Anne Arundel County Police Department history

The 1938 police budget was listed at $25,000 for a force of twelve officers.

Around 1940 the Department eliminated the use of the patrol wagon and acquired cars equipped with 2-way AM radios.

In 1949 George W Rawlings was appointed Chief of Police.

In 1953 the authorized strength of the Department was listed as one Police Commissioner, one Chief of Police, one Lieutenant, two Sergeants, six Corporals, twelve First Class Officers and twelve Police Officers.

In May of 1961, Chief Rawlings retired and remained as Police Commissioner while Anthony W. Howes was appointed Chief of Police.

Anne Arundel County established a charter form of government in 1964.

The 1966 starting salary for police officers began at $4,400 per year, with seven increments bring the salary to $5,900 per year.

There had been no Deputy Chief since the promotion of Bernard Kalnoske to Deputy Chief in 1968.

The compliment of the Department was increased in 1971 to a Police Commissioner, a Chief of Police, a Deputy Chief, five Captains, four Lieutenants, seven Sergeants, 12 Corporals, 25 Patrolman First Class (PFCs) and 30 Patrolmen, for a total of 73 officers.

In 1973 Chief Anthony Howes retired and Deputy Bernard Kalnoske was appointed Chief of Police.

In 1974 the Police Commissioner’s position was eliminated and a civil service based merit system was created.

In August of 1985, the City of Annapolis adopted a Minority Recruitment Plan as a result of a Consent Decree filed by a group of minority officers.

The rank title for Assistant Chief was upgraded to the rank of Colonel in 1992.

With the resignation of Chief Robbins in April 1994, Assistant Chief Johnson stepped into the position of Acting Chief of Police.

Prior to 2000 police recruits after completing the police academy were put in a field training program with a field training officer.

In November 2003, a new communications center was opened.