January Initiative Takes Violent Crime Down in County

Next to two long, cafeteria-style tables full of confiscated firearms, Prince George's County Police Chief Mark A. Magaw announced that county violent crime was down significantly as a result of a January crime initiative.

The five-week program assigned 150 officers from various county units to perform proactive enforcement operations in high-crime areas primarily within the beltway. The initiative produced the seizure of 54 firearms, $100,000 worth of illegal drugs, and 551 arrests, which included: two murder arrests, three attempted murder arrests, three carjacking arrests and 23 robbery or attempted robbery arrests.

As pleased as he was with the results, Magaw said there was more to be done.

“There were six homicides. Six is too many. One is too many. We will continue to work together with the community to reduce crime,” he said.

Police officials are discussing strategies for continued action now that the crime initiative has ended, but they won't deviate much from January’s plan, Magaw said.

Part of the plan was the hiring Carlos F. Acosta as inspector general to oversee the internal affairs division. The  alumnus has had an extensive legal career, and will use his experience to investigate issues that affect department operations, he said.

“I think in the long term, [the] Prince George’s County Police Department will be known for soundness of policies and the proper training to carry out those policies,” Acosta said.