Md. Town Puts Entire Police Department on Paid Leave

All the members of a Maryland police department have been placed on leave pending an investigation.

In a news release, town officials did not give a specific reason why the Ridgely police force had been placed on immediate paid leave, only that the Maryland prosecutor was conducting an investigation, WBOC-TV reports. The Caroline County Sheriff's Office and the Maryland State Police will combine to provide law enforcement coverage for the town.

“Given the recent events involving the Ridgely Police Department, the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Caroline County Commissioners and the Commissioners of the Town of Ridgely, are committed to providing continuous police services to the town’s citizens, ensuring their safety remains a top priority," said Sheriff Donald L. Baker.

A law enforcement source told WBOC that the investigation of the police department stemmed from the improper disposal of surplus equipment and gear, including firearms and cruisers. The source also said the department failed to perform thorough new officer background checks, as was not properly filing administrative reports.