Press Release - Hampstead Swears in Jordan Perretta as New Chief of Police
The Town of Hampstead officially swore in Jordan Perretta as its new Chief of Police during the August 11, 2026, Council Meeting. Mayor Nevin thanked the Selection Committee: Manchester Police Chief John Hess, Sykesville Police Chief Mike Spaulding, Interim Chief Jim Monahan, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Colonel Justin Baker, Town Manager Jim Roark, Councilmember Deb Painter, and Town Director of Human Resources Judy Rang. The Town received more than 60 applications and résumés and six candidates were interviewed.
Chief Perretta brings more than 25 years of distinguished law enforcement experience with the Laurel Police Department, where he rose from Patrol Officer to Captain. His leadership experience spans patrol operations, criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, internal affairs, recruitment and hiring, communications, community policing, and special operations. Most recently, as Captain of the Administrative Bureau, he oversaw the Internal Affairs Division, the Use of Force Committee and major community accountability initiatives. Immediately prior to joining the Town, he was nominated by the Laurel Police Department and selected as one of a select group of law enforcement leaders nationwide to attend the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston, Massachusetts, a three-week executive training program offered by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Chief Perretta is deeply committed to community service. He is an active volunteer and coach with Special Olympics Maryland, serving as Assistant Area Director for Carroll County and previously coaching powerlifting and track and field athletes. He is also a certified USA Wrestling coach and currently serves as Head Wrestling Coach at Liberty High School.
He is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology with a minor in Spanish. He completed the Maryland Police Comparative Compliance training through Prince George's Community College.
Chief Perretta was joined by his wife, Julie, and daughter Abigail for the swearing in while his son, Sam in Delaware for a summer job, watched online. In a telling gesture of respect and friendship, Chief Russ Hamil and numerous members of the Laurel Police Department attended the Council meeting in person while many other family members and colleagues watched online.
During the same meeting, Mayor Nevin and the Council also expressed appreciation to Jim Monahan, a retired Major with the Baltimore County Police Department who served as Interim Chief during the transition period. “We are grateful to Chief Monahan who provided leadership, stability and support to our Police Department during the transition period.”
Regarding Chief Perretta’s appointment, Mayor Nevin said: “The Committee was impressed by his proven leadership, thoughtful responses to the questions and scenarios presented during the interview process, commitment to professional policing, and dedication to community engagement. These qualities make him an exceptional choice to lead the Hampstead Police Department. We are pleased to welcome him to our community and look forward to working together to continue providing high-quality public safety services to our residents.”
As Chief of Police, Perretta will focus on strengthening community partnerships, supporting the professional development of department personnel, and ensuring the continued delivery of responsive and effective law enforcement services for the Town of Hampstead.
Chief Perretta stated: “I appreciate the opportunity the Mayor and Council has given me. I look forward to completing my law enforcement career with the Town of Hampstead.”
The Town of Hampstead extends its congratulations to Chief Perretta and welcomes him as the newest leader of the Town of Hampstead Police Department.