BALTIMORE -- Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson will retire at the end of the month and be replaced by former chief Terry Sheridan, County Executive Kevin Kamenetz announced Wednesday.
Johnson, 58, rose through the ranks from his start as a cadet in the county 911 center in 1979.
"Jim Johnson served this county faithfully and honorably for 38 years, and we are grateful for his service," Kamenetz said in a statement. "However, at this time we choose to go in a different direction, and I wish Chief Johnson well."
The announcement followed a period of scrutiny for the police department, which has faced criticism over issues including the fatal shooting of Korryn Gaines and its handling of sexual assault cases.
In October, Kamenetz said the county would accelerate its body-camera program, review the way it investigates sexual assaults, and evaluate police training on behavioral health, cultural competency and de-escalation strategies.
Through a county spokeswoman, Johnson, Kamenetz and Sheridan all declined interview requests Wednesday.
Sheridan, a former state trooper, was the county's police chief from 1996 to 2007, when he was named superintendent of the Maryland State Police by then-Gov. Martin O'Malley.
Johnson was then tapped to become county police chief by then-County Executive Jim Smith.
Sheridan served as State Police superintendent until 2011. He is currently a law enforcement advisor to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's intelligence office.
Kamenetz, who will submit Sheridan's name to the County Council for confirmation, says Sheridan would serve until the end of the county executive's term in December 2018.
"His impressive resume and impeccable reputation will assure that we continue to maintain the highest standard of service that we expect from our police department," Kamenetz said in the statement.
Cole Weston, president of the Baltimore County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 4, said Johnson provided stability in the day-to-day operations of the department, which has more than 1,900 sworn officers.
"This is a professional agency," Weston said. "The men and women out there do a tremendous job out there serving the public. The clearance rates are exceptional ... So the comment of choosing to go in a different direction is concerning to us."
Some County Council members expressed surprise at the announcement.
"I think it was very sudden," said Councilman David Marks, a Perry Hall Republican, adding that Johnson "was an outstanding public servant."
County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger said he would miss Johnson, calling him a strong advocate for victims who moved the department "to the forefront of crime fighting."
Johnson has been a national advocate for gun safety, serving as chairman of the National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence.
The chief earns an annual salary of $254,000. That will also be Sheridan's salary, county spokeswoman Ellen Kobler said.
Copyright 2016 The Baltimore Sun
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