J. Thomas Manger became Montgomery County’s police chief in February 2004 after serving 27 years with the Fairfax County Police Department, where he was appointed chief in 1998. A lifelong Orioles fan, he was born in Baltimore and moved to Silver Spring when he was 14.
What crime trends have you witnessed recently?
The most significant crime issue we are dealing with are street robberies. It is the only category of crime that has increased steadily over the past four years. Typically, we have cases involving a group of suspects who target a lone individual, [often] taking their wallet or cell phone. While robberies are our most serious crime issue, having one’s car broken into is the most common crime committed in Montgomery County. Lock your car!
What would you like people to know about the most difficult aspects of your daily work?
The men and women who choose to become police officers can expect a tough job, but a rewarding career if they stick with it. Being a cop is not for everyone. It is a tremendously complicated job that requires patience, courage, intelligence and most of all integrity. While most folks become police officers with the desire to serve their community, they quickly learn that many of their job tasks are unpopular and not always appreciated by the public. The best cops learn to put that in perspective, make the little victories count, and keep doing their job fairly and consistently.
What inspired you to become a police officer?
I knew that I was drawn to some kind of “public service”-type job even as a teenager. I started college majoring in journalism, then decided that I could fight for justice better as a police officer. … I am proud of what I do, and have had the privilege of working with some of the best human beings that you can imagine.
What do you do in your free time?
I typically work many late nights and have weekend obligations associated with my job. So any free time I have, I spend with my family. Our two children keep my wife and me endlessly busy and entertained.
