A review of crime trends, police activity and recent accomplishments highlight the Ocean City Police Department’s annual report.
On Monday, Ocean City Police Chief Ray Austin presented the City Council with the department’s annual report, a comprehensive review of the agency’s efforts to engage with the community and protect the public.
In 2025, reported crimes, arrests and criminal citations decreased, while local recruiting efforts and budget savings increased.
“The achievements showcased tonight are the result of the dedication of our sworn officers, our professional staff and our community partners,” Austin said. “Public safety in Ocean City is truly a shared responsibility, and we are grateful for the trust and support of the community that we serve.”
In 2025, the OCPD received 50,064 calls for service, or about 1,500 fewer calls than the preceding year. Including business checks, those service calls increased to 57,171.
“As expected, the majority of activity occurs during the summer months when the visitor population increases significantly,” Austin said.
In total, more than 58% of reported crimes occurred in June, July and August, Austin said. However, Austin said overall reported crimes decreased by roughly 37% when compared to 2024.