by spending some time assessing Taneytown's Police Department to see what work needs to be done, He will then present a 5-year strategic plan with obtainable goals and objectives to the city council. He said he would also like to spend this time getting to know Taneytown's government employees and its residents.
His immediate concern is to address retention and recruitment in the police department. In doing so he said, "we can do one thing that won’t cost us a thing and that is to express our support for our police department."
He pointed out he has been in similar positions in Chestertown where it seems the police department is always asking for something in terms of funding. "Police departments are expensive but if we make the decision to support this one it will be money well spent", he commented.
He explained that the purpose of a police department is to provide value to a community and he would make sure that is done in a fiscally responsible manner so that all the citizens of Taneytown are safe and property is protected."
Councilwoman Diane Foster asked Baker his view toward community policing to which Baker replied, ‘It is extremely important. The police should be involved proactively. I don't want the first time our officers meet someone to be in a crisis situation."
He also made sure it was known his desire to attend community functions and to be involved in whatever was asked of him. He pointed out that working hard on doing the small things is what builds the foundation for success in the big things. Baker thanked the Sheriffs department for their assistance during Taneytown’s time without a Chief and he thanked Major Mitchell for his role as acting chief.
