The Annapolis Police Department (APD) is a full-service law enforcement agency servicing a population of over 38,000 residents in 7.1 square miles (18 km2) of the municipality of Annapolis, Maryland.[1]
The APD started as "city watchmen" with the granting of the city charter in 1708. At the time, the Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office held concurrent jurisdiction within Annapolis proper for the first six years, after which the city would elect its own Sheriff (as is the case still today in Baltimore).
The term "police officer" was not used until 1861. Like today, these police officers answered to the mayor of the city. It wasn't until 1867 that the Annapolis Police Department was officially created by an act of legislation by the Maryland General Assembly.[2] Today, 131 sworn officers protect a thriving city of 39,000 permanent residents and over 2 million annual visitors. Officers responded to more than 41,000 calls for service in 2007.[citation needed] The department is located at 199 Taylor Avenue.