Work begins on new downtown Ocean City Police substation

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) will be expanding its reach.

Work Begins

Work has begun on a new downtown substation.

“Our current substation is above public restrooms, right along the boardwalk, but you just have stairs,” said OCPD Spokesperson, Ashley Miller. “It’s not completely inviting to the public who may want to come upstairs and speak with an officer, or look for a lost wallet or keys.”

The new facility will be located on Somerset Street, between Philadelphia and Baltimore Avenues.

New Amenities

Miller says it will include a lobby and interview rooms, as well as additional offices and a role call room on the second floor.

“We think the main lobby is going to be one of the biggest draws,” Miller said. “That way, we will be able to connect with the public a lot better, than the current situation, where the general public is not allowed in the substation area because we do haw law enforcement-sensitive information [in there.]”

The third floor will be used for seasonal staff housing, including bedrooms and a kitchen area.

“Housing is very hard to come by in Ocean City, and it is very expensive. Right now, we tend to have seasonal staff stay with current employees,” Miller said. “We also sub lease homes in neighboring towns, like Ocean Pines.”

Plus, OCPD’s bike patrol will work out of the new substation. Currently, the unit stores its bikes at Ocean City Beach Patrol.

“Bringing that bike storage over to our substation will keep our officers all in the same area, to do their bike maintenance, go up to roll call, help anybody in the lobby,” Miller said. “And, we’ll be able to give that space back to our friends over at beach patrol.”

Thanks to OCDC, Looking Ahead

Miller says all the thanks for this project goes to the Ocean City Development Corporation. The company has spearheaded planning, and even helped with fundraising for the project.

The site is being prepared for construction now, with a groundbreaking planned for early July. Once complete, Miller says the substation will be poised to be a huge asset to the community, given its location.

“It’s a nice, central location, and it will keep us right in line with Beach Patrol,” Miller said. “So, you’ll be able to say, ‘I need first responders. I know to look between Baltimore Avenue and Philadelphia.’ You’ll find Beach Patrol and the police department.”