Violent Crime Rises, Alsobrooks Explains Plan For Safe Prince George's County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Violent crime is on the rise in Prince George's, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said. She hopes to stop it with youth engagement, crackdowns on gun violence and mental health treatment.

"These acts of violence have landed hard on the souls of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and so many Prince Georgians across our community," Alsobrooks wrote in a newsletter. "We continue to pray for all those who have lost loved ones to senseless acts of violence, and as a community, we must stand up and say enough is enough."

The county executive noted that homicides are up this year. Last year's pandemic shutdowns may have artificially lowered 2020's total, however.

Alsobrooks invested her confidence in Malik Aziz, the new chief of the Prince George's County Police Department. The agency has battled several controversies in recent years, from fraud and sexual abuse to discrimination and deadly force. Aziz should inspire improvements to the department, Alsobrooks hopes.

The first step came this summer when Alsobrooks and Aziz teamed with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to host events for kids. More than 1,200 residents participated in the 37 activities in the Summer Passport Experience. Alsobrooks thinks engaging children will offer a positive outlet, keeping them away from a life of crime.

Aziz led a similar push this summer called Operation Heat Wave. His effort focused on community walks and crime tracking in Langley Park, Lewisdale, Riverdale, Suitland, Seat Pleasant and Temple Hills.

The police chief is also launching a gun violence unit to ensure firearm arrests have the necessary documentation for proper prosecution. The PGPD is additionally working with religious leaders to host job fairs and gun turn-in programs over the next few weeks.

Alsobrooks mentioned that the county won several grants to prevent gun violence. This money will fund new initiatives starting early next month.

The final prong to Alsobrooks' plan is mental health and addiction treatment. She pointed to a new behavioral health facility that the county built with diverted police funding. The center will open this December.

"We cannot do this work alone, so we are asking Prince Georgians to step up and partner with us in this fight to keep each other safe," Alsobrooks concluded. "Tell us what you see and hear in the community, give guidance to those who may be going down the wrong path, and most importantly, care for one another as you would your own family."

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