Police Officer of the Month

September 2003

Police Officer Jeffrey Specht has been selected as Police Officer of the month for September 2003.

In one significant case, Officer Specht observed a Honda Civic traveling in excess of 60 mph on Little Patuxent Parkway. When he got behind the car, the driver suddenly slammed on the brakes and began driving approximately 25 mph. He stopped the car and contacted the female driver, who was very emotional and crying. He immediately noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver and asked her to perform a series of field sobriety tests. She became very emotional during the tests and refused to cooperate any further. She was arrested and submitted to a breath test, which resulted in a .13 BAC. The 19-year-old driver had a prior arrest for DUI just nine months earlier.

In another case, Officer Specht responded to the 5900 block of Turnabout Lane for a fight in progress and observed three males in the area. When the men saw the police car, two of them began to quickly walk away. The third male ran toward Officer Specht, yelling that he had just been punched in the face and robbed of $250. Officer Specht then called out to the two males to stop, but they began to run away. He gave chase and caught one of them. A one-on-one with the victim was positive and the man was subsequently arrested and charged with robbery and assault.

A week later, Officer Specht was dispatched to the 7100 block of Minstrel Way for a robbery and assault that had just occurred. Investigation revealed that the victim was traveling on Oakland Mills Rd. when he noticed a carload of teens acting aggressively behind him. When the victim stopped for a red signal, the teens pulled beside him and one of them pointed a black handgun at him. The victim then sped off with the teens in pursuit. When the victim accidentally turned onto a dead end street, the teens blocked him in. The teens then grabbed the victim, pulled him from his car and began to punch and kick him. They then went through his pockets and stole a cell phone, earrings, credit card and book bag. As the teens were leaving, the victim managed to obtain a vehicle description and tag number.

The next day, Officer Specht was on routine patrol in the 7100 block of Minstrel Way when he observed the suspect vehicle occupied by five young males. He called for additional police units, a felony stop was conducted and all five suspects were taken into custody. In a search incident to arrest, some of the property reported stolen by the victim was recovered. All suspects admitted to being present during the robbery/assault and all were charged with robbery, assault and theft. One suspect also was charged with possession of marijuana.

During the month of September, Officer Specht worked 19 nights, including three for Hurricane duty, and recorded 14 arrests. He made 61 traffic contacts and handled 81 calls for service. Additionally, he had eight insight reports, walked 31 foot patrols and checked 35 businesses.

His supervisors describe him as friendly, knowledgeable, compassionate and professional when dealing with the public. He provides cooperation with others assigned to the platoon and is often heard advising officers of his willingness to assist. He is a true asset to the Howard County Police Department.