New Chief Takes Helm of Laurel Police Department

Hoping to increase the visibility of police in the community, expand crime awareness programs and bring more resources to the depart, newly appointed Laurel Police Chief Richard McLaughlin has a big agenda.

McLaughlin will head the 67-officer department after the retirement of former Police Chief David Crawford earlier this fall. McLaughlin, a 24-year veteran of the department who previously served as deputy chief, said he was elated about the appointment.

"It's rare that a deputy chief becomes a chief," he said.  "I'm very humbled. I think I bring experience" to the position, he said.

For McLaughlin, 45, the appointment was the culmination of a lifelong aspiration that began when he joined the Laurel Police Department more than 20 years ago.

He remembers his interview with Archie Cook, then police chief, who bluntly asked a 20-something McLaughlin where did he see himself at the end of his career.

"In your shoes sir," McLaughlin responded.

McLaughlin said his dream to be a police officer grew out of a near-fatal tragedy when he was 5.  While living in Washington, D.C., in 1970, he was struck by a car and left in a coma for weeks. Facing multiple injuries, broken bones and internal bleeding, doctors initially didn't expect him to survive. He eventually would spend six months in a body cast.

"[The accident] instilled in me that I wanted to help people and make a difference," he said.

He first joined the Laurel Volunteer Department and then the Laurel Police Department as a dispatcher. McLaughlin, who grew up in Beltsville, said he felt a strong connection to the Laurel area.

Over the years McLaughlin became a presence within the department while working just about every section available.  In communications, he learned how to interact with the press and community.  While working the investigative section he became the go-to guy in obtaining confessions from those who committed the harshest crimes.

"If I went in intent on getting a confession, I got a confession," he said. "[Criminals] want to get it out; it's just the key to opening that lock."

Mayor Craig A. Moe said that McLaughlin had strong leadership qualities and the qualifications to effectively manage the department.  McLaughlin, he said, never shied away from hitting the streets to engage community members.

"He's well-qualified for the position," he said. "He'll take us to the next level."

Fred Carmen of Laurel has known McLaughlin for 30 years, since the two served together in the department.  Carmen, who has since retired, said McLaughlin is a meticulous officer who knows how to get to the root of issues.

"He really gets what the Laurel Police Department is all about," Carmen said. "The citizens expect and deserve a little bit more than most places.  The chief has to be an active part of the community."

Jim Collins, spokesman for the city, hired McLaughlin to the police department's dispatch in 1985 and said McLaughlin always wanted to progress within the department.

"He just moved up his way. Rich is the type of person who always wants to advance," Collins said. "Rich is a person that believes in keeping up with the education.  He's a policeman's policeman."

Above all, McLaughlin, who lives in West Laurel with his wife and three children, sees his life of one of progression fueled by his love of being an officer.

"My heart is still [with] the police.  The love has never died," he said. "It's been a wonderful ride.  I don't know what's next."