UPDATED: New Chief Named After Teare Announces Retirement
A criminal investigation into Teare is being dropped by the state as a result of his retirement.
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UPDATE (3:05 p.m.)—Maj. Pamela R. Davis is the new acting police chief for the Anne Arundel County Police Department (AACPD), effective immediately after Police Chief James Teare Sr.'s retirement is set to begin in Aug. 1.
Davis will be the first female police chief in Anne Arundel County history. She is currently the commander of the Administrative Services Bureau of the police department.
The other heads of the department are retiring later this year—including Deputy Chief Emerson Davis, who is set to retire in August, and Deputy Chief David E. Pressley, who will retire in September.
County Executive John R. Leopold made the announcement of Davis' appointment on Wednesday afternoon, hours after Teare's retirement was made public.
“Pam Davis is an excellent example of the high caliber of police officers in our department, and I am confident she can provide the leadership necessary to maintain the excellent performance we have become accustomed to,” Leopold said. “She brings nearly two decades of experience to the table and the ability to put us in the best position to fight crime successfully.”
Davis, 41, of Lothian, joined AACPD in 1993 as a patrol officer in the eastern district. According to a release, she has been a K-9 officer and commander of the training academy, the criminal investigations division and southern and eastern districts. Davis has a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
“I want to thank county executive Leopold for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Anne Arundel County,” Davis said. “We have a solid foundation on which to build a stronger police department.”
Davis' appointment as acting chief is set to become effective Aug. 1, the date of Teare’s retirement.
The International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO), which represents the sergeants and lieutenants of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, issued a statement Wednesday about the news of Teare's retirement, saying they were pleased with the outcome.
“Chief Teare has finally heeded our call and done what is in the best interests of the citizens of Anne Arundel County and the law enforcement professionals who serve the county. The cloud over Anne Arundel County is finally beginning to lift," said David J. Holway, IBPO national president.
A terse statement released by the police department Wednesday morning said that Teare “cherished the opportunity to serve the citizens of Anne Arundel County."
Leopold, in a statement released Wednesday, said Teare was retiring to spend more time with his family.
"Chief Teare notified me today of his intent to leave the Police Department in order to spend more time with his family, effective August 1,” Leopold said. “I would like to thank him for his long and honorable service to Anne Arundel County and wish him the best of luck in his retirement.”
Teare announced Wednesday that he would retire effective Aug. 1.
The news came from a release by state prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt, who said the state was dropping an investigation into Teare.
“In light of his retirement, the state is closing its criminal investigation of Chief Teare. It is important to resolve this matter without any further disruption to the effective functioning of the Police Department at a time when it is reorganizing, and the Anne Arundel County Executive is under indictment. Our office believes that this resolution is in the best interests of the citizens of Anne Arundel County,” Davitt said in the release.
The trial for Leopold has been scheduled for Sept. 4. Leopold was indicted on five counts by a state grand jury in March, including four counts of misconduct in office and one count of fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary.
Teare was subpoenaed before the Anne Arundel County Council in March, but did not answer most questions posed to him about his alleged involvement in the charges against Leopold. Instead, in a follow-up meeting, Deputy Police Chief Lt. Col. Emerson Davis criticized the department as dysfunctional.
In March, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, which represents the sergeants and lieutenants of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, called for the resignation of Teare and Leopold.
In April, the council issued a vote of no confidence in Teare.
Rich Jacobs
10:29 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
What a coward! Run as soon as the they announce that the boss is to stand trial...
I'd question his integrity, character, leadership and his just his plain man-hood... This guy is just as dirty as his boss... Just as the Deputy Cheif says him self: The entire department is out of control and dysfunctional..
Alexandria
3:17 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Appointed by the dirtbag. Ever wondered who was the star of that sex scandal ?
Mary Wagner
12:43 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
Mary Wagner
I agree the department is out of control and dysfunctional. Many times I reported the abuse of an adult retarded woman being abused (court records prove) however, the some police were friends of the abusers and I was told to shut up or I could get hurt and other threats. My home was robbed several times and the police knew who did it but they were that robbed me. I repeatedly called Chief Teare and he REFUSED to do anything to help the retarded woman or myself. When you don't keep quiet about the corruption within the police department you are not only threatened but comments are made about mental stability. There are still many police that need to quit because of incompetence and corruption; moreover, the police that do care are transfered to graveyard duty. Our honest police that have unquestionable INTEGRITY are having to suffer because of those in charge. Even FBI said how corrupt the Police Department in AACo. is , what a shame. We have an enormous amount of careing, dedicated police officers ; however, they are being quieted.
