May 20th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

An officer of the Cumberland Police Department has been suspended from his duties pending a criminal investigation. Captain James Burt has surrendered his firearm and badge and is no longer working at the Cumberland Police Department. WCBC news reached out to city officials for comment, but they have declined to add any detail saying that it is a personnel matter. City officials will meet later today to receive legal guidance and address the ongoing criminal investigation against Captain Burt and other officers of the Cumberland Police Department. Captain Burt joined the Cumberland Police Department in 2002 and served as second in command in the law enforcement agency. Sources tell WCBC news that the state is conducting the criminal investigation which involves sexual harassment and misconduct towards a city employee for a number of years. 

Captain Burt graduated from Wor-Wic Community College – Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy in 2003. He is a General Instructor and Firearms Instructor, certified by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission.