La Plata Police Chief Carl Schinner has announced that he will be stepping down from his role in March 2025, bringing an end to more than a decade of leadership in the town’s police department. His departure marks the conclusion of a law enforcement career that began in 1987 and saw him rise through the ranks in Greenbelt before taking the helm in La Plata. Over the years, Schinner helped modernize the department, expand community outreach programs, and position La Plata’s police force as a model of professionalism and engagement.
During his tenure, he led the charge to earn national accreditation for the La Plata Police Department, securing recognition from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in 2018. That achievement was reaffirmed in 2022 through a successful reaccreditation, and the department remains on track for another review in 2026.
Schinner’s approach to policing emphasized building trust between law enforcement and the community. He championed events such as block parties, neighborhood walks, and coffee gatherings with officers to foster relationships between police and residents. Additionally, he implemented programs to curb local crime, including anti-theft campaigns, surveillance incentives for small businesses, and impaired driving prevention initiatives.
Another major focus of his leadership was improving law enforcement interactions with individuals with special needs. He worked to ensure officers received training on engaging with those on the autism spectrum and secured grant funding for tracking technology to help locate individuals prone to wandering due to cognitive conditions.
Beyond his role in La Plata, Schinner held leadership positions in law enforcement organizations across Maryland. He served as president of the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, vice chair of the Maryland Municipal League-Police Executive Association, and a lead assessor for national accreditation evaluations. His expertise led to his appointment by Governor Wes Moore to a state task force aimed at improving judicial facility security.
His time as chief saw La Plata’s police department grow in professionalism and community engagement. The initiatives he put in place have left a lasting impact on local policing, strengthening public safety efforts and reinforcing trust in law enforcement.
With his departure approaching, La Plata will soon begin the transition to new leadership. As Schinner prepares to leave his post, his legacy will remain visible in the department’s ongoing programs, community relationships, and public safety policies that were developed under his leadership.
