AFRO News endorses Clyde E. Boatwright for Baltimore County Sheriff 

By Megan Sayles 
AFRO Staff Writer

Law enforcement veteran Clyde E. Boatwright is positioned to bring a fresh vision rooted in accountability and visibility to the Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office, earning him the AFRO’s endorsement. With more than two decades of law enforcement experience in Baltimore and a proven record of leadership at the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police, Boatwright’s top priorities include establishing a 24-hour Domestic Violence Unit to coordinate responses to incidents across the county and tackling the office’s staffing shortage, which currently has a roughly 35 percent vacancy rate.

Boatwright also intends to enhance public trust by creating an official community engagement arm and advisory groups comprising faith leaders, business owners and other community stakeholders. 

Take a look below at some of Boatwright’s responses to the 2026 AFRO Midterm Election Questionnaire: 

TOPIC: Role of the Sheriff in Baltimore County

Boatwright: I would expand the role of the Sheriff’s Office by establishing a 24-hour Domestic Violence Unit that provides immediate, coordinated responses to incidents across Baltimore County. This unit will focus on holding offenders accountable while ensuring victims receive timely, effective services that support their transition from victim to survivor. Additionally, I will strengthen community outreach efforts and strategically support the Baltimore County Police Department in broader public safety initiatives.

To ensure transparency and accountability, I will modernize and update all General Orders to align with current Maryland law. I will implement a user-friendly online complaint portal, conduct routine audits of body-worn camera usage, and enhance training and oversight within the Internal Affairs Section to ensure integrity at every level of the organization.

TOPIC: Immigration Enforcement and State Policy

Boatwright: The Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office does not serve as the primary

custodian or processor of inmates. As Sheriff, I will ensure full compliance with Maryland law and will not enter into any agreements—formal or informal—that deputize our personnel to enforce federal immigration laws. Our focus must remain on local public safety priorities.

Local law enforcement should not be tasked with enforcing federal civil

immigration matters. Our responsibility is to protect the community, build trust, and address crime at the local level—not to supplement federal enforcement efforts.

TOPIC: Training, Community Trust, and Transparency

Boatwright: I will prioritize enhanced training in de-escalation, decision-making, and interactions with individuals with disabilities. Expanding scenario-based training will better prepare deputies for real-world situations. I will also establish a dedicated Community Engagement Section and form advisory committees consisting of faith leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders to provide input on policies and practices.

Building trust requires consistent, meaningful engagement. My administration will increase participation in community events and emphasize fair, transparent, and respectful interactions. We will adopt a guardian mindset—focused on service, protection, and partnership with the community. 

I support full transparency through the public reporting of data on warrants, evictions, and use-of-force incidents. I will implement a modern electronic reporting system to ensure this information is accessible through our website and annual reports.

TOPIC: Technology and Modernization

Boatwright: I will invest in modern technology solutions to improve efficiency and

accountability, including advanced warrant tracking systems such as Larimore, CivicRMS, and PolicePRO. Additionally, I will implement platforms like NEOGOV to streamline hiring, policy management, and background investigations, ensuring the agency remains current and competitive.

All technology initiatives will undergo legal and policy review to ensure

compliance and protect civil liberties. Safeguarding constitutional rights will remain a top priority in every modernization effort.

AFRO Intern Andrew Hall contributed to this article.

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