Joseph Lee Somerville became the first African American sheriff of St. Mary's County, and the first in the state of Maryland, and only the sixth in the entire country, when he was appointed in 1977.

The sections and personnel that fall under the direction of the Administrative Division Commander include: · Resa · Fiscal · Personnel and Recruiting · CALEA Coordinator · Systems Administrator · Police Services Specialist · Property The Patrol Division is responsible for the general law enforcement duties in the county, including first responder to motor vehicle accidents, 9-1-1 calls and traffic enforcement.

The Corrections Division is responsible for the security, custody and control of adults sentenced or awaiting trial in the Detention Center.

Some of the units and functions that fall under the direction of the Special Operations Division Commander include: · Judicial Section o Court Security o Child Support Enforcement o Civil Process · K-9 Section · Training and Education · Traffic Safety and Motors · Community Policing · Crime Prevention · School Resource Officers · Alcohol Enforcement · Emergency Services Team · Armorer · Police ATV Program · Color Guard · Volunteer Program .

Cadet Program The Special Operations Division (SOD) is currently commanded by Captain Richard Russell.