About

The Howard County Police Department and its partner agencies offer a host of services to crime victims and witnesses in Howard County. Services are extended to all members of the community, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or immigration status.

In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies (police-fire-EMS), call 410-313-2200 or file a report online. 

 

HCPD detective

Hotline Information

Victim Assistance
  • Howard County Police Victim Assistance Section: 410-313-3768
Domestic Violence
  • Howard County Police Domestic Violence Section: 410-313-3741
  • HopeWorks Domestic & Sexual Violence Center of Howard County: 410-997-0304
  • HopeWorks 24/7 Helpline: 410-997-2272
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE(7233), 1-800-787-3224 TTY
Human Trafficking
Dating Abuse
  • National Teen Dating Abuse Help Line: 1-866-331-9474, 1-866-331-8453 TTY
Suicide Prevention
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
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About the Victim Assistance Section

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The Victim Assistance Section is staffed with personnel trained to provide crisis intervention, advocacy and support services to crime victims. Assistance includes emotional support, referral to specific provider agencies for focused follow-up services, assistance with filing court papers and monetary claims, court accompaniment, guidance through the criminal justice process and evaluation services for referral to trauma debriefing. Timely interaction with a victim advocate may help enhance the speed and quality of healing.

Crime victims in Maryland are entitled to certain statutory rights. The Maryland State Board of Victim Services and the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services have published a brochure that provides an overview of those rights, as well as information on available victim services. The brochure, titled “Crime Victims and Witnesses: Your Rights and Services,” is available in English and Spanish.

Contact the HCPD Victim Assistance Section at 410-313-3768.

Local Guide for Victims and Witnesses

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File Criminal Charges

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Once you have filed a police report, you may also apply for criminal charges directly by going to one of the Court Commissioner’s office locations below with your report or report number.

Commissioner’s Office - Ellicott City
(Open Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.)
3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-313-2111

Commissioner’s Office - Jessup
(Open 24 hours)
7311 Waterloo Road, Jessup, MD 20794
410-313-5309

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Obtain a Protective/Peace Order

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During business hours (Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.), go to the District or Circuit Court locations below and ask the Civil Clerk’s Desk for a Petition of Protection. On evenings, weekends and holidays, go to the Court Commissioner's Office to get an Interim Order.

Howard County District Court
3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-480-7700

Howard County Circuit Court
9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-313-2111

Commissioner’s Office
7311 Waterloo Road, Jessup, MD 20794
410-313-5309

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The Listening Place: Howard County Child Advocacy Center

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The mission of The Listening Place is to provide victim-centered, trauma-informed, and comprehensive services to survivors of child abuse and sexual assault. The multidisciplinary approach to these cases ensures that survivors have access to multiple services dedicated to helping them heal and recover from the mental, physical, and emotional trauma they have experienced.

Their on-site services include:

  • Child-friendly interviews based in forensic best-practices
  • On-site medical exams
  • On-site crisis counseling
  • Information and referrals to community mental health and victim advocacy partners
  • Support services from a victim support liaison

The Listening Place is a collaboration between the Howard County Police Department, Department of Social Services, State’s Attorney’s Office, Health Department and community-based mental health and victim advocacy partners.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Howard County, please call:

Child Protective Services Intake Line: 410-872-4203

911 for emergency or immediate services

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Domestic Violence Services

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HopeWorks of Howard County is a non-profit agency providing services to women, men, and children impacted by sexual assault and domestic violence. They offer a 24-hour helpline, residential services, counseling, advocacy, and legal assistance. All services are confidential. 24-hour Hotline: Sexual, Dating and Domestic Violence, 410-997-2272 or 1-800-752-0191 Office: 410-997-0304 (Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) 

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Crisis Intervention Services

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Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center is a 24-hour resource for individuals and families in need of immediate assistance with a personal, mental health, family, or shelter crisis. Grassroots and the police department collaborate through the Mobile Crisis Team to respond to people in crisis who need immediate intervention. Call the 24-hour crisis hotline at 410-531-6677.

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