CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry announced the suspension of a deputy on April 18, 2025, pending a full investigation into a K9 deployment incident during an arrest earlier that week. The incident, involving the apprehension of a burglary suspect, was flagged during a supervisory review of camera footage and reports, which found the deputy’s conduct and K9 use inconsistent with agency standards.
Sheriff Berry immediately referred the case to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Office of Professional Responsibility and notified the State’s Attorney’s Office, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
The incident occurred when a CCSO deputy deployed a police K9 to arrest a man suspected of a burglary in progress. According to Sheriff Berry, K9 deployment is considered a use of force, requiring supervisory review of all related footage and documentation to ensure compliance with legal and policy guidelines. “I want to make our community aware of an incident that is being investigated,” Berry stated. “During the review process, the supervisor observed that the K9 deployment and conduct of the officer were not consistent with those standards.”
Following a preliminary assessment, Berry ordered the deputy’s suspension and committed to a thorough investigation, promising to share further details upon its completion. “We work hard every single day to earn and keep the public’s trust,” he added. “When something occurs that doesn’t reflect our values, we face it head-on. When we identify actions that fall outside our standards, we act immediately and hold ourselves accountable.”
The CCSO’s response aligns with national trends in law enforcement emphasizing accountability in use-of-force cases. A 2023 report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics noted that 98% of U.S. sheriff’s offices have policies requiring review of use-of-force incidents. The use of K9 units, while effective for suspect apprehension, has faced scrutiny, with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union advocating for stricter oversight due to risks of excessive force.The CCSO’s Office of Professional Responsibility, tasked with investigating internal misconduct, ensures compliance with Maryland’s law enforcement standards, as outlined by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission.
Sheriff Berry’s swift action underscores the CCSO’s commitment to maintaining public trust, a priority for the agency serving Charles County’s diverse communities. The investigation’s outcome will likely influence local perceptions of law enforcement accountability. Residents await further details as the CCSO completes its review, with the State’s Attorney’s Office also monitoring the case for potential legal implications.
