PGPD Chief Aziz's Briefing Slides from the May 19, 2023 South County Community Roundtable (SCCR)

(Click on the above image for the slides)

Crime Time by City

 More information at https://www.vivint.com/resources/article/when-does-crime-occur-most

Crime has No Borders

 (Click on the image above for John Gonzalez's ABC7 report)

From ABC7:

Two neighboring communities separated by the Potomac River are experiencing similar spikes in violent crime right now.

At the National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland, police are asking for help in identifying individuals who fled with gaming chips from the MGM Hotel & Casino a week ago.

In the past month, there was also an attempted armed carjacking and a stabbing outside of the casino -- concerning incidents as we head into the summer months and just days before the first annual National Harbor Boat Show coming up this weekend.

Just over the Wilson Bridge, the City of Alexandria in Virginia is noticing a dangerous trend, as well. The past few weeks have seen several shootings. Mayor Justin Wilson said that firearms and young people appear to be common factors. Both jurisdictions are working closely together.

This year, serious crime in Alexandria, which includes homicides, rape and robbery increased 4.7% from last year. This increase was driven primarily by robberies, larcenies and auto theft. Even though overall crime in Alexandria is down, it’s the serious and violent crime that has seen an uptick over the past year. Carjackings and several shootings have residents uneasy.

Wilson said the city is working on restoring police staffing, reducing attrition, expanding "upstream" investment supports, such as mental and behavioral health and expanding community policing.

“There’s constant communication and cooperation because again, the borders aren’t magic. Alexandria is 15 1/2 square miles, we are a tiny city from a geographical perspective, so the people that are committing crimes here are very often residents of other communities and vice-versa. We have folks who live here that are committing crimes in other communities. In a number of these shooting incidents we just had, we made a number of arrests,” said Wilson.

He’s also working closely with officials across the river at the National Harbor, where similar violent crimes have been reported.

Prince George’s County Councilmember Edward Burroughs said he was in the casino’s security room examining the operation the day before the robbery involving the gambling chips.

“We do collaborate, we are in communication, and crime has no borders. Criminals unfortunately go from place to place to commit their crimes. To the extent that we can remain on the same page regionally, we intend to do that,” said Burroughs.

Additional measures are being put in place as the security teams from Tangier Outlets, MGM and the National Harbor are now meeting weekly.

While overall violent crimes in Alexandria decreased by over 12% since 2021, the city has seen crimes involving firearms double, from 76 incidents to 152.

“The city's violent crime remains 25% lower than we were 15 years ago. Our property crime remains 7% lower than 15 years ago. Yet, we cannot tolerate any crime in our community,” added Wilson.

Alexandria’s current budget, approved by the city council a year ago, included new funding for a special investigations unit focused on investigating those responsible for homicides, felony sex offenses and crimes driven by weapons. Over the past 18 months, this new unit has arrested 76 violent felons, a third of which were directly implicated in gun crimes.

Man Tracks Stolen Dodge Charger From Brooklyn to Prince George's County

(Click on the image above for Jackie Bensen's News4 report.)

From News4:
Two cars were stolen in New York last week, driven down Interstate 95 and ultimately found in the driveway of a house in Prince George’s County. News4’s Jackie Bensen reports.

Thieves Target Maryland Woman's Kia 4 Times

From News4 on April 25, 2023

85% of Division 7 Incidents Were Vehicle Related This Year (61% Were Accident Related)

Source - https://data.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Public-Safety/Crime-Incidents-February-2017-to-Present/wb4e-w4nf/data

Prince George's County Holds Public Safety Forum

 ‘This is About Transparency': Residents Gather for Public Safety Forum in Prince George's County (News4)

In response to the issues raised by attendees, including carjackings, break-ins and property thefts, the latest crime trends, statistics and the solutions being implemented were discussed.

By Dominique Moody, Published February 4, 2023

Prince George’s County residents shared their concerns about crime and pushed for more transparency between the community, local leaders and police at a public safety forum on Saturday. 

People packed the gym at Bishop McNamara High School, looking to get their questions answered from elected leaders and police officers. 

One by one, residents stepped up to the mic, hoping to ignite a dialogue about what they would like to see done to feel safe in their neighborhoods. 

“I personally would like to see more policing. It would be good to see the police come through your neighborhood,” one man said. Others voiced similar sentiments. 

District 6’s public safety forum included a number of state delegates, law enforcement officers and State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy.

In response to the issues raised by attendees, including carjackings, break-ins and property thefts, the latest crime trends, statistics and the solutions being implemented were discussed. 

“We are proposing legislation in Annapolis to try and go after some of these criminal rings. That’s why we’re proposing the RICO [Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations] Statute, those things will help us,” Braveboy said. 

Recently elected county council Vice Chair Wala Blegay said the meeting was the first step to building relationships with those in the community.

“This is about transparency, and this is about making sure people are heard and people feel comfortable. We don’t want anyone in our community living in fear,” Blegay said.