Gory Prince George's: At long last--A Plan!

Comment: So, will they really do something, or is this just hot air like the unimplemented cross-border policing announcement of several months ago?

Police Department
Prince George's County, Maryland

PRESS INFORMATION OFFICE
7600 Barlowe Road, Palmer Park, Maryland 20785
Phone 301-772-4710 / Fax 301-772-4948

January 13, 2005

PRESS RELEASE
Prince George’s County Executive and Police Chief Announce

The Prince George’s County Police Department announced today several new Violent Crime Prevention Initiatives designed to prevent and further reduce violent crime in the County, and to solve outstanding homicides.

“We want to put it in perspective that overall crime is not up in Prince George’s County, but it’s still not where we want to be,” said Prince George’s County Executive Jack B. Johnson in announcing the new police department programs.

“Working together, police and the community, we can create an environment in Prince George’s County that lets the bad guys know that they are not welcome here, and there is zero tolerance of negative, violent behavior. That is why we have launched several violent crime fighting initiatives that require participation from all of us to curb violence”, added Melvin C. High, Chief of Police.

The newest aspect of the County Executive’s and Chief High’s continuing assault on crime, in addition to the new violent crime strategies, is that numerous county departments and agencies are collaborating with Chief High and the Department and bringing resources to bear in the overall effort. The five new programs announced today will help in the fight against violent crimes throughout Prince George’s County. These programs include:

• Violence Prevention Task Force – this team will focus solely on the prevention of violent crime and the immediate apprehension of those engaged in criminal activity.
• Most Wanted Offender Initiative – citizens are encouraged to call in to anonymously report the location or a sighting of one of Prince George’s County’s “Most Wanted”.
• Report a Gun Program – citizens are encouraged to call in anonymously to report individuals who possess and/or sell illegal weapons.
• Handgun Tracking – in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives this team will identify the origin, secondary distribution and sale points of seized weapons.
• High Intensity Traffic Stops – officers will increase traffic stops in areas identified as high crime areas by daily crime data analysis.

Several federal agencies, including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are also partnering with the police department to bring additional resources.

“Our officers are working diligently to solve these crimes and we are happy to be working with all of our partners, government agencies, federal agencies, and our citizens and residents, to ensure livable communities in Prince George’s County, ” said Chief High.

For additional information, contact the Press Information Office at (301) 772-4710.
###