Second Amendment Sanctuary: Sheriff Mike Lewis proclaims for Wicomico
Wicomico Sheriff Mike Lewis proclaims the county a “Second Amendment Sanctuary” in ceremonial move, acknowledging a council vote likely wouldn’t pass.
Kelly Powers, Salisbury Daily Times
What started as a largely compliance-based document by the county executive regarding encrypted emergency communications has now drawn the ire of both law enforcement and the Wicomico County Council.
During Tuesday’s regular legislative session, law enforcement decried the Memorandum of Understanding signed July 26 by County Executive Julie Giordano and Eastern Shore Undercover LLC regarding the Public Information Act requirements about 9-1-1 radio communications.
Eastern Shore Undercover is a Facebook page that tracks local crime incidents.
According to the memorandum, “as part of this one-year agreement, Wicomico County and Eastern Shore Undercover LLC will work together to ensure that radio communications from the main dispatch channel, which are deemed as public record, will be released to the public and are accurate and timely.”
Giordano also noted this was vital to staying in compliance with regulations on emergency communications often heard over police scanners.
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“We understand the importance and necessity of encryption, but we also recognize the importance of transparency and adhering to PIA requirements. This partnership with Eastern Shore Undercover LLC allows us to balance these needs effectively, ensuring that our community stays informed while our officers remain protected,” Giordano said.
A number of media outlets were contacted by the Office of the County Executive ahead of the memorandum announcement to make them aware of the Public Information Act requirements if they currently used police scanners in their news coverage.
Sheriff Lewis, Council President Cannon blast police messages plan
“This was a unilateral decision made by two people in the county,” said Wicomico County Council President John Cannon. “This affects all the county and the council wasn’t made aware of this. Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis was ignored for the most part as was the Wicomico County State’s Attorney. The public, in general, was completely left out. We can’t put the safety of our officers under the responsibility of a Facebook blogger.”
Lewis testified at the meeting, and also in attendance to support him were Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli, Somerset County Sheriff Ronnie Howard and Salisbury Police Chief David Meienschein. Lewis characterized the details of the memorandum as a “serious” matter for the region’s law enforcement and noted council attorney Bob Benson provided expert analysis as it why it is problematic.
“I was never consulted by my own county executive on this (memorandum) or any other agreement with Eastern Shore Undercover,” Lewis said. “No one from my office or council was consulted either. There was zero collaboration with any elected official before, yet again, this county executive entered into another MOU. She did it on her own and there were no checks and balances.”
Lewis added this “quid pro quo” agreement between the two parties threatens public safety and privacy.
“While following Eastern Shore Undercover may be stimulating to some, I want to ask you if you want news of your loved one’s suicide, sudden death, or car wreck coming out on this (website or social media account). Many families have personally reached out to me in protest of what this website does,” Lewis said.
Finally, Lewis cited a family’s right to privacy during a difficult time would always be protected by his office.
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What’s in Wicomico County police messages?
The memorandum comes with caveats about the information released by the Eastern Shore Undercover website. They govern how soon information can be released and if it regards offer safety.
Stipulations in the document include:
- Publishing Radio Communications: Eastern Shore Undercover LLC will begin publishing Wicomico County radio communications from the main dispatch channel, further enhancing transparency and providing the community with “real-time” information about public safety operations. To ensure officer safety and scene security, all published radio communications will be delayed 15-30 minutes.
- Public Engagement: This partnership is committed to fostering open communication with the community. Public inquiries are encouraged, and both parties are dedicated to addressing any concerns or questions regarding reporting and information dissemination.
- Public Events & Information: Eastern Shore Undercover LLC will begin publishing press releases and community events that are mutually agreed upon by both parties and are deemed appropriate and informative.
- No Sensitive Information: Eastern Shore Undercover has committed to not publish any sensitive information that includes personal information that could be used for identity theft such as social security numbers, identifiable medical or psychological information, etc. that could compromise public safety or privacy.
- No Cost to the taxpayers: Eastern Shore Undercover will provide this service at no cost to the county.
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