Public Safety

Ask Americans whether crime is rising, and most say yes (as Gallup polls tell us), even in times of low crime. I’ve heard the same thing when I talk with City residents, yet serious violent and property crimes dropped 7% in Annapolis last year. That statistic is good news! Also, we can take pride in the successes and strength of our City’s police, fire, and emergency teams. But even a single murder, rape, shooting, or stabbing is a tragedy. Our goal should always be no crime.

Because public safety is a core function of City government, I’ve made it a priority throughout my public service. I volunteer on the Anne Arundel County Police Accountability Board’s Trial Board panel. In my campaign for Mayor, I’m honored to have the support and endorsement of two former Annapolis Chiefs of Police, Joe Johnson and Mike Pristoop.

To help me develop my Vision for a Safer Annapolis, we brought together two dozen safety professionals, community leaders, clergy, and citizens on May 17 for my Public Safety Forum to talk through key issues and solutions. Here’s a very brief recap of points and ideas we heard:

• Morale of first responders: It’s dangerous work. Make salaries more competitive with other jurisdictions. Attract more young people to law enforcement via apprenticeships, school programs, and incentives. Revise staffing and overtime approaches.

• Building trust between the public and law enforcement: Hire more officers from our community. Build real relationships to overcome negative perceptions. Provide cross-cultural and anti-bias training.

• Safety in neighborhoods and business areas: Help people understand how to report to police without fear of retaliation. Increase tools such as cameras, as well as police presence. Hold people accountable for illegal guns. Focus on youth programs, especially in high-crime and low-income areas. Get families involved in prevention. Enforce trespasser bans in public housing.

• Drivers of Annapolis crime and ways to prevent it: Causes include lack of opportunity, boredom, drugs, mental health issues, low safety at home, and lack of skills for resolving conflicts. Improve transportation and engagement in arts, sports, nature, and other activities. Ask young people what answers they suggest. Boost ways for nonprofits to work together. Learn how other jurisdictions have found success.

Thanks to this input, I adjusted my Vision for a Safer Annapolis, which focuses on six elements:

• Community Engagement and Internal Assessment

• Violence Prevention

• Responding to Mental Health Needs

• Improvements for the Annapolis Police Department

• Improvements for the General Public

• Returning Citizen Programs

You can listen to my public safety approach here.

Nearly every City department plays some role in public safety and crime prevention, as do schools, churches, sports teams, community groups, and our County. So, let’s all work together for a united, thriving, and healthy Annapolis.

Warm regards,

Jared

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