The Chief’s Advisory Board was implemented in early 2021. The formation of the Board was prompted by discussions with Snow Hill United, a group working on issues of racial justice in Snow Hill. Following the racial uprisings of 2020, Chief Andy McGee met with Snow Hill United and other concerned citizens to explore ways the Snow Hill Police Department could better serve the community and the Chief’s Advisory Board was formed out of those initial meetings.
The Chief’s Advisory Board is made up of a cross-section of Snow Hill residents, including health care workers, business owners, military vets, historical society members, Snow Hill United members, ministry members and a youth representative. The purpose of the Snow Hill Police Department Chief’s Advisory Board (CAB) is to provide feedback on critical topics and activities, such as policing policies, practices, and training programs, community outreach, and leadership and accountability as well as expand the lines of communication and collaboration between the Police Department and the community for the aim of enhancing trust, communication, and collaboration between the Snow Hill community and the Police Department. The Board meets quarterly and advises the Chief of Police and Staff on concerns from the community, youth initiatives, and crime concerns. The Chief of Police also shares with the Board what programs the department is working on, Policy and Procedures feedback, Training Programs, Staffing and Hiring Initiatives and Police Reform Bills. The Board can then take this information out into the Community and address some of the concerns that citizens have right away.
Following the second meeting, two new initiatives were discussed and are being implemented as a direct result of the Advisory Board input and feedback.
Check on a Veteran Program- As part of the Community Policing initiatives, The Snow Hill Police Department will launch the “Check on a Veteran” program, where officers will conduct checks on our local veterans from time to time. Chief McGee stated, “We are blessed to have several Veterans who live in our community and are valued members of our town”. This program will give our officers a chance to interact with our Veteran’s in a positive way. We owe it to our Veterans to make sure they are remembered and taken care of. They have sacrificed so much for our country, so this is just one way we can say thank you. As part of the officers’ patrol duties, officers will stop in and check on our identified veterans. With established partnerships with the Worcester County Health Departments, local Veteran organizations, and mental health providers, the Police Department will be able assist our Veterans,
should they need anything. Ms. Deborah Baines, a Chief’s Advisory Board member and an Army National Guard member, who was the first woman to retire from the 115th Infantry Military Police Batillion in Salisbury, brings a unique perspective and vision for the program. Ms. Baines brought this idea to the Advisory Board and her expertise and experience with her unit has proven vital to getting this program up and running.
Prescription Delivery
The second project that will be implemented soon is a “Prescription Delivery” in partnership with Apple Drugs for our older residents in town. The program will serve those 60 and older who may not have the capabilities of picking up their prescriptions due to health concerns or limitations in transportation. The Police Department, as part of their Community Policing program, will pick up and deliver prescriptions one to two days a week and deliver to residents within town limits. An adult must be on-site to receive the delivery and no monies will be handled by the Police Department.
If you know of someone who may benefit from either program, please reach out to Chief McGee at 410-632-2444 or mcgee@snowhillmd.com or visit our Facebook Page” Snow Hill Police Department” and send us a message.
