Karl On The Issues

Articles, Blogs and Commentary

Beware of the Toxic Leader

By Karl Bickel "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." - Dwight D....

Save the Republican Party by voting Democrat

By Karl Bickel Of course, this is admittedly self-serving since I am running for sheriff as a Democrat. But this needs to be said and I...

Opinion: In the Case of a Cyberattack, Are You Prepared?

By Karl Bickel One only needs to acquaint themselves with any news venue these days to hear of the possibility of a cyberattack on the...

Police Accountability Board Mandate Could be an Opportunity

Maryland Matters, February 7, 2022 By Karl Bickel The writer, formerly second in command of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and...

County Police Department Not an Issue in 2022

Frederick News-Post, November 10, 2021 By Karl Bickel Now that Frederick’s city elections are behind us and as we adjust our sights and...

It is Time to put Public Safety Before Politics

Frederick News-Post, August 7, 2021 By Karl Bickel There’s an old saying that goes something like this: a police chief is a cop who...

Yes or No on SRO? Answer is in Empirical Research

Frederick News-Post, April 28, 2021 By Karl Bickel The March 24 Frederick County Board of Education (BOE) meeting featured a presentation...

In the Shadow of COVID-19, Opioid Crisis Continues Unabated Attack

The Frederick News-Post, August 17, 2020 By Karl Bickel Although the opioid crisis in Frederick County has slipped from the front pages...

Policing in the 21st Century

Maryland Matters, June 24, 2020 By Karl Bickel In the wake of the death of Eric Garner, after being choked by a New York police officer...

Kirwan Commission and Crime Prevention

The Frederick News-Post, January 6, 2020 By Karl Bickel The Kirwan Commission’s final report on innovation and excellence in education...

How to Get Beyond the 287(g) Argument

The Frederick News-Post, November 14, 2019 By Karl Bickel In recent years the argument over 287(g) agreements between local law...

School Shootings: Rational Thought, Fear Reduction and Prevention are the Key

The Frederick News-Post, April 28, 2018 By Karl Bickel Now is the time for rational thought as we search for better ways to keep...

Local Policing: Warriors or Guardians?

The Frederick News-Post, December 19, 2017 By Karl Bickel In recent years there has been a growing concern over the militarization of...

Are Toxic Leaders Derailing Your Community Policing Efforts?

Community Policing Dispatch, March 2014 By Karl Bickel Don't let toxic leadership derail your community policing efforts. The late Sam...