Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer James Swart was shot and killed by a 15-year-old theft suspect in the booking area of the Hyattsville District Station. Officer Swart was coming to the aid of Officer Albert Claggett, who had just been killed with his own revolver. As Officer Swart entered the room, the suspect shot and killed him as well. The suspect was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Officer Claggett and not guilty by reason of insanity in the death of Officer Swart. The suspect was sentenced to 25 years. He was paroled in 1995. In 1997, the suspect and his brother robbed a bank in Aberdeen, Maryland. As police officers approached to arrest the pair, the suspect committed suicide. Officer Swart had served with the Prince George's County Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MD-3B249E74- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Swart gave the Prince George's County Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Palmer Park community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Swart.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer James Brian Swart is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MD, 195 of 377 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 51.7% of this state's fallen. That is 2.5 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Prince George's County Police Dept., 19 of 30 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Brian Swart's cause is highlighted.
How James Brian Swart Compares
Offender Outcome
police facility
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Brian Swart is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Brian Swart was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
29 officers from Prince George's County Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
