District II Community-Oriented Policing

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Working With the Community to Improve Our Quality of Life

In October 2000, a program was begun with the intent of improving relations and bridging the gap between the Prince George's County Police Department and the youth in District II. The program was the result of the vision of Mr. Bob Newsom for improving community partnership. Initially, the program involved police officers from District II Community Oriented Policing and students at Bowie Senior High school, under the guidance of Mr. Newsom, Principal Suzanne Maxey, and facilitators Janet and Bruce Eberhardt.

Sessions are held weekly for 90 minutes at the end of the school day. Group participants discuss topics that include fear reduction, community trust, team approach to solving crime, and attitudes towards each other.

In June 2001, the first group of students graduated and received credit for community service. Because of the program's success, it is now being implemented at Largo Senior High School under the direction of facilitators Kathy Brissette-Minus and Leo Minus. Corporals Eric Washington, Edwanto Jefferson, Patrick Madarang and Melvin Proctor, and Police Officers First Class William Crawford and Greta Gray have been in the program from its inception to its expansion at Largo High School.

In February 2002, District II COPS officers will begin participation in the Department's "Operation Maximum Effort." This is a re-deployment plan to place maximum emphasis on uniformed, high visibility police presence on the streets of Prince George's County. COPS will conduct directed enforcement three days a week in specific "hot spot" areas within District II to address crime concerns.