Dorchester County Police Blotter Records
Dorchester County police blotter records are maintained by the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office at 829 Fieldcrest Road in Cambridge. The sheriff covers unincorporated areas of the county, while the City of Cambridge runs its own police department for incidents within city limits. Public records requests go through the Maryland Public Information Act, and the county provides a downloadable PIA form. Most responses come back within 30 days, though the county may require a deposit for large or complex requests before processing begins.
Dorchester County Police Blotter Overview
Dorchester County Police Blotter Search
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office website posts call logs and crime statistics. It also has information about the agency's organization, services, and a mobile app that sends alerts. The site does not offer a searchable database for historical police blotter records. For those, you need to file a PIA request or use the statewide court system.
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office website shows call logs, agency news, and general information about services.
Check the call logs section for recent police blotter activity in the county.
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is a free online tool that covers all Maryland courts. You can search Dorchester County cases by party name, case number, or date range. It shows charges, hearing schedules, and disposition information. The tool covers both circuit and district court filings.
For county government records outside the sheriff's office, the Dorchester County government website has contact information and department listings.
County government departments handle their own PIA requests separately from the sheriff's office.
How to Request Dorchester County Police Reports
Dorchester County has a downloadable PIA request form. It asks for your name, street address, mailing address, phone number, email, and the specific department you are requesting records from. You must include a detailed description of the records you want. The form requires your signature, and electronic signatures are accepted. By signing, you agree to pay all costs before getting the records, including copying fees, search and preparation fees, transcript fees, and postage.
You can submit the form in person at the Dorchester County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Room 108, Cambridge, MD 21613. Mail it to Dorchester County Council's Office, 501 Court Lane, PO Box 26, Cambridge, MD 21613. You can also email it to info@docogonet.com. The county must respond within 30 days. If your request is denied, you get a written explanation within 10 working days.
For sheriff's office records specifically, contact Capt. John Stichberry, Jr. at jstichberry@docogonet.com or call (410) 228-4141. The sheriff's office is at 829 Fieldcrest Road, Cambridge, MD 21613. Fax requests go to (410) 228-9869. The office is open Monday through Friday.
Dorchester County arrest records are available through the PIA request process after review by the sheriff's office.
Arrest records include mugshots, booking data, and charge information for incidents handled by the sheriff.
Note: A deposit may be required before the county starts processing large requests, so ask about estimated costs when you submit your form.
What Dorchester County Police Blotter Records Show
Police blotter records from the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office include crime scene photos, witness statements, the nature of the incident, and a full narrative. Arrest records show the person's mugshot, fingerprints, date of birth, name, sex, race, and the date of the arrest. Booking information is also part of the file.
In 2023, the sheriff's office recorded 180 total arrests. The breakdown included 35 disorderly conduct charges, 24 simple assaults, 13 aggravated assaults, 11 DUI arrests, 10 drug or narcotics charges, 3 larceny cases, 2 robberies, 2 motor vehicle thefts, 1 burglary, 1 vandalism case, and 1 weapons violation. These numbers give a sense of the types of entries you might find in the police blotter.
Several types of information are restricted from public release. Sealed or court-restricted records cannot be shared. Privileged communications between attorneys and clients or doctors and patients are protected. Personal financial data like Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and passwords are always withheld. Juvenile records need a court order. Anything tied to an active investigation may also be held back.
Dorchester County Police Blotter Fees
Dorchester County's fee structure for police blotter records follows the county's PIA Rules and Procedures. Copy fees, search and preparation fees, transcript costs, and postage are all charged at rates set by the county. Tapes and CDs are billed at actual cost. The county does not post a standardized fee schedule online, so call ahead to get current rates.
Payment is required in full before you receive any records. The county may ask for a deposit on large requests before starting the search. All fees must be paid. Contact the Circuit Court at (410) 228-0481 or the sheriff's office at (410) 228-4141 to confirm the current fee amounts and accepted payment methods.
Dorchester County Law Enforcement Agencies
Sheriff James W. Phillips, Jr. leads the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office. Capt. John Stichberry, Jr. serves as Chief Deputy and handles PIA requests. Lt. Keith Benton runs day-to-day operations. The office sits at 829 Fieldcrest Road in Cambridge. The county also has a circuit court for felony cases and a district court at 310 Gay Street for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings.
The Dorchester County State's Attorney office prosecutes criminal cases that come from police blotter entries. Amanda R. Leonard serves as State's Attorney and can be reached at aleonard@docogonet.com or (410) 228-3611.
The Dorchester County State's Attorney office handles criminal prosecution for cases originating from police blotter activity.
Contact the State's Attorney for questions about the prosecution side of a police blotter case.
Cambridge has its own police department with a separate records system. If an incident happened within city limits, contact the Cambridge PD directly. The Maryland State Police also cover parts of Dorchester County, particularly state roads. Court dockets are posted weekday afternoons between 3 and 4 PM at the circuit court.
Dorchester County Police Blotter Resources
The Governor's Office of Crime Prevention has statewide crime data that includes Dorchester County figures. Use it to see how local crime trends compare to other parts of the state. The data comes from agency reports submitted throughout Maryland.
State-level records resources provide another way to search for Dorchester County police blotter data.
These statewide tools can supplement what you find through the sheriff's office and court system.
The Maryland State Police PIA page handles requests for state trooper incidents. The Attorney General's PIA page offers sample request letters and general guidance. The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office also has a downloadable policy manual that covers records maintenance and release procedures. The sheriff's mobile app sends push notifications about crime alerts and news in the county.
Warrant information for Dorchester County can be checked through various search tools and court records.
Always verify warrant status through official channels like the sheriff's office or circuit court clerk.
Note: The Circuit Court Clerk, Amy J. Craig, can be reached at (410) 228-0481 for questions about court records tied to police blotter entries.
Nearby Counties
Looking for police blotter records in a nearby area? Check these neighboring counties.