Crisis Negotiation Team

In 2012, the crisis negotiators with the Cumberland Police Department partnered with negotiators from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office to form a county-wide Crisis Negotiation Team.  This arrangement allowed the team to provide 24-hour coverage throughout the county. Since this time the team has also partnered with the Maryland State Police, Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Garrett County Sheriff’s Office combining the manpower into a thirteen member team which provides service to Allegany and Garrett Counties. Negotiators assigned to the team in 2022 were:  Lt. Korey Rounds, Sgt. Alex Menges, Detective Matthew Shimer (team leader), PFC. Shelly Broadwater, and Cpl. Ashley Athey, Cumberland Police Department; Sheriff Craig Robertson, Lt. Brett Lysinger, and Sgt. Vincent Benson, Allegany County Sheriff's Office; Lt. Dan Duggan and Lt. Colt Ruby, Garrett County Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Fire Marshal Rocky Reed, Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office; Lt. Vincent Upole and Erica Carlson, Sociologist, Maryland State Police.  In 2022 state law required negotiators to be present for all search warrants.

In 2022, the Cumberland Police Department created a new position to assist the Crisis Negotiation Team and also CERT, when needed.  The new position, referred to as Special Ops Tech, is responsible for knowing how to use our various equipment, and its capabilities.  The Special Ops Tech is responsible for being on scene to set up the equipment, put it in service, and solve any technical problems that may surface.   The purpose of the position is to relieve negotiators, CERT, and command staff from having to concentrate on equipment issues when time can be served with more important issues.  PFC. Duncan Cramer was selected as the Special Ops Tech, with Cpl. Cory Beard being selected as his supervisor.