Detective Albert “Mad Dog” Marcus
Detective Albert “Mad Dog” Marcus was a highly esteemed member of the Baltimore Police Department. His impactful career spans over 40 years, during which he has made significant contributions to his field. Here are some key details about his career:
- Nickname: Detective Marcus earned his nickname, “Mad Dog,” due to his assertive approach to law enforcement. Some told us it came from a character on Hill Street Blues that shared Al’s work ethic.
- Arrests: Over his many years with the department, he made or was part of nearly 6,000 arrests.
- Commendations: His unwavering dedication and commitment to his position with Baltimore’s police as both a patrolman and a detective garnered him numerous commendations, including two Bronze Stars. He was also in the first unit to receive a unit citation.
- Policeman of the Year: He has also been nominated for the Policeman of the Year award twice.
- Narcotics to Homicide: Detective Marcus dedicated many years to narcotics before transitioning to homicide cases.
- Cold Cases: Even as he neared retirement, he continued to work tirelessly on solving cold cases, demonstrating his relentless pursuit of justice.
- Retired Badge: On March 5, 2016, Commissioner Kevin Davis retired Detective Albert Marcus’s badge #12. This significant honor is a testament to an officer’s contributions and service. It’s important to note that the Baltimore Police Department has only retired five badge numbers since its founding in 1784 and only two of those were detective badges.
In addition to his professional achievements seen here, Detective Marcus was involved many other great cases, most of which went unrecognized, as do most cases Baltimore’s police are involved in. It is sad just how much good police work is ignored, from Ken’s work to the work of others close to Ken I would say that for every award these officers have received, at least three or four similarly great cases went unnoticed. So, when you see any officer on the streets of Baltimore wearing a single ribbon, know that officer should be wearing three or four ribbons. In Det Marcus’ case, I am sure the three ribbons we know of are far less than he actually holds, but if we know of three, we also know he should be wearing no less than nine to twelve ribbons for the work he did, and that number would grow with whatever actual number of ribbons he had received.
A new meritorious service award, conceived and authorized by Commissioner Frank J. Battaglia, was issued for the first time by the Commissioner during ceremonies following graduation exercises last week (August 6, 1982.) The Narcotics Task Force of the Criminal Investigation Division’s Vice Section was singled out to receive the Department's first 'Unit Citation'. The Unit Citation is intended to commend extraordinary law enforcement performance, attention to duty, or contributions to this agency or to the general welfare of the citizens of Baltimore. Any bureau, division, district, section, subdivision, unit, or squad of members of the Department is eligible for the Unit Citation. The criteria for this award is the same as the 'Regular Commendation' but issued when a group or “unit” effort is recognized. The Narcotics Task Force was singled out for its remarkable performance over the past several months. Moments after taking his Oath of Office on September 1, 1981, Commissioner Battaglia pledged to intensify the Department's effort to combat illegal narcotics activity. As a result, The Narcotics Task Force was created on September 14, 1981. Officers from the Criminal Investigation Division, the nine Police districts, and the Tactical Section came together in a coordinated effort to combat illicit drug trafficking in Baltimore. The Task Force has attacked the narcotics problem on three levels. First, the Task Force has increased efforts to seek out and arrest street-level dealers. Secondly, detectives have successfully conducted investigations to reach into the centers of the organizations which bring narcotics into the area. Just one of these investigations recently resulted in the elimination of the largest heroin organization in the history of the city. Finally, the Task Force has reached out to the community to offer information and assistance to parents who believe that narcotics have invaded their households. During the past 10 months, the Narcotics Task Force has accounted for more than 1900 drug-related arrests, resulting in more than 4100 narcotics charges. In addition, they have seized more than 450 firearms and nearly 200 other deadly weapons that could have been turned-on law-abiding citizens. Aggressive enforcement, combined with treatment and prevention programs, has had a positive impact on the drug problem. Commissioner Battaglia has credited the work of the Task Force with helping in the reduction of serious crimes in 1982.
The work of the Task Force has also received considerable media attention, reflecting positively on the Department. Lieutenant Joseph P. Newman, Officer-in-Charge of the Criminal investigation Division Vice Section, received the Unit Citation from Commissioner Battaglia. In addition, each member of the Task Force will receive a ribbon from the Police Commissioner to commemorate the event.
The members of the Narcotics Task Force are:
Lieutenant Joseph P. Newman
Sergeant Michael J. Andrew
Sergeant Hezekiah Bunch
Sergeant Gary T. Childs
Sergeant Ralph G. Clements
Sergeant James H. Comega
Sergeant Gary E. Martin
Sergeant Robert Rabold
Sergeant Joseph Schanken
Sergeant Robert Schmelz
Sergeant Robert P. Sharp
Agent Robert D. DeAngelia
Agent Johnny W. Fisher
Agent Robert K. Jud
Agent Edward C. Koluch
Agent Albert M. Marcus, Sr.
Agent Romon C. Stelmach
Officer Gerald Armiger
Officer Carolyn 5. Butler
Officer Anthony G. Cannavale
Officer Lloyd G. Caster
Officer Michael G. Crutchfield
Officer Christine M. Davis
Officer Harry E. DeLair, Jr.
Officer John D. Evans
Officer Gary J. Fischer
Officer Fred R. Fitch
Officer Mark F. German
Officer Joseph T. Goldberg
Officer David H. Hollingsworth
Officer Arlene K. Jenkins
Officer William Lansey, Jr.
Officer Donald F. Licato
Officer Darryl Massey
Officer Brian May
Officer Rodell W. Meachem
Officer Paul S. Miller
Officer Tony C. Restivo
Officer Walter R. Roberts
Officer Russell N. Shea, Jr.
Officer Charles E. Smith
Officer Robert Smith, Jr.
Officer Daniel G. Steen
Officer Marvin E. Syndor
Officer Ronald J. Townsend
Officer Mark L. Tomlin
Officer Melvin L. Utz
Officer Marcellus Ward
Officer David E. Webb
Officer James J. Welsh
Officer John M. Wheeler
Officer David L. Williams
It is with great honor that we have added Detective Marcus to our Hall of Fame
POLICE INFORMATION
We are always looking for copies of your Baltimore Police class photos, pictures of our officers, vehicles, and newspaper articles relating to our department and/or officers; old departmental newsletters, old departmental newsletters, lookouts, wanted posters, and/or brochures; information on deceased officers; and anything that may help preserve the history and proud traditions of this agency. Please contact retired detective Kenny Driscoll.
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Please contact Det. Ret. Kenny Driscoll if you have any pictures of you or your family members and wish them remembered here on this tribute site to honor the fine men and women who have served with honor and distinction at the Baltimore Police Department. Anyone with information, photographs, memorabilia, or other "Baltimore City Police" items can contact Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. follow us on Twitter @BaltoPoliceHist, like us on Facebook or mail pictures to 8138 Dundalk Ave., Baltimore, Md. 21222
Copyright © 2002 Baltimore City Police History: Ret Det. Kenny Driscoll
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