By Berney Flowers
Guest Commentary
Editor’s Note:
Berney Flowers is a candidate for U.S. Congress and a member of the Howard County Republican Central Committee. This piece is based on a ride-along experience with the Anne Arundel County Police Department and is published with permission. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of MDBayNews.
Recently, I had the privilege of seeing law enforcement up close—not from behind a headline, but from the passenger seat of a patrol car.
Thanks to my friend Alex Chong, I spent four hours on a ride-along with the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s North District, paired with Officer Lee. What I witnessed was a powerful reminder of the quiet professionalism that keeps our communities safe every day.
We began just after 7:00 PM. Officer Lee immediately struck me as squared away—sharp uniform, confident bearing, and a calm presence. It didn’t take long to learn why. He’s also a member of the West Virginia National Guard, a citizen-soldier who has served overseas. We quickly discovered we had walked some of the same ground in the Middle East.
That shared experience showed in his demeanor—steady, alert, and unshakably composed.
The Reality of Routine Calls
The night itself was relatively quiet, but revealing.
One of our first calls involved a stranded motorist on Route 97 with a flat tire and no proper tools. While we couldn’t fix the tire, Officer Lee ensured the man’s safety—setting flares, coordinating a tow, and offering calm reassurance.
It wasn’t dramatic police work—but it was meaningful. It was service.
Judgment Over Punishment
Later, we backed up another officer on a traffic stop involving a nervous high school student caught speeding.
The officer handled it with a firm but measured tone, ultimately letting the young driver off with a warning.
That moment stuck with me.
It wasn’t just about enforcement—it was about judgment, mentorship, and community trust. That young man likely learned a lesson he won’t forget, without carrying the burden of a ticket.
That’s policing done right.
The Growing Threat of Modern Scams
Perhaps the most sobering call of the night involved an elderly woman who had withdrawn a large amount of money from a joint account and disappeared.
What initially appeared suspicious quickly turned into something more troubling—she was the victim of a scam.
Officer Lee handled the situation with patience and care, helping her understand what had happened and beginning the process of making things right.
It was a stark reminder that today’s threats don’t always come from the streets—they often come through deception and exploitation.
A Complex System Behind the Scenes
Throughout the night, I asked questions—about issues like squatters, inter-agency coordination, and the roles of different law enforcement bodies.
What became clear is that modern policing is complex. It requires coordination across local, county, and federal levels, often with overlapping responsibilities but distinct missions.
What Stood Out Most
Beyond everything else, one thing stood out above the rest:
Professionalism.
Not the kind that makes headlines—but the kind that builds trust, solves problems, and keeps order without fanfare.
These officers weren’t looking for recognition. They were simply doing their jobs—serving their community with discipline, restraint, and respect.
That’s something worth highlighting.
Final Thoughts
I’m grateful to Officer Lee and the Anne Arundel County Police Department for the opportunity.
What I saw that night should give every citizen confidence:
The men and women on those streets are doing the job the right way.
Well done.
About the Author:
Berney Flowers is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, a candidate for U.S. Congress, and a member of the Howard County Republican Central Committee.
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