For many years the Department was confronted with non-compliance of Parkland Rules and Regulations in developed parks. The escalation of these infractions over the past several years brought about the formation of a Park Ranger program in the spring of 2000. The program was implemented with existing personnel in an effort to provide coverage to the regional parks as well as some of our more frequented neighborhood parks. The program has reduced the number of operational problems we were experiencing due to inappropriate use and overcrowding, both of which were causing deterioration of our facilities.

The Rangers receive many hours of training through the Howard County Police Department, Howard County Fire and Rescue and from The Anne Arundel County Ranger Program. Training topics include: Community Policing, Parking Citations, Hazmat, Infectious Diseases, Hate Bias, County Code, Report Writing and Civil Citations. The rangers have also attended a five-day bike patrol course and are certified as First Responders. Other related courses are offered when the Howard County Police Department deems them appropriate.

To date the program has been very successful. In the spring of 2001, it was expanded to include two full-time rangers providing coverage 365 days a year. The presence of the rangers has made a substantial impact in reducing illegal parking infractions and animal control violations. Overall vandalism and general crime in the Parks has been greatly reduced. This, in turn, has helped reduce maintenance expenditures. We are pleased to add that the Rangers’ efforts have been very positive and well received by the public.