Sad to Say, Major Keleti Is Leaving Us

This evening I was notified that I would be transferred to the Narcotics Enforcement Division effective November 25th.  I wanted to thank each of you, the members of District VII CAC, for all the support you have shown me and the District VII Team.  It’s been my honor and privilege to work with such a great group of community leaders.  We have made great progress regarding community issues and especially the safety along Indian Head Highway.  I believe it is beneficial for all of us to work together as it is a win-win for the community and the police department. I will miss working on important community issues with you and will work with the new commander, Major Timothy “JJ” Muldoon, on a smooth transition.   I have known Major Muldoon for many years and know that he will fit in nicely. He is highly respected and has a great sense of humor.  I have cc'd him on this email so please add him to the CAC and SCCR email distribution lists for notifications.  Thank you for your support, please keep my number and feel free to reach out to me at any time!  It has been my honor to serve such an outstanding community. 

Editor's note: Major Keleti had our support because we responded to what we saw in him - a kind, responsive guardian who made us and our families feel safe. He was more than our District Commander, he was our friend.
He asked what we needed and he came through with a solution every time. His leadership has saved lives on MD 210.
We are the luckiest Police District in all of Prince George's to have had him here.
We wish him fair winds and following seas.
Major Keleti will be missed.

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.
• Before investing in an alarm system, take a step back to evaluate—and improve—your home’s overall security. You can do many things to enhance protections that cost much less than an alarm system but do just as much good.

Howard Co. police partner with ‘Neighbors’ video-sharing app to curb local crime

(Click on the image for Hallie Mellendorf's WTOP report)

"Neighbors is a neighborhood watch app, produced by Ring, that uses doorbell cameras and alerts to keep the public up to date on neighborhood crime. The partnership aims to “provide the community with easy access to shared videos, photos and other safety information,” Howard County police said in a statement.

Police pointed out that the app is free and residents do not need to own a doorbell camera to access shared photos and videos. They also said the app would not compromise personal privacy; police will not be able to directly access users’ cameras."

How to Be a More Patient Person

(Click on the image for Anna Goldfarb's New York Times report)

"Patience, the ability to keep calm in the face of disappointment, distress or suffering, is worth cultivating. The virtue is associated with a variety of positive health outcomes, such as reducing depression and other negative emotions. Researchers have also concluded that patient people exhibit more prosocial behaviors like empathy, and were more likely to display generosity and compassion.

A 2012 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology identified three distinct expressions of patience: 1. Interpersonal, which is maintaining calm when dealing with someone who is upset, angry or being a pest. 2. Life hardships, or finding the silver lining after a serious setback. And 3. Daily hassles, which is suppressing annoyance at delays or anything irritating that would inspire a snarky tweet.

The good news is that same study found that patience as a personality trait is modifiable. Even if you’re not a particularly patient person today, there’s still hope you can be a more patient person tomorrow. So if you find yourself getting exasperated more than you’d like, here are ways to keep those testy impulses in check."

[Patient drivers are safer drivers!]

Prince George's County Police Officer Suspended

From the Police Blog:
On Saturday, November 10th, Prince George’s County Police Chief Hank Stawinski announced the suspension of a Prince George’s County Police Officer after two citizens alleged that the officer demanded payment to overlook motor vehicle violations during two separate traffic stops.
One resident came forward to police Friday alleging that he paid the officer in question cash during a traffic stop at the officer’s demand in lieu of receiving a citation.  Chief Stawinski immediately launched an internal affairs investigation.  In the early hours of the investigation, a second citizen came forward who alleged the same officer also demanded payment for leniency during a similar traffic stop.
The officer’s police powers were suspended Friday evening while detectives investigate.  If any resident has had a similar encounter, please call our Internal Affairs Division at 301-772-4795.
The case will be reviewed by the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“It is very early in this investigation, but I wanted to assure our community that immediate action was taken and a thorough investigation is underway. I take these allegations very seriously. Maintaining the public trust is the highest priority.  As soon as the investigation develops more information, I will provide additional facts to our community,” said Chief Stawinski.

There are reports on ABC7 and on WUSA9.

Third Police-Involved Shooting in the Last 24 Hours

(Click on the image for Jack Pointer's WTOP report)

"The [third] reported incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. at the Courts of Camp Springs apartments, near the 6200 block of Maxwell Drive. No officers were hurt.
According to Prince George’s police Chief Hank Stawinski, officers investigating a car theft ring saw a suspect entering a stolen car that they had under surveillance. The suspect pulled out a gun as he approached it.
When they tried to arrest him, Stawinski said, the suspect fired at officers through a car window. Officers returned fire and wounded him, the chief said. They then administered first aid. The suspect was later taken to a hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition."

Proficient Drivers Are Key to Crash Avoidance

(Click on the image for the Wikipedia entry)

The Swiss cheese model of accident causation illustrates that, although many layers of defense lie between hazards and accidents, there are flaws in each layer that, if aligned, can allow the accident to occur.