‘Prince George’s County Sheriff’
courtesy of ‘scoutnurse’

This morning’s swearing-in ceremony in Upper Marlboro, Maryland will mark the changing of the guard for Prince George’s County.  Rushern Baker will take the helm of the troubled county just weeks after embattled Exec Jack Johnson and his wife, County Councilmember Leslie Johnson, were arrested on charges of evidence tampering and destruction of evidence.

Citing corruption in the Police Department, Baker will likely first ask for the resignation of Police Chief Roberto Hylton, and remarked on WAMU this morning to reporter Matt Bush that they’ll be seeking new permanent heads in many departments countywide.  There’s no question that this will be a difficult time for the County, but hopefully it will be a chance for the county to turn things around internally in response to the increase scrutiny.  The Post has a series of articles this morning on the Leadership Change that are fairly hopeful.

Good luck, Mr. Baker. You’ve got a long road ahead, and you’re going to need all the allies you can find.