Dottie
10:40 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
The investigation should continue. Just because he is retiring is not a valid reason to stop the investigation. Of course, this is a deal that has been worked out with the state prosecutor's office - leave or we'll indict.
They didn't really want Teare, it's the bigger fish to fry.
K
10:46 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I am proud of James Teare Sr. He has worked hard for this county and because of politics, a man who loves his job, is forced to look like a clown. AACPD is losing an amazing man and Chief. I love how people can judge a man, not by knowing him, but by what the media puts out. Media never gives the full story, but of course all of you "witch hunters" want to believe everything that's in here. Maybe, just maybe think outside the box, you sheep!
W. L.
10:27 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
If he is so wonderful, why didn't he do the right thing and answer the questions asked of him. He should be brought to trial like everyone else who had not cooperated. He is not so special that he is above the law. He should not get retirement benefits and get a free ride. If he is so innocent, then he would have nothing to hide.
K
8:06 pm on Monday, July 23, 2012
Kevin--
Maybe because he couldn't....did you ever think of that? No one says he is above the law, but there was nothing illegal that he did. Did you watch the interview? Didn't his lawyer say that if this went to trial he would be possibly messing with another case? Yes, he should get his benefits he worked hard. Just because some people are idiots doesn't mean he should suffer. Do you understand what this is all about anyway?
W. L.
9:24 am on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Yes I understand. Law is the law. It was not up to him to decide if his answers could "possible" be messing with another case. He put himself "above" the law. I have no use for policeman who expect to be treated differently than those they themselves arrest. I watched the process. Don't call people idiots. I understand more of what this is about than you do. He should not get his benefits. I don't think you understand the ramifications of what he has done.
k
8:12 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
How did he put himself above the law? I will call it like I see, and I doubt you know more than anyone else.
W. L.
8:43 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
You should know. At least you seem to be the expert. After all he was keeping his mouth shut because it would interfere with a case he was investigating. Of course, can't open his mouth on this case that is being investigated. He was obstructing the law. He made himself look like is was in the pockets of others by doing that. Innocent people do not do what he did. And yes, again, I am privy to the proceedings. You have your opinion. I have mine. So we agree to disagree. Not everyone can retire when they get caught. If innocent they help, if guilty they usually are penalized. At least I would be let's say.
Gammyo
11:08 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Of course, turn and run and leave everyone you've given orders to, to take the blame and suffer your humilliation. All the qualities that gave him this position have long since been forgotten, what a shame. Let's not be too hasty to judge the department because of his actions. He should have been fired and not allowed to resign. I wonder what his retirement package looks like and how far back his misconduct goes. That should be the determination of his retirement package. Does anyone else agree with me? Or should it be forefited? I'm for no package at all. We have allowed to much dishonesty in our Higher Up officials, let's put an end to it across the board, beginning with the Highest Job in our country....The Presidency right on down the line. They went into these jobs knowing that their integrity and moral conduct would be questioned so they should have been above reproach and never implicated in Foul Play.......................
Mike
1:23 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Yep. Nobody loses his retirement on our dollar, no matter what he did wrong while being paid by us.
"Everybody stays friends, everybody gets paid, and everybody's got a #### future." -The Wire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAZZdL1qhk8 (warning: contains adult language)
Linnea Boogades
11:11 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Why should his retirement close a CRIMINAL investigation? If a crime has been committed, it's been committed and punishment shoudl ensue. If not, fine. Let him go. I think the citizens of this County deserve to know either way. Now, fact won't be seperated from fiction. And I have no doubt this is just another political move attached to Leopold's case.
Mike
1:19 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Yep.
Ronald
4:26 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Why do you think he rertired? Politics as usual. Retire or be prosecuted. They had no case.
A
11:32 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
K,
You must be a personal friend or relative. You obviously are seeing a completely different side to this man.
Karen Essen
11:38 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
So the Republican politician is going to trial while the goons who actually did the dirty work are seemingly off the hook?!? The moral of the story: Being a Democrat and part of a goddam labor union will get you everywhere in this state...
Chris S.
3:08 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Hate to break it to you but the Chief of Police is not in a union. Find another scapegoat for the misdeeds of the Republican executives appointed (and disgraced) lap dog.
