New Aberdeen Police Chief Makes Community His Focus

New Aberdeen Police Chief Henry Trabert takes community policing seriously.

Trabert doesn’t use the phrase "community policing," but that’s the best way to describe his philosophy.

“The emphasis of the department right now is building stronger communities,” said Trabert, who rose through the ranks over 25 years to become chief on May 23. “If you can build relationships within the city and you have that partnership, it enhances your ability to fight crime.”

To that end, Trabert has partnered with the Highland Commons apartment complex on Lincoln Avenue to sponsor the first of four Aberdeen Police Department Community Events on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Trabert and officers will meet and mingle with residents in a relaxed atmosphere complete with hamburgers, hot dogs, cold drinks and giveaways. The Fire Department will also be on hand to meet people from the neighborhood. A flier promoting the event also indicates that several youth organizations will also be on hand for the event.

“I want the community to realize we’re here to help them. We’re here to serve the public,” Trabert said. “We want people of all ages to be able to talk to the police—just be able to communicate.”

In the past, local police have had a somewhat strained relationship with the community. Harford County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People President Zilpa Smith said the NAACP took on the past police administration regarding an incident that occurred in February 2009 near the Aberdeen branch of the Harford County Boys & Girls Club. But Smith said she anticipates establishing a better working relationship with the new administration.

According to Smith and published reports the Feb. 11, 2009 incident resulted in four African Americans being arrested on various assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct charges.

The NAACP subsequently alleged police brutality.

"We let them know that we were not going to tolerate it," Smith said. "We told them we wanted an investigation outside of their department."

Those allegations prompted the Aberdeen Police Department to request the Harford County Sheriff’s Office conduct an impartial investigation of the incident.

According to a press release issued by Aberdeen police in September 2009, published in the Dagger, the Sheriff’s Office’s Professional Standards Office found insufficient evidence to substantiate any civil rights or departmental rules conduct violations.

“We’re looking to make some cultural changes within the department that will reflect positively with the community,” Deputy Chief of Police Stephen A. Smith said Tuesday as he and Trabert visited Highland Commons in preparation for Saturday's community event.

Smith, who was instrumental in initiating the investigation two years ago, said she looks forward to working with the new chief and his administration.

“I have already had a meeting with Trabert,” Smith said. “We are very happy with the selection.”

Smith said Trabert has demonstrated a willingness to listen to concerns.

“The communication is going to be much, much better,” Smith said. “We are very much in favor of Trabert.”

Stephanie Derry, the property manager for Highland Commons, said efforts such as the community event helps build trust.

“It gives the residents an opportunity to connect with the police and fire department in a positive way,” Derry said. “It gives the children an opportunity to play outside in Aberdeen ...”

Chuck Doty, the spokesman for Aberdeen Communities Together, spoke on his own behalf as it relates to the new chief. Doty said he already has seen a change for the better.

“I do see a difference in everyday common sense public safety,” Doty said.

Doty said he recently saw an officer checking the four-way stop signs near his house on Edmund Street. Doty said he credits Trabert with making a change.

“He has had some effect already,” Doty said. “He’s done some good. It’s a good thing.”

Trabert joined the force in 1986 and worked his way up from an entry level patrol position. He was promoted to corporal in 1991.

“I spent time in criminal investigation,” Trabert said. “I was promoted to sergeant and went back out on patrol as a sergeant.”

Trabert was a patrol sergeant from 1996 to 1998. He served as a detective sergeant from 1998 to 1999.

Trabert was then promoted to captain of operations, a position he held from 1999 to 2004. From 2004 to 2007, he held the title of administrative commander.

Trabert served as the operations commander from 2007 until October of 2010 when he became the interim police chief.

Trabert completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy for Police Executives in 2009. He holds a master's degree in management and a bachelor of science in management, both from Johns Hopkins University. A Baltimore native, Trabert graduated from Lake Clifton High School in 1979.

Mayor Michael E. Bennett and members of  the Aberdeen City Council have already expressed their confidence in Trabert.

Harford County Sheriff Jesse L. Bane said, through a spokeswoman, also expressed his satisfaction with Trabert.

“(Sheriff Bane) is very pleased that Mr. Trabert made chief,” Worrell said. “They’ve worked together over the years on many projects and have an excellent working relationship.”

Trabert said he was proud to head the Aberdeen Police Department.

 “It’s a nice community. It’s a diverse community,” Trabert said. “Aberdeen is a great place to work. That’s why most people stay here.”