County Executive Ken Ulman prefers to be driven. While he boasts he drives the county fleet?s first hybrid, a 2007 Ford Escape, Ulman often travels in an unmarked Crown Victoria driven by a former tactical unit police officer.
“The county executive utilizes the officer on a pretty regular basis,” said police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn.
“When it seems feasible, his preference is to have the [officer].”
Many county executives rely on security details as a safety precaution and mobile office.
But the level of security varies greatly.
Ulman, like his predecessor, relies on an officer assigned to the Office of the Chief, Llewellyn said. In Ulman?s case, it?s a former member of the tactical unit, Officer Jeff Giroux, who made news in 2006 during a shootout while serving a Columbia man a burglary warrant.
Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold is driven to and from events by officers, but “he drives his own vehicle quite often,” said spokeswoman Rhonda Wardlaw.
The need is twofold. As an elected official, Leopold needs extra security. On his way to events, he also needs to focus on his work, rather than be distracted while driving, she said.
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon is protected at events by at least three paid officers, including a driver, assigned to an Executive Protection Unit, spokesman Anthony McCarthy said.
Meanwhile, Harford County Executive David Craig doesn?t employ a driver or security from the Sheriff?s Office, county spokesman Bob Thomas said, adding there is no cost to the taxpayers.
Carroll?s three commissioners don?t have drivers or security detail, spokeswoman Vivian Laxton said.
Baltimore County officials declined to comment on County Executive Jim Smith?s security.
The appropriate level of security depends on the person and the county, said Peter Shapiro, senior fellow at University of Maryland?s Academy of Leadership.
“There are some county executives that because of who they are may be more vulnerable,” he said, adding that less controversial figures in smaller counties have lesser need for protection.
Former Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan opted to go without security or a driver until after the October 2002 sniper attacks when his police chief recommended it, he said.
“After the sniper, I do understand and support the need [for security],” he said.
Examiner Staff Writers Luke Broadwater and Joe Palazzolo contributed to this story.