Sue Crandall
11:53 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
JamesTeare is an honorable police officer, with no blemishes on his record..until the unions got involved. He was a long time instructor at AACC, and it was a true learning experience being in his class. He felt that honor and justice in all aspects of policing were paramount, and he lived as hre taught.
Wake up AA County, and for that matter, the rest of this godforsaken state. The leftist rabble has deep roots, and unless a person is willing to play by union boss rules, they end up much the same as Cheie Teare. Just like Governor Palin, who was forced to resign her office in Alaska because of the money it was costing taxpayers to defend against a witch hunt, I believe that Chief Teare is doing the same thing, leaving before even more money is wasted on smoke and mirrors.. Pretty much the same scenario with Herman Cain...funny how his "wrongdoing" and Gloria Alredr disapperaed as soon as he "retired" from the campaign. The County Executive is next on the chopping block, although he has evidently chosen to fight back. Pretty much a pontless thing to do, when dealing with unions.They are bigger and badder than any one individual, and they have teeth.
Melissa
1:18 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Union/no union, take responsibility for your actions. Stop blamming politics and the world for your dumb decisions. What example do you set for others when you know better and still do wrong!
Ronald
4:34 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
If they allow you to do it you will learn to contiue doing it. Having a good lawyer always trumps doing what's right. In this day and age it's not about what's right - it's about what's legal and simply stated 'it's legal until the court says otherwise'.
John Q Public
1:20 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
How Convienient, He Retire's & the State Drops all charges.
Karen Essen
2:39 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Quick update: I just registered as a Democrat and joined a labor union. Tomorrow I plan to embezzle $2,725,000 from my company...with the understanding that I have the option to resign if I get into any trouble. Vote Democrat, y'all! ;)
Chris S.
3:10 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Keep trying to blame the union for the misdeeds of management, it only shows how ignorant you really are.
Patrick Mondor
3:36 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Chris,
Wow. It is called humor. Notice the smiley face at the end of her comment. Lighten up.
Patrick Mondor
3:41 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Karen,
Don't feed the troll. Chris S is another liberal hack job. In his mind it is all rainbows and sweet smelling unicorn farts with big D's next to them. This state is made up with a lot of these type people. Very well played by the way....
Chris S.
8:08 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
It's all the fault of the evil Democrats and liberals but all of this happens under the watch of a Republican. The real asshole here is the County Executive that employed this police chief and then ran around having trysts in mall parking lots. Remember Karen, you were there weren't you? ;)
David Daughters
2:48 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I agree that a deal has been cut to drop the investigation, which I believe is a serious miscarriage of justice. We citizens need to know exactly what these men did. The next thing to watch for is another deal to allow John Leopold to avoid the trial that he claims he wants. He also will be allowed to "retire" in return for dropping the charges.
In response to K and Sue Crandall, I do know Chief Teare, and the Police Department will be better off withoiut him. His appointment as chief was a sad mistake.
D. Frank Smith
3:12 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I'm also very curious about the sudden drop of the investigation. I called the state prosecutor shortly after the news broke, asked why he dropped the case, and was deflected with the following prepared line from his media person: "He wont be making any comments other than what's in the press release."
Without an official reason for the drop, all we can do is speculate for now. And it's not hard to come up with some interesting possibilities.
Dave
10:13 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I do not know the facts of this case, but the fact that it was dropped after Mr. Teare "retired" implies that this "investigation" was pure politics in my book. Apparently in Maryland being a Republican or working for a Republican might land you in jail.
Ronald
7:38 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Don't stop there Frank. Hold the prosecutor accountable come election time. Remind the public about this. Problem is he will have ALL the votes of the police, fire and other county unions since he obviously likes covering up for them.
Ronald
4:32 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Karen - fat chance Chris will agree to your offer. It's all about shouting the loudest and bullying eveyone until they just go away. Unions once served a great and noble purpose - now they just milk the system and speak for the opposition. Where did all the money go that Obama sent to the auto manufacturers during the first round of payoffs (my mistake - I meant to say bailout money). You guessed it - and there is no record or accountability.
Chris S.
8:11 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Unions have absolutely nothing to do with the actions of the county executive and his police chief. Politicians and police chiefs are also supposed to serve a great and noble purpose. I'm not shouting about anything just pointing out that the unions did not cause this. Leopold did, plain and simple. Accountability starts at the top and that is where the bad behavior began.
