WASHINGTON–Prince George’s County police have had success driving down overall
crime in recent years, and it appears 2014 will be no different.
“This year will be our fourth year of consecutive reductions in crime,” Police
Chief Mark Magaw told WTOP.
According to Magaw, violent crime is down eight percent, while overall crime is
down about nine percent so far this year.
Homicides in particular have been far below their previous levels.
In 2013, the county recorded 56 killings, according to figures from the state of
Maryland.
That was down from 95 homicides just two years earlier, a staggering drop of 41
percent.
Magaw credits the department’s community policing model that allows officers to
develop relationships and build mutual trust with members of the public.
“The community calls us with leads and helps us close cases,” Magaw explains.
“The more that we can build that relationship, the more information we get to be
able to solve crimes and, most importantly, prevent crimes.”
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