Frequently Asked Questions

The Office of Sheriff for Somerset County, Maryland was established by Lord Baltimore on August 22, 1666. The proclamation established a sheriff and military commander for the county along with five surveyors charged with laying out a highway to serve the county. 

Stephen Horsey was appointed the first sheriff of Somerset County on August 22, 1666, by Lord Calvert. Horsey served as sheriff from 1666 until 1668.

In 1970, Sheriff Thomas H. Foxwell Jr. introduced uniforms and police vehicles at the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies performed their duties during the day and were on call in the evening.

On July 1, 2010, deputies commenced twenty-four hour coverage for Somerset County. The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office is the smallest of the twenty-four offices within the state of Maryland. There are presently 37 sworn deputies working for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Robert N. Jones holds the distinction of longest serving sheriff for Somerset County. Sheriff Jones served seven, four-year terms from 1986 until 2014. 

On December 2, 2014, Sheriff Ronald W. Howard was sworn in as Sheriff for Somerset County.  Incidentally, Sheriff Howard’s 8th great grandfather was Stephen Horsey. 

• Trust: Our mission is to provide professional, compassionate, dedicated, justified service that generates confidence and trust within the community we serve.
• Fairness: Members of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office will treat everyone in an unbiased, dignified and respectful manner without regard to human traits, characteristics or status.
• Commitment:  Members of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office are committed to partnerships with the community, professional and government associates and promoting the quality of life in our community.
• Conduct: Members of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office are responsible for their conduct, both professionally and personally and are held accountable to the highest standards of ethical conduct and strive to be role models for others.

Yes! You can apply by visiting our Recruitment page and submitting an application.

We are located in Westover.. Our address is 7920 Crisfield Highway, Westover, Maryland 21871