The Maryland Ethics Commission nixed a new Anne Arundel law allowing its police officers to work at restaurants and bars.
Now Anne Arundel officials have to seek approval from the County Ethics Commission, which started the issue by saying officers working at places that serve alcohol present a conflict of interest.
County Executive John R. Leopold and Council Chairwoman Cathy Vitale sent a letter to the County Ethics Commission on Friday, asking it to exempt police officers.
The State Ethics Commission told Leopold on Friday that he and the council could not create a legislative exemption from the ethics code.
“It?s unfair to assume just because they?re in a situation working in a bar or restaurant, they?re not going to enforce the law,” Leopold said.
The county commission issued an opinion this past year saying it feared police officers may not enforce liquor license laws against their employers.
But Leopold and the council said police officers cannot afford to live in Anne Arundel without second jobs, and the council in September approved a law that exempted police officers from the ethics code. ? Jason Flanagan
Traffic conditions causepolice to stop pursuit
Annapolis police were forced Thursday to stop pursuing a fleeing Cadillac Escalade driven by a suspected drug dealer because of traffic conditions.
Drug enforcement officers were notified of the alleged drug dealer and spotted his Escalade about 8:45 p.m. on Admiral Drive in Annapolis, police said.
Officers continued chasing the Escalade as the driver, who was allegedly carrying a large amount of drugs and firearms, drove onto Route 50 West, and then onto Davidsonville Road toward Crofton, police said.
Police are investigating to determine the driver?s identity. ? Carolyn Peirce
Anne Arundel police investigate recent assaults on officers
Two Anne Arundel police officers were assaulted this past week, raising concerns for officers? safety, county police said Friday.
Officer Dina Johnson suffered a shoulder injury Friday after she was forced against a kitchen counter by a suspect during a domestic dispute on Old Mill Road in Pasadena, police said. Monroe Page, 19, was charged with second-degree assault.
Officer Mark Zukowski was injured Tuesday by an angry landlord on Stoney Point Way in Curtis Bay.
Three officers had to force the landlord to the floor, and Zukowski hurt his right shoulder, police said. The landlord?s name was not released.
Police said nearly 100 assaults on Anne Arundel police officers have been reported thus far in 2008, compared with a total of 217 in 2007. ? Carolyn Peirce
