WCBC

March 21st, 2015 by WCBC Radio

The former Maryland State Police Superintendent — who is now acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania state police — has issued an apology after he was caught on video taking down two roadside signs critical of him. Col. Marcus Brown apologized Thursday after his actions sparked a misdemeanor theft investigation by local authorities.  The message on the signs about Brown — "Marcus Brown didn't earn it!" and "Marcus Brown don't wear it!" — revolve around his decision to wear the Pennsylvania State Police uniform, rather than plainclothes, while on the job. Some retired state troopers have publicly criticized Brown for wearing the uniform because he didn't attend the State Police Academy or come up through the department's ranks. Brown left Maryland State Police in January when he was selected to head the Pennsylvania State Police by Gov. Tom Wolf. At the time, Wolf said Brown, with 25 years of law enforcement experience, had the "vision necessary to serve in the role of commissioner." Brown had been superintendent of the Maryland state police since 2011 after spending most of his law enforcement career in the Baltimore police department, where he rose to second-in-command.