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Office of the Chief of Police
Chief of Police
David M. Crawford is the chief executive officer of the Laurel Police Department. Chief Crawford has 37 years of law enforcement experience in the state of Maryland. His education is Baltimore-centric having received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Baltimore, a Master of Science Degree in Police Executive Leadership from The Johns Hopkins University, and graduated in Session #231 from the FBI's National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Chief Crawford is very active in the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association as the Chair, of the Health and Welfare Committee and co-chair of the Private Sector Liaison Committee, and a member of others. As a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Chief Crawford sits on a number of committees on the national level.
As Chief of Police, Crawford is responsible for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the agency and believes to achieve the optimal levels of both, team thinking is best. This approach involves the collective thinking and problem solving from our community members, business partners and our city employees. It is not enough to do things right, it is equally important to be doing the right things.
Deputy Chief of Police
The Deputy Chief of Police is Richard McLaughlin. The Deputy Chief is in-charge of Daily Operations, Training, Internal Affairs and Accreditation. Richard McLaughlin is a 23 year veteran who began his career with the City of Laurel in 1986 as a civilian Police Communications Specialist. In late 1987, he transferred to the sworn component and became a police officer; he attended the Prince George’s County Police Academy.During his tenure with the City, Richard has worked in or been involved with every component of the Police Department. A large majority of his career was spent in the Investigative section. He has served as the Commander of Investigations, Bureau of Patrol as well as the Support Services Division. Richard was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief in 2006.
All of his adult life has been dedicated to Public Safety; Richard is a life member of the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad, which he joined in 1985. He has received a large number of accommodations and awards will both agencies. He is an active member of the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, Prince George’s Police Chiefs Association, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, as well as a number of other organizations.
Office Manager
The Office Manager is Ruth Ann Hyatt. The Office Manager is responsible for Managing the administrative functions of the Department to include assisting in the preparation of the budget, monitoring expenditures, and preparing correspondence.
Ms. Hyatt began her career with the City of Laurel as a part-time receptionist in April 1989. She advanced to the Administrative Assistant I & II positions in the City Administrator’s office during the years of 1991 – 1994, and again advanced to Senior Administrative Assistant and Executive Assistant positions for the City Administrator’s Office within the years of 1994 – 2002. In November 2002, she transferred to the Laurel Police Department as Office Manager for the Chief of Police, and currently holds this position.
During Ms. Hyatt’s tenure with the City of Laurel, she has received several Letters of Appreciation and Awards to include Employee of the Year for 1997 and 2007.