Ronald
7:36 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Accountability starts with the voters. Poor voter turnout allowed John to be elected. You got what you paid for.
Ronald
4:34 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Glad to see another 'Administrator' being named Chief.
Brutus Henry
10:05 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
King John and his administrators violate the County Charter, the MD Constitution, and the US Constitution on a daily basis. People in this county have voted for the lesser of two evils (the Republicans) and are not better off for it. Just as NY merchants could not differentiate between a Gambino or Genovese mobster extorting their hard earned wages, neither can an Anne Arundel County citizen discern a Republican from a Democrat - they are all organized criminals colluding with the developers to plunder our wealth. King John is the one to thank for the putrid, maggot-filled trash bins smelling up our neighborhoods with the brilliant once a week trash collection. RISE UP PEOPLE!!!
Ronald
7:39 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Sounds like the start of a citizens coalition. Isn't this how the tea party got started. When's the first meeting?
Chris W
6:16 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Oh no. Once a week trash? Off with their heads!
Mike
12:58 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
1. I think that's a different thread.
2. The problem is a compound problem. Once-a-week trash collection stinks (pun not intended but I'll go with it) but I'd be willing to live with that IF the price were cut accordingly. But it's not being cut. It's supposedly being cut 11%, not 50%. And that's the CLAIM.
Further, even if that claime were true, we'd only realize a savings if the City were laying off all the city employees who collected the trash and sold off the trucks, land, buildings, etc. Doesn't look like that's happening.
In short, there is a debatable argument about right the level of service, but EITHER WAY we're getting massively shafted on the TRUE COST TO US.
Patricia O'Brien - Boarman
10:09 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
I was elated to hear that John Leopold, County executive for A. A. Co., appointed Major Pamela Davis of the AACOPD to acting Chief Of Police eff. Aug. 01, upon the retirement of Chief James Teare. She has excellent qualifications and I am confident that she will be proficient in her duties and will continue to combat violent and serious types of crime in this county. She is a leader and come up through the ranks so she knows the communities' in which she serves, I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors with the Police Department. Best news, no outsider from another State is coming in to take over, to me, that would be a big mistake, always "best" to promote within when our Dept. has many qualified to choose from and is an incentive and morale booster for all who are a Police Officer. Sad news, the Dept. is losing two of the finest Deputy Police Chief's, those being Deputy Chief Emerson Davis and Deputy Chief David Pressley who are both retiring by Sept. of this year. I've watched these high ranking officials grow up through the ranks and as a Civic Leader/Activist have called upon them many times acting on behalf of the residents of South A. A. Co., making sure we had adequate Police protection due to our large area geographically.
W. L.
10:46 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
I read these blogs, but can't get over the name calling. Frank Smith, you should not allow a comment on this site when they are calling someone ignorant or an asshole (Karen Essen vs Chris S). Let's just keep it to differences of opinion, agree to disagree.
Ronald
7:32 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
People need a place to vent so that they don't go postal. Thank you Frank Smith for allowing people to speak their minds and express their feelings. If A.J. can't get over the name calling he/she can skip the blog.
Sue Crandall
3:16 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Sigh. Hopefully the new chief is a double minority, female plus another protected group. That way there'll be no more of this. Plain old white menfolk just don't stand a chance any more in any position above spouse. :(
Ronald
7:41 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Hope she's getting paid the same or more than the last chief - we sure don't want her crying FOUL about that and raising our taxes even more to cover her salary while still paying the old chief's retirment.
Margie Fleming
2:36 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
Hope everyone is having a better day today...Good luck to Major Davis in her new "temporary" position. May she have a positive influence and the ability to do her job without all of this controversy. The hard working police officers of AACo deserve
our support, they are doing a great job every day trying to keep AACo safe.
Ronald
7:34 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
They are doing an acceptable job at their present salaries and with their present benefits.
W. L.
9:06 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Ronald, venting doesn't mean you have to attack others' opinions by calling them stupid or other derogatory names. We do not accomplish anything by verbal bullying. You discredit yourself and your own opinions. We are trying to teach the young not to do this to others. Yet we as adults need to set the examples with our interaction with each other. Demeaning/bullying other bloggers is not necessary to get your point across.
Jhopkins
4:33 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Learned few things. When your department is considering careful handpicking of suitable police officers, make sure you add few more factors in your head. Would you be remembered as a person like this, or set an example for the county. If I was a son from your family, I would throw away my Phd in JH University just to prove my last name is not like Teare.