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Sheriff · Washington County · 2026 Primary
The Sheriff is an elected official responsible for maintaining courthouse security, serving legal documents such as warrants and evictions, and transporting individuals in custody. In many Maryland counties, the Sheriff’s Office also serves as the primary law enforcement agency, conducting patrols and investigating crimes. This office is a key part of the local justice system, ensuring that court orders are enforced and the public is protected.
View all candidates in this raceBrian K. Albert is a law enforcement veteran seeking re-election as Washington County Sheriff in 2026, having been elected in 2022 and sworn in on December 15, 2022 as the 79th Sheriff. He brings decades of proven leadership experience including 34 years of public service as a United States Air Force veteran, 15+ years as a Law Enforcement Administrator, and over 28 years with the Maryland Natural Resources Police where he retired as Captain commanding the Western Region from Frederick to Garrett Counties. A lifelong Washington County resident raised in Clear Spring, he coached youth and high school sports for more than 25 years while serving on citizens' advisory boards for the Board of Education and Washington County. His platform emphasizes community engagement through signature events like Shop with the Sheriff and Trunk or Treat, proactive data-driven policing including joint saturation patrols with Maryland State Police, technology adoption such as License Plate Readers and drone programs, and immigration enforcement through a 287(g) Warrant Service Officer program in correctional facilities.
Sources: Campaign website
Proven Leadership. Real Results. Washington County First!
Sheriff Brian Albert is proud to serve the people of Washington County.
His commitment is simple: a Sheriff's Office that listens, shows up, and serves alongside the people of Washington County.
Under his leadership, Shop with the Sheriff continues to grow each year—providing meaningful experiences for local children while building positive, lasting connections between deputies and the families they serve.
Source: albertforsheriff.com
Immigration & Public Safety
Entered into Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. Department of Homeland Security to participate in 287(g) Warrant Service Officer program on July 1, 2025
“On July 1, 2025, Sheriff Brian Albert took decisive action to strengthen public safety by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to participate in the 287(g) Warrant Service Officer (WSO) program.”
Community Engagement
Building trust and strengthening community relationships through signature events like Shop with the Sheriff and Trunk or Treat
“Since taking office on December 15, 2022, Sheriff Brian Albert has made building trust and strengthening community relationships a top priority of the Washington County Sheriff's Office.”
Community Safety Initiatives
Proactive data-driven policing including joint saturation patrols with Maryland State Police and specialized enforcement unit for high-crime areas
“The Washington County Sheriff's Office works closely with the Maryland State Police and local law enforcement agencies to conduct joint saturation patrols in historically high-crime areas—targeting criminal activity while increasing law enforcement visibility and deterrence.”
Technology
Deployed License Plate Readers at strategic locations and expanding drone program with deployable drones on every shift
“Under his leadership, the Sheriff's Office has deployed License Plate Readers (LPRs) at strategic locations throughout the county to strengthen crime prevention and investigative capabilities.”
External news coverage reports on Albert's immigration policy decisions following emergency legislation signed by Governor Wes Moore. On February 17th, state law required agencies to end 287(g) programs that deputize officers for federal immigration enforcement. Sheriff Albert stated his office would continue the ICE agreement until its termination clause ends on March 18th, 90 days after the governor's bill signing.
“Sheriff Brian Albert is committed to proactive, data-driven policing to keep Washington County safe.”
Source“Under this program, selected Washington County Correctional Deputies are trained, certified, and authorized by ICE to execute immigration administrative warrants—only within the secure setting of the county's correctional facilities.”
Source“34 Years Law Enforcement Experience US Air Force Veteran 15+ years as a Law Enforcement Administrator”
Source“Shop with the Sheriff continues to grow each year—providing meaningful experiences for local children while building positive, lasting connections between deputies and the families they serve.”
Source“A proud United States Air Force veteran with more than 34 years of public service, Sheriff Brian Albert is committed to strong leadership, safe neighborhoods, and putting Washington County first—today and for the future.”
Source“For more than 25 years, he has coached youth and high school sports and served on citizens' advisory boards for the Board of Education and Washington County.”
Source