Somerset Sheriff’s Office to Modify Patrol Schedule due to Staffing Shortages

SOMERSET COUNTY, Md. – The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) announced on Tuesday that, effective Apr. 30, it will temporarily modify its patrol coverage schedule due to ongoing staffing shortages.

Under the revised schedule, SCSO will provide continuous 24-hour patrol coverage from 7:00 a.m. Monday through 7:00 a.m. Saturday each week. However, during weekend periods, the Office will maintain limited on-call response for critical public safety needs, including warrant verifications and matters involving protective orders. Officials say the decision was made after careful evaluation of current staffing levels and operational demands.

“Maintaining adequate personnel on duty is essential to ensuring both deputy safety and the reliability of emergency response services,” the department said in their announcement. “Continuing full 24/7 coverage under present conditions would risk compromising both.”

Like many law enforcement agencies across the region, SCSO is experiencing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. While compensation remains an important component, the Sheriff’s Office says the reduction in available applicants is influenced by a combination of factors, including a highly competitive hiring environment, evolving workforce expectations, training and certification requirements, and a nationwide decline in individuals pursuing careers in law enforcement. In response, the department is actively working with County leadership and public safety partners to address these challenges through ongoing recruitment efforts, regional collaboration, and evaluation of long-term staffing strategies.

“We recognize that this change may impact service expectations for our community. The Sheriff’s Office remains fully committed to public safety and will continue to work closely with the Maryland State Police and allied agencies to ensure continuity of service and to minimize any gaps in coverage,” the department continued.

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting emergencies by calling 911. Non-emergency matters may be directed to the Sheriff’s Office during operational hours, or handled through appropriate partner agencies as needed.