Sgt. Gregory Walters has just completed his 40th year with the Prince George’s County Police Department. He has seen the county’s population boom and technological advances change police work. Walters has played many roles in his 40 years and currently heads the department’s automotive services division.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the past 40 years?
When I first came on the job in January 1969, we had all-black vehicles. The lights were in one big bubble at the top. The siren, instead of being a loudspeaker mounted with the lights, was on the front fender. It sounded like the old sirens on firetrucks that needed a crank, but it was powered by the car. There was also no such thing as portable radios. When you got out of the car, you were on your own and you just had to hope that backup was on its way. When it arrived, you couldn’t tell them where you were. We also had six-shooter revolvers, not the shotguns and AR-15s they have now. The technological change alone has been monumental.
How did you become interested in police work?
My dad was a state trooper and the Howard County police chief. He never pushed police work on me, but I saw what he did and I thought it would be a good solid job that paid the bills.
How have you been able to stick with if for so long?
Many people retire with half the time you’ve served.
My dad is still working and is in his 90s. I have his work ethic. I like to get a job done and I don’t need many slaps on the back.
Does anything stick out in your mind from your experience?
Just generally being able to help people in their worst moments, when they couldn’t think straight. You help them head in the right direction and help them find positive stuff out of what’s going on in their lives.
Is retirement in your near future?
I have no thoughts about retirement yet.
