Ocean City, Maryland, has appointed a new Chief of Police, Raymond J. Austin, who began his career as a seasonal officer with the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) back in 1991. Having climbed the ranks through three decades of service, Austin is now set to shape the future of law enforcement in Maryland's beloved resort town, with his official swearing-in slated for May 5, according to WMAR2 News.
Born in Pittsburgh but regarded by the department as a homegrown talent, Austin came aboard OCPD, which he full-timed in 1994, after starting in a seasonal capacity. He retired just last year and was working with the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office as a special investigator, only to be called back to lead as Chief, replacing the interim police chief since last November, Michael Colbert. Interestingly, under the interim leadership of Captain Colbert, the Ocean City Police indicated that crime rates had reached a five-year low in 2024, a promising trend that Austin inherits.
Austin is recognized not only for his command roles within the police department, such as Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division and Patrol Lieutenant, but also for his participation in landmark legal precedent. Celebrated for his role in a 2002 case that established case law on authority across jurisdictional lines in Maryland, his contributions are still felt statewide. His accolades include Officer of the Year and the MADD Award, as detailed in a Facebook post by the Ocean City Police Department.
Chief Austin's community ties run deep, heralded for fostering community policing initiatives like National Night Out and the Citizen's Police Academy. “Chief Austin brings not only decades of experience but a deep understanding of our town and its values,” said Terry McGean, the City Manager of Ocean City, as reported by the OCPD's Facebook. Looking ahead, Austin will focus on ensuring public safety, maintaining accountability and nurturing community partnerships – all critical as Ocean City gears up for its bustling summer season.
