Newly reviewed state data shows student arrests in St. Mary’s County Public Schools have dropped significantly in recent years, but a closer look raises questions about what the numbers actually mean—and what information remains out of public view.
According to annual reports from the Maryland State Department of Education, student arrests in St. Mary’s County peaked at approximately 197 during the 2021–2022 school year. Since then, the number has steadily declined, falling to 151 in 2023–2024 and 108 in the most recent 2024–2025 report.
While the drop may suggest improving conditions, the data does not provide enough detail to determine whether schools are becoming safer—or whether enforcement practices have changed.
What the Data Shows
State reports indicate that the majority of school-related arrests across Maryland are tied to violent or serious incidents, including:
- Assaults involving students
- Physical fights
- Drug-related offenses
- Weapons violations
In the 2023–2024 school year alone, there were 500 arrests statewide for “attack on a student” and 368 for fighting, making them the most common categories.
Another key detail often overlooked: most school arrests are not physical arrests.
Instead, the majority are classified as “paper arrests,” meaning a student is referred for charges or processed through the juvenile system without being taken into custody. In 2023–2024, more than 80% of arrests statewide fell into this category.
Students Often Return to School
Despite the number of arrests, most students remain in the school system.
State data shows that in 2023–2024, over 1,400 students who were arrested ultimately returned to school, with only a small percentage resulting in expulsion, detention, or alternative placement.
This raises additional questions about how incidents are handled and whether underlying issues are being resolved.
Law Enforcement’s Role in Schools
School Resource Officers (SROs)—sworn law enforcement officers assigned to schools—play a major role in student arrests.
Statewide data shows that roughly 85% to 90% of arrests are initiated by SROs rather than outside law enforcement.
In St. Mary’s County, School Resource Officers are assigned full-time to each public high school and middle school, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
That includes seven schools total—three high schools and four middle schools.
However, the majority of schools in the county—primarily elementary schools—do not have a full-time SRO assigned and instead rely on what is described as “adequate coverage,” which can include patrol checks or officers responding when needed.
Separate state reporting also shows at least 12 incidents involving use of force by SROs in St. Mary’s County during the most recent reporting year.
Limited Public Access to Local Data
While the state publishes annual summaries, the underlying data is far less accessible at the local level.
The publicly available reports do not include:
- Which specific schools account for the most arrests
- Detailed descriptions of individual incidents
- Patterns involving repeat offenders
- Full records of use-of-force incidents
- Comprehensive after-action reports following serious threats
Only a single “Critical Life-Threatening Incident” report involving St. Mary’s County was found publicly available across multiple years, despite state requirements for reporting such incidents.
To better understand what is happening inside local schools, SMNEWSNET.COM has submitted a formal request under the Maryland Public Information Act seeking detailed local records that are not currently available to the public.
Despite detailed reporting requirements under Maryland law, much of the data collected at the local level is not publicly accessible.
The Bottom Line
The available data shows fewer reported arrests in St. Mary’s County schools—but without detailed local information, it remains unclear whether that reflects safer schools or changes in how incidents are reported and handled.
As additional records are reviewed, a more complete picture may emerge.
SMNEWSNET.COM submitted a formal request under the Maryland Public Information Act seeking detailed local data and records related to this issue; however, after receiving no meaningful response within a reasonable timeframe, a second request was submitted to ensure the information was properly acknowledged and processed. The need to file twice highlights ongoing challenges in accessing timely and complete public records. As additional data, documents, and responses are received, SMNEWSNET.COM will continue to update this report to keep the public accurately informed.
