Talbot County Sheriff's Department

TALBOT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency in Talbot County for the service of Domestic Violence Petitions, Emergency Evaluation Petitions, Peace Orders and related process.

Deputies in the Sheriff’s Office perform welfare checks on victims, arresting those abusers found in violation of court orders. Deputies also serve Emergency Evaluation Petitions for people who are considered a danger to themselves or the community.

Domestic Violence Petitions and Protective Orders are computerized for tracking. 

Anyone who bring orders to the Sheriff’s Office are interviewed and their situation assessed. A professional staff is able to refer victims to the proper agencies that can assist them in meeting their needs.

For information on Domestic Violence related orders, please call the Domestic Violence clerk Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30pm. 410-822-1020.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SAFETY PLAN

After an Ex Parte or Protective Order has been served on your partner, it becomes the most volatile time for you and your family. It is very important that you set up and follow a safety plan. Here are some basic strategies to follow:

  • Secure your house, change the locks to include deadbolts, add safety locks on your windows, and secure sliding glass doors.

  • Check outdoor lighting, leave lights on.

  • Keep your car doors locked at all times, check the area in and around the car before entering.

  • Inform neighbors and your landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see him near your home. Remember your residence includes the yard, outbuildings and common areas surrounding your dwelling.

  • Have a friend or relative stay with you or move in with them.

  • Tell your children not to open the door to anyone. Keep recent photos and fingerprints of all your children.

  • If your partner comes by call the police (911) immediately. The respondent can be arrested on the spot for violating the order.

  • Keep a copy of the Court Order with you at all times. If you have children give a copy to the school or daycare provider.

  • At work, inform your building supervisor and building security of your situation.

It is up to you to come up with a daily safety plan. Be consistent and stick to it. It could save your life.

The Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence (MSCFV) is a non-profit organization that continues to grow in response to the diverse needs that victims face in the day-to-day struggle to survive. Our philosophy and mission are carried out every day in the five counties we serve – Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot and Queen Anne’s.

MSCFV has its main office in Caroline County and offices in each of the other counties served. MSCFV provides for emergency needs through a 24-hour hotline and shelter, legal protection, legal advocacy and counseling. MSCFV also has a children’s program as well as a certified Abuser Intervention Program. The MSCFV provides trainings and implements public awareness efforts to educate the community about domestic violence.

MSCFV was incorporated in 1980 as a non-profit agency that provides services to victims of domestic violence in the counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. The agency has grown and developed over the years, acquiring the shelter in 1986 and opening outreach-counseling offices in Kent, Queen Anne’s, Dorchester and Talbot Counties in 1991 and 1992. The agency offers primarily victim-based services, but provides counseling to all family members involved in domestic violence.