As part of community outreach, personnel can attend meetings with community groups to engage in dialogue to learn community concerns, and to provide assistance through information about our services and programs, including crime prevention tips and practices. With this interaction with community groups and associations, the Sheriff's Office connects with the community in a positive and productive manner to foster the ongoing partnership between law enforcement and the community, and encourage community engagement and problem solving. Programs are also available for Scouts, schools, and other groups.

The Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch Program encourages building relationships within the neighborhoods and business communities. This improves communication among the partners, and leads to a safer community. Neighborhoods and businesses benefit from increased networking, crime prevention tips, and information about criminal activity.

The Sheriff’s Office offers residents and businesses the opportunity to have a specially trained deputy or volunteer conduct a Residential or Commercial Security Survey, where we can make recommendations to improve physical security of the home or business. In addition to physical security surveys, Houses of Worship can benefit from help with additional emergency planning. For more information on this, please contact our Community Services section.

The CAV program uses volunteers to enhance the services provided by the Sheriff's Office to the community by improving efficiency and productivity. This program uses volunteers to handle assignments and events that do not require a trained, sworn deputy. Members of the CAV program wear a uniform that identifies them as volunteers for the Sheriff's Office. CAV volunteers are not sworn, are not armed, and do not have arrest powers.

The Frederick County Sheriff's Office proudly participates in Project Lifesaver (PLS), which is an international organization that provides tracking systems for children and adults with intellectual disabilities such as Autism, Alzheimer’s, or Down Syndrome and/or who are prone to wandering off. Each person enrolled in Project Lifesaver wears a small transmitter, which transmits a signal on a set frequency. These frequencies can be tracked using special equipment that is located here at the Frederick County Sheriff's Office. Specially trained deputies and volunteers use the equipment to locate the missing person.

The Sheriff’s Office PLS program is fully funded through private donations.

For information about Project Lifesaver, contact Shawna Capotosto at 301-695-3676 or visit the PLS website at www.projectlifesaver.org.