Howard County Executive promotes police major to new acting chief as Major Terrence Benn prepares to lead the Howard County Police Department beginning June 1. County Executive Calvin Ball confirmed Benn’s appointment after the announced retirement of Chief Gregory Der. The leadership transition comes during a sensitive period for the department following several high-profile incidents in Howard County. As has written Baltimore Chronicle, the appointment is already drawing strong public attention across Maryland law enforcement circles.
Major Terrence Benn will officially become acting police chief on June 1. He replaces Gregory Der, who is stepping down after five years to spend more time with family. Benn becomes the third police chief appointment made by County Executive Calvin Ball since taking office.
During the official announcement, Benn described policing as both a responsibility and a public service.
“Policing at its best is a calling, it’s a service. It’s showing up for people on the worst days of their lives and doing right by them,” Benn said.
The incoming chief also stressed that community trust remains central to his leadership approach. He acknowledged that rebuilding confidence requires transparency and constant communication with residents.
Terrence Benn’s law enforcement career and military background
Terrence Benn brings decades of experience to the Howard County Police Department leadership role. Before joining Howard County police nearly 20 years ago, he served in the Marine Corps. Benn also worked as a police officer in both Atlanta and Baltimore City.
Over the years, he advanced through multiple positions inside HCPD. His leadership path included roles ranging from Corporal to Captain before becoming Deputy Chief for Special Operations.
During Tuesday’s announcement, Benn admitted he initially felt anxious while serving in community outreach assignments. That role later became one of the defining parts of his career development.
His mother, Deveronette Benn, attended the ceremony and shared emotional remarks about her son’s lifelong dream.
“Ever since Terrence was a little boy, all he ever wanted to be was a policeman,” she said.
Benn also holds a Master’s degree in divinity from Howard University. That educational background may influence his communication style and focus on community engagement.
Before becoming acting chief, Benn supervised several major operational divisions inside the department.
| Position | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Deputy Chief for Special Operations | Oversaw Special Operations Bureau |
| Community Services Leadership | Managed outreach and engagement programs |
| Patrol Leadership Roles | Served across several Howard County districts |
| Community Outreach Assignments | Worked directly with residents and youth groups |
The leadership transition also arrives during an election year. The future of the permanent chief position could depend on who wins the County Executive office later this year.
After reviewing Benn’s background, many local residents are focusing on whether his experience can help strengthen police-community relations.
Police reform challenges facing Howard County
The appointment comes during a difficult period for the Howard County Police Department. Several police-involved incidents this year sparked public concern and renewed discussions about accountability.
One of the most discussed cases involved the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Alex LaMorie during a mental health-related call. The incident intensified debates about police response procedures and mental health crisis training.
When asked about rebuilding trust, Benn emphasized the importance of open communication.
“Trust is something that’s earned,” Benn explained. “You open the door to communication.”
He also repeated the department’s commitment to improving interactions involving residents with mental health and disability challenges.
Several priorities are already being discussed publicly:
- Community outreach and relationship building
- Youth engagement and crime prevention
- Enhanced mental health response protocols
- Recruitment and workforce development
- Data-driven policing strategies
- Crime analysis improvements
- Gang activity reduction initiatives
These initiatives are expected to become major talking points during Benn’s first months in office.
After outlining those priorities, Benn said community engagement would not be optional for the department moving forward. He described those relationships as foundational for future policing efforts in Howard County.
Strategic plan focuses on technology and community safety
The incoming acting chief introduced a broad strategic vision with 10 focus areas. The plan combines traditional enforcement priorities with modern policing technology and community programs.
Several areas focus directly on operational modernization. Others target neighborhood partnerships and public safety initiatives.
Here are the main priorities announced by Benn:
| Strategic Focus Area | Main Goal |
|---|---|
| Technology and Innovation | Modernize department operations |
| Narcotics Enforcement | Reduce illegal drug activity |
| Gang Activity Reduction | Improve neighborhood safety |
| Route 1 Corridor Initiative | Increase safety along busy corridors |
| Youth Engagement | Strengthen prevention programs |
| Cold Case Review | Revisit unresolved investigations |
| Intellectual Disabilities Protocol | Improve crisis response practices |
| Workforce Development | Support recruitment and promotions |
| Community Outreach | Expand local partnerships |
| Crime Analysis Deployment | Improve response efficiency |
Benn also highlighted stronger relationships with faith organizations, minority communities, and young residents. According to department officials, those partnerships will remain central during the transition period.
The acting chief said technology and innovation would help improve efficiency while preserving accountability standards. He also stressed the importance of balanced enforcement and communication.
Why this leadership change matters for Maryland residents
Leadership transitions inside major police departments often influence broader public safety strategies across Maryland. Howard County remains one of the state’s fastest-growing communities, making policing priorities especially important.
The department now faces increasing pressure to improve transparency while maintaining public safety operations. Benn’s experience in outreach and special operations may shape how those goals are balanced.
Political observers also note that the acting title leaves room for future leadership decisions after the County Executive election. That means Benn’s early performance could significantly impact whether he secures the permanent role.
For now, county officials appear focused on continuity and stability during the transition. Residents, meanwhile, will closely watch how the department handles future community relations and crisis response cases.
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