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Sheriff · Caroline 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 raceDonnie Baker is the current Sheriff of Caroline County, having run for the position in 2022 after serving for 28 years in the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office. A lifelong resident of the county, he previously held the rank of Lieutenant and served as a member of the Command Staff for seven years, overseeing the Criminal Investigation Division, the Drug Task Force, and the School Resource Officer Division. Baker’s campaign focused on his extensive local roots and his deep professional experience, positioning himself as the only candidate with Command Staff experience and the endorsement of multiple previous sheriffs. His platform emphasizes school safety, inter-agency cooperation, and addressing the drug crisis through both enforcement and immediate help programs. Beyond his law enforcement career, he is active in the community as a youth coach and a Character Counts coach within the public school system.
Sources: Campaign website
In the era of “de-fund the police”, our law enforcement agencies around the State and here in Caroline County must find ways to get resources to go further by working with and combining efforts with federal, state, and local agencies to get the job done.
I am the only candidate with Command Staff experience in the Caroline County Sheriff's Office, the only candidate that is a lifelong resident of Caroline County, and the only candidate that has the endorsement of both the Current Sheriff of Caroline County - Sheriff Randy Bounds and the former Sheriff Phillip Brown.
I am tough on those who would seek to do us harm and fair to those who need (and want) help. I have also been tested in almost all situations throughout my 28 years of service to Caroline County.
We need to continue to fight for our citizen's rights not only here in Caroline County, but at the State level in Annapolis and in the federal government.
Source: sheriffdonniebaker.com
School Safety
Focusing intensely on school safety and working with the school board to maintain secure environments for children.
“CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON SCHOOL SAFETY: Focus intensely on school safety and work with our school board to KEEP our schools the safest for our kids.”
Criminal Investigations
Proposed the creation of the Caroline County Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a partnership between state, county, and town officers to increase investigative resources.
“START THE CAROLINE COUNTY BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (CBI): Designed to increase investigative abilities in all areas of Caroline County. This Bureau would be made up of State officers, County [Sheriff’s Deputies], and Town Police Officers.”
Drug Enforcement and Recovery
Supporting the Drug Task Force, adding more drug detection K-9 units to patrols, and expanding the 'Safe Station' concept for immediate addiction help.
“ADD ADDITIONAL DRUG K-9'S TO THE PATROL FORCE: Work to get at least one “Drug Detection K9” on each patrol group to keep drugs off our streets and away from our children.”
Crisis Intervention
Expanding the Mobile Crisis Unit and increasing Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for deputies to deescalate situations without force.
“BUILD UPON THE MOBILE CRISIS UNIT: Continue to build new programs with the Eastern Shore Mobile Crisis Unit and push out more training for Deputies in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to deescalate tense situations without force.”
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“Build upon our current Fire Police program in Caroline County and look to expand into other volunteer programs to bring various services to our citizens.”
Source“push out more training for Deputies in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to deescalate tense situations without force.”
Source“work with our school board to KEEP our schools the safest for our kids.”
Source“Donnie has been very active with our county schools, specifically school safety and security, and with youth sports organizations throughout Caroline County.”
Source“Fight the opioid crisis by building upon the current “Safe Station” concept to get our citizen's help immediately.”
Source