2 Awards Target Crime Reduction Efforts Of Howard County Police Department

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County law enforcement agencies will receive two major awards from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services to recognize "outstanding public safety initiatives."

The Howard County Police Department will receive recognition for incorporating effective crime prevention programs as an integral part of an overall community policing initiative. Additionally, Howard County will be recognized for a major Violent Crimes Reduction Initiative, which entailed a months-long effort that focused resources on criminal networks and street gangs, and resulted in multiple arrests.

"I applaud the work of our police department, our prosecutors, our sheriff’s deputies and all others who work tirelessly to ensure that members of our community not only are safe, but feel safe. We have provided unparalleled resources such as 24 additional officers in the past year, which was the largest increase in 15 years; as well as the full implementation of a body-worn camera program. Our best practices and the hard work of our law enforcement community is improving Howard County’s excellent quality of life for all," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said.

"Community policing is at the core of everything we do so we appreciate this recognition of our crime prevention programs. Our violent crimes initiative has had a significant impact on our communities by addressing issues like guns, gangs, drugs and repeat offenders," added Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der.

Howard County will receive the awards at a ceremony Dec. 1.