How Do We Keep Our Community Safe?

Tips from ADT:

1. Get to Know Your Neighbors – exchange phone numbers, learn each other’s schedules and routines, and regularly check on elderly neighbors.
2. Don’t be a Target – have plenty of light around your home and leave lights on inside or use timers when you're gone. 
3. Report Suspicious Activity – call 911 whenever something looks unusual. Have a pen and paper handy to write down details that could help police.
4. Walk around your neighborhood or sit outside as much as possible and encourage your neighbors to get out with you.

Scammers impersonate Prince George's Sheriff's to get cash from people in phone scheme

(Click on the image for the WJLA report)

• Prince George's Sheriff's officials are warning residents of scammers who impersonate sheriff's and call residents to get their money.
• Authorities say the scammers, posing as sheriff's, contact individuals asking for money to "close open warrants" or to resolve other court-related matters.

Work Zone Speed Cameras: Good News and Bad News

Fewer drivers are getting speed camera tickets but 40% of those who get tickets are repeat offenders.

• The good news: “according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, drivers seem to be getting the message of safety as ticket issuing significantly decreased in 2018. For example, on the northbound lanes in the work zone area, around 50,152 speed camera tickets were issued from July 2017 to December 2017. But from January 2018 to July 2018, that number dropped to 27,949 tickets issued, a 44.2 percent decrease, AAA Mid-Atlantic said.” (Teta Alim’s WTOP report)
• The bad news: “In the past year alone, speed cameras in the work zone where the Capital Beltway crosses Suitland Road have recorded 124,477 people speeding, according to a report compiled by AAA. At $40 a pop, those work zone tickets would earn the state close to $5 million.” Per John B. Townsend II, spokesman for AAA Mid-Atlantic, “About 40 percent of the people who get these tickets are repeat offenders.” (Ashley Halsey III’s Washington Post report)
• While figures from Maryland’s SafeZones speed-camera program show a reduction in speed through work zones, the $40 citation that accompanies violations hasn’t been enough to slow down an incorrigible group of speeders. Some are willing to pay the fine and put the pedal to the metal because there is no increase in penalties for amassing dozens of citations—and some drivers do exactly that.
  Take the owner of a particular Toyota, who in May 2015 received a $40 speeding ticket for the 44th time in a little over two years. On the 44th occasion, a speed camera snapped a photo of the car as it allegedly zipped past a highway construction zone at 71 miles per hour, well above the 55 mph limit.
  A large majority of the recidivists notched just two or three tickets, but the group includes 1,944 vehicles with 10 or more tickets; 97 with 20 or more; and 16 with at least 30. Topping the list: a Honda that racked up 68 citations between 2010 and 2013. The totals include any warning notices issued in the first three weeks of a new camera deployment.
  “Unfortunately, there are those drivers out there who will drive without regard for workers” or people in other cars, said Lora Rakowski, spokeswoman for Maryland’s State Highway Administration. (Wall Street Journal story via Fox News)
• Thanks to John Townsend, AAA, for this information.

National Night Out 2018 at District VII

A message from Major Keleti:  I would like to express my appreciation to those that assisted and attended a very successful National Night Out at District VII last evening.  We handed out 560 raffle tickets as I’m sure we reached over 600 participants.  A job well done!

 

See pictures from last year's NNO further down on this blog!

Local Heroes Honored

(Click on the image for José Umaña's report in the Prince George's Sentinel)

• 172 awards were passed out to 154 recipients, most to the day-to-day officers that rarely receive praise for their work.
• “Nobody sees us in the middle of the night, in the snow storm, in the rainstorm, on the coldest night of the year and the hottest day of the year,” Chief of Police Hank Stawinski said addressing the officers. “And none of you seek any affirmation or accolades for your service which makes today that much more important.”

How to Secure Your Home without Buying a Security System

(Click on the image for the Washington Consumers' Checkbook report)

"Do you have good deadbolts on all your doors? Strong latches on your windows? Do you always lock your doors and windows? Have a barky dog?
If you can answer “yes” to the first three questions, you’re way ahead when it comes to home security (and get extra credit for the dog). Because most burglars enter homes by simply opening unlocked doors or windows—or pushing and kicking locked ones until they open—even the most basic measures of protection will improve your security.
While it doesn’t take a genius to get at your stuff, the good news is that the incidence of burglaries is fairly slim: Only about one in 50 U.S. homes get broken into each year. Over time, however, the odds turn against you. And given the financial, physical, and psychological damage that can result from a burglary, it makes sense to do what you can to become more secure."

"Arc Light" Operation on MD 210, Indian Head Highway (July 18, 2018)

Picture from Chief Stawinski on Air One Cracking Down on Illegal ATVs on MD 210

• Chief Stawinski explains Air One's role in traffic safety
• Cpl. Knight provides ground support on MD 210
• Report from Major Keleti:
  Good afternoon CAC Members,
  Just a quick update as we conducted another Arc Light Operation on 210 involving our Special Operations Division.  The Operation was conducted on Indian Head Hwy/MD RT. 210 from the Charles County Line both at MD-228 and North of Bryans Road.
  Several Motorcycles were observed committing violations as traffic stops were attempted but they failed to stop as we didn’t pursue them.  Another motorcycle was observed traveling above the posted speed limit by our helicopter and a member of SOD.   The M/C stopped as the driver was operating an unregistered and uninsured motorcycle. The driver was arrested as he was found to be in possession of Marijuana and an outstanding warrant.
  Two Chevrolet Corvettes were stopped and cited for engaging in a speed contest on Indian Head Hwy.
  We (PGPD) are committed to enhancing the safety along Indian Head Highway and I thank you for the support.  As I have said many times, together WE can solve any issues with time.  Special thanks to SOD as they committed 19 officers and supervisors to the operation.  Have a great weekend and take care!
   Enforcement Statistical Totals [for the Arc Light Operation]:
  Citations 122
  Warnings 24
  SEROs 16 [Safety Repair Order (ex. Headlight out)]
  Impounds 2 vehicles
  2 Warrant Services
  1 Full Custody Arrest