Montgomery County Council confirms Assistant Chief Marc Yamada as next police chief 

The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday, June 18, unanimously confirmed the appointment of Assistant Chief Marc Yamada to serve as the new chief of the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD). Yamada will become the first Japanese American to lead MCPD and he will assume his new role on July 1 following the retirement of current Police Chief Marcus Jones.   

“I appreciate the County Council’s unanimous vote to confirm Marc Yamada as our next Chief of the Montgomery County Police Department,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Marc is the right person to lead the department, and I look forward to working closely with him to build upon the efforts already underway to enhance MCPD. Together, we will address key issues, including closing our staffing deficit. His deep knowledge of the department, the county, and our residents will enable him to hit the ground running. I look forward to working with him to keep our community safe.” 

Assistant Chief Yamada has served more than 35 years of dedicated service with MCPD. He grew up in Wheaton, where he attended public schools before earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Marketing from Frostburg State University in 1987. Following a year of graduate studies, he joined the MCPD in August 1988, embarking on a distinguished career that spans multiple facets of law enforcement. 

“I am excited and humbled to have been selected to take on this important position,” said Assistant Chief Yamada. “To have a chance to make a significant impact on the people and communities where I grow up is a dream come true. I want the people of Montgomery County to know that I will do my best to make this department the best it can be for those who live, work or visit here. I look forward to strengthening MCPDs’ partnership with community members, businesses and others. The more we work together, the safer Montgomery County will be." 

Currently serving as the assistant chief of the Field Services Bureau, Yamada oversees the Special Operations Division, SWAT, K9, SRT, Emergency Services, Unmanned Aerial Systems/Robotics, Traffic Operations Division, School Safety Section, Community Resource Bureau, Community Engagement Section, Crisis Response and Resources Section and the School Response Section. 

His leadership has been pivotal since June 2021, ensuring the effective operation and coordination of these critical units. From November 2017 to June 2021, Assistant Chief Yamada commanded the 4th District Station (Wheaton area), overseeing patrol operations for more than 180 officers and nine civilians. He previously directed the Community Engagement Division, enhancing community initiatives and relationships. Yamada's extensive experience includes roles as duty commander, deputy director of major crimes and lieutenant/deputy commander of the 4th District station.

Throughout his career, Assistant Chief Yamada has been recognized with numerous awards including:  

• Ethical Leadership Award Nominee
• J. Thomas Manger Award for Excellence in Leadership
• Medal of Valor
• Unit Citations

He has also received Montgomery's Best Customer Service Awards, Outstanding Performance Awards and has been named Police Officer of the Year three times.