The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging community members to use its Digital Online Reporting System for eligible non-emergency incidents, now including vandalism reports.
The convenient online tool allows residents to file certain police reports without visiting a district station or requesting an in-person deputy response. It helps improve public accessibility while allowing the Sheriff’s Office to better allocate personnel and resources for higher-priority calls.
The system previously covered incidents such as fraud, hit-and-run crashes, identity theft, lost property and single-vehicle crashes. Vandalism has now been added, giving community members another convenient option for reporting graffiti, damaged property, broken windows, mailboxes or other intentional property damage.
However, incidents involving active vandalism or situations where the suspect is known are not eligible for online reporting. Community members witnessing vandalism in progress or who know the identity of the person responsible should contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office directly at 301-475-8008 or call 911 in an emergency.
The Digital Online Reporting System is available through the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office website at FirstSheriff.com. Community members can access the reporting portal by selecting the Digital Online Reporting System link on the homepage.
Residents should continue to call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress.
Sheriff’s Office leaders say the expansion reflects a commitment to modern, efficient service for the growing population in St. Mary’s County. Leonardtown, California, Lexington Park and other communities in the county see a steady volume of property-related calls. The online system helps reduce response times for urgent matters while still documenting incidents for insurance and investigative purposes.
For families and businesses across Southern Maryland, the tool provides a practical solution. Many residents in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties work outside the area or have busy schedules that make in-person reporting difficult. Online filing offers a secure, 24/7 option that maintains a formal police record without unnecessary delays.
Vandalism remains a concern in some neighborhoods, particularly around schools, parks and commercial areas. Quick online reporting can help deputies identify patterns and address repeat issues more effectively. The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate all reported incidents thoroughly.
The expansion comes as local law enforcement agencies across the tri-county region seek ways to improve community engagement and operational efficiency. St. Mary’s County residents are reminded that the online system is for non-emergency matters only.
