State’s ‘top cop’ receives recognition from law enforcement leaders, governor

Over 20 vehicles in a Maryland small town had items stolen from them in some way, form or fashion. The thief used the credit cards and cash taken on everything from Netflix to Walmart trips to DoorDash deliveries before an officer connected the dots and cracked the case.

On Tuesday, Cpl. Michael Schlaerth of the Sykesville Police Department in Carroll County received recognition for his role in stopping the thefts that spanned multiple states during a breakfast of the Maryland Municipal League’s Police Executive Association in Ocean City.

The officer’s chief and the state’s chief executive were on hand to bestow the annual award given by the association. The men lauded law enforcement generally, and Schlaerth specifically, for the public safety role both during the event and in interviews with a Maryland USA Today network reporter after the ceremony.

“His successful resolution of this case brought calm to (residents), brought reassurance to them that their police department was on top of things,” said Sykesville Police Chief Michael Spaulding, during an interview after the award’s presentation.

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Cops solve multistate case, match video with tattoo on credit card thief

Spaulding described Schlaerth’s coordination efforts with other local law enforcement agencies in areas where there were thefts. His work helped lead to a bulletin sent to the entire Washington metropolitan area, and an investigator in Virginia responded, seeing similar trends.

The final piece of the police’s puzzle was Schlaerth matching a distinct tattoo on the individual’s wrist with what he saw on the video from Walmart, where a stolen credit card had been used.

“It was just a great example of his diligence, dedication, and utilizing resources and putting everything together,” said Spaulding, the incoming chair of the police executive association. He said he did not have a vote in the association's selection of Schlaerth, also a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts.

Gov. Wes Moore, too, highlighted Schlaerth’s efforts, which he said had more than a monetary meaning for those who were robbed. Crimes unresolved, he said, count in ways that currency cannot value.

“It breaks down basic confidence that people have in society and in systems of law,” said Moore to the crowd of about 50, comprised of police leaders, politicians and other supporters.

For recruitment of police, Moore calls for focus on retention of officers

After handing the plaque of “top cop” to Schlaerth and posing for photographs, Moore continued his commendation of what he called his “partners” in public safety, during an interview.

“Law enforcement is a key part,” he said, “of being able to make sure that we’re creating a safe society.”

He said the retention of police officers is a critical component in recruiting new officers. Nationally, and in some Maryland jurisdictions, law enforcement agencies are short of sworn officers. Earlier this month, for example, the agency in the state's most populous municipality, the Baltimore City Police Department, had a shortage of over 500.

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“We can’t forget that recruits are looking at the way you’re treating the people who are currently in the ranks,” he said. “By us focusing on retention, it’s one of the best things (one) can do to also focus on recruitment.”

Dwight A. Weingarten is an investigative reporter, covering the Maryland State House and state issues. He can be reached at dweingarten@gannett.com or on Twitter at @DwightWeingart2.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: State’s ‘top cop’ receives recognition from law enforcement, governor