James McNeill Upfront and Personal

James McNeill is a lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County who has dedicated his life to public service, community leadership, and protecting the people he calls neighbors. Having lived and worked in Glen Burnie, Ferndale, Odenton, and Gambrills, James brings a deep, firsthand understanding of the communities that make up the county.

With more than 23 years in law enforcement, James has served across multiple agencies, including the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Maryland Aviation Administration Police, and the Annapolis City Police Department. His experience spans patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, crime lab operations, and specialized technical units, giving him a comprehensive, ground-level understanding of how effective policing works—and where improvements are needed.

In addition to his law enforcement career, James is a small business owner who has successfully operated multiple ventures, including ADA, LLC Consulting, Flipboy Properties, East Coast Properties USA, McNeill & Ro LLC, and a local mower repair shop. Notably James also ran a welding and fabrication company erecting over 1.5 million square foot buildings to many low rise structures throughout Maryland. This significant combined experience has strengthened his ability to manage budgets, lead teams, solve problems, and deliver results—skills he will bring to the Sheriff’s Office.

James’ commitment to service extends beyond his profession. He has volunteered as an Auxiliary Police Officer and Sergeant with the Baltimore County Auxiliary Police and worked alongside the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office on community programs such as juvenile fingerprinting and identification initiatives. He believes strong communities are built through trust, engagement, and shared responsibility.

A husband of over 38 years and a father of three, James is deeply invested in the safety and future of families across Anne Arundel County. His campaign is rooted in the belief that leadership should be grounded in integrity, accountability, and a commitment to protecting what matters most.

Running a grassroots, self-funded campaign, James is not beholden to special interests or political machines. He is a firm supporter of the U.S. Constitution, including Second Amendment rights, and is guided by faith-based principles that emphasize integrity, service, and responsibility.

James’ vision for the Sheriff’s Office is centered on transparency, innovation, and results. He is committed to addressing long-standing challenges such as the backlog of unserved warrants by implementing proven technology and strengthening coordination with local, state, and federal partners. He will prioritize aggressive action against violent crime, confront the opioid and fentanyl crisis, and dedicate resources to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children.

At the same time, James believes the Sheriff’s Office should be more connected to the people it serves. He plans to expand volunteer opportunities, strengthen community partnerships, and create new ways for residents to be directly involved in public safety efforts—all while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources.

At its core, James’ mission is simple: to serve all citizens with fairness, professionalism, and dignity while restoring trust, strengthening accountability, and delivering a safer future for every community in Anne Arundel County.