When “Protect and Serve” Fails: The Alarming Case of Frederick Officer James Dodson

The public trust in law enforcement hinges on a simple principle: those sworn to uphold the law must be held to the highest standards of it. But in Frederick, Maryland, that principle is under siege following the deeply disturbing arrest of Corporal James Dodson Jr., an 18-year veteran of the Frederick Police Department (FPD), on charges of soliciting minors and possessing child sexual abuse material.

The facts are as sickening as they are unacceptable. Dodson is accused of using both his personal and department-issued devices to solicit explicit images and videos of minors—including AI-generated abuse content. Let that sink in. A sworn officer, armed with a badge and taxpayer-funded resources, allegedly used his access and position to prey on children. The charges stem from alleged activity in Pennsylvania, where Dodson resides, but the implications reach right into the heart of Maryland’s law enforcement credibility.

And yet—until charges were filed—he was suspended with pay.

A Culture of Protection Over Accountability

While FPD Chief Jason Lando has emphasized transparency and stated that the investigation began after another officer reported Dodson’s behavior (commendable, if true), the fact remains: Dodson was still drawing a paycheck from the people he allegedly violated.

Why?

Because under Maryland law and most public sector union agreements, police officers—even those under serious criminal investigation—often remain on the payroll until formal charges are filed. This isn’t justice. It’s a grotesque loophole that shields the worst actors under the guise of due process while everyday citizens would be instantly fired or jailed under the same allegations.

If your average Maryland resident used a work laptop to access illegal material, they'd be fired before HR could print the paperwork. But for uniformed government employees—especially in law enforcement—there’s an entirely different set of rules.

The Taxpayer-Funded Shield

This is the part that should infuriate every working-class Marylander—regardless of political party.

You pay your taxes. You follow the rules. And yet your money may be used to pay the salary of someone accused of exploiting children, all because they wear a badge and are protected by a government system more concerned with liability than morality.

Meanwhile, Maryland counties like Montgomery and Frederick are cutting firefighter positions and community services due to “budget constraints.” We can’t afford full-time emergency staff at rural stations—but we can afford to keep alleged predators on paid leave?

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about smearing all officers. Most men and women in uniform serve honorably. But the refusal of Maryland law and union contracts to distinguish between allegations of misconduct and allegations of unspeakable criminal abuse—like this—is a systemic failure.

When Bureaucracy Becomes Complicity

Chief Lando has requested an independent review from the Montgomery County Police Department, but that’s hardly reassuring. Why not from an out-of-state or civilian review board? The old habit of having one department investigate another neighboring department reeks of insiders protecting their own.

Furthermore, if Dodson was able to use department devices for such heinous purposes, what does that say about FPD’s internal oversight, IT security, and chain of command?

How many emails, downloads, and transfers did he send or receive before getting caught? Was anyone watching?

What Needs to Change

This case should be a turning point—but only if the public demands it.

1. Immediate suspension without pay for officers under investigation for crimes involving children. If proven innocent, they can be compensated. Until then, public trust and child safety must take precedence over bureaucratic caution.

2. Independent civilian review boards for all police misconduct investigations, especially those involving abuse, minors, or department resources.

3. Audit and oversight of all department-issued equipment to ensure it isn’t being used for criminal purposes—and that supervisors are actually reviewing the data.

4. Transparency dashboards to track public employee suspensions, terminations, and legal outcomes across Maryland.

Final Thoughts

If even one allegation against Dodson is true, this isn’t just a case of individual evil—it’s a system that enabled it.

The role of law enforcement is to protect the most vulnerable. If police departments can't even protect children from their own officers—or worse, fund their crimes with your tax dollars—then reform isn’t just necessary. It’s overdue.

This case should not be swept under the rug, downplayed with PR-friendly phrases like “severe betrayal of trust.” It is a gut-wrenching betrayal of the public’s decency, dignity, and dollars.

It’s time to stop protecting predators with paychecks.