I would like to take this opportunity to explain to the Allegany County commissioners and the local citizenry the Sheriff’s Office’s involvement in providing security for trick or treat at the Country Club Mall.

A deputy sheriff contacted me asking if he could attend the upcoming trick or treat event at the Country Club Mall to provide security for the children participating.

Knowing that this event draws hundreds of small children, along with a considerable group of adolescents, I advised him that I felt that there would be no problem with this request.

A second deputy sheriff made the same request, which I subsequently granted. The participation of the two deputy sheriffs was done solely to provide a safe environment for the children attending the event.

Additionally, while at the mall, both deputies observed a registered sex offender in attendance. Fortunately, a law enforement presence was maintained and the event unfolded without incident.

This was not requested as overtime by the Country Club Mall, therefore I did not submit a request for off duty overtime for approval by the county commissioners.

Such requests are routinely submitted when the Sheriff’s Office is approached by an outside agency and requested to be present for a specific event and have agreed to the county-mandated fee for services.

While I advised the deputies that monetary compensation would not be provided for their services, for liability reasons (i.e. use of county vehicle, use of county uniforms), I requested that they complete requests for compensatory time.

I can assure you that there was no hidden agenda in our participation in this community function.

As county employees and members of the law enforcement community who are committed to protect and serve the citizens of Allegany County, participation in community events will always be one of our priorities.

Last weekend, numerous county agencies increased staffing to assist the Western Maryland Health System in the relocation and consolidation of the two existing hospitals.

Western Maryland Health System is a privately owned venture and, hopefully, Allegany County government will not bill them for the additional overtime and staffing which is being supplied.

The new hospital is and should be a priority for this community, and therefore we should put forth every effort to support this transition.

However, I fail to see the difference between assisting with the hospital relocation and providing safety and security for our youth. The Sheriff’s Office acted in good faith and at no time intended to deceive or mislead anyone.

Lt. Craig Robertson

Allegany County Sheriff’s Department