Identity of Suspect Sought in Chevy Chase Bank Robbery

 Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual wanted in connection with the robbery of a Chevy Chase Bank in Lanham, Maryland.

On May 28, 2010 at 11:55 a.m., a suspect walked into the Chevy Chase Bank located in the 7500 block of Annapolis Road in Lanham posing as a customer.  Once inside, the suspect passed a note to the victim demanding money.  The victim, fearing for her safety, complied with the demand.  The suspect took the money and fled the scene on foot.



The suspect is described as a black male in his thirties, approximately 6’0” tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with a mustache.  He was last seen wearing a black hat, a black shirt, dark jeans, and sunglasses.
 
Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.
Surveillance camera photos of the suspects are attached.


     

Identity of Suspect Sought in Upper Marlboro Area Bank Robbery

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual wanted in connection with the robbery of a BB&T Bank in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.


On May 25, 2010 at 3:47 p.m. the suspect walked into the BB&T Bank located in the 9400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in Upper Marlboro posing as a customer. Once inside, the suspect passed a note to the victim demanding money and implied that he had a gun. The victim, fearing for his life, complied with the demand. The suspect took the money and fled the scene in a white older model Chevy pick up truck.

The suspect is described as a 30 year old White male, approximately 6’1” in height and weighing approximately 215 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue hat with a white stripe, a gray long sleeved shirt, black shorts, and white shoes.

Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online. Surveillance camera photos of the suspects are attached.

Identity of Suspect Sought in Largo Area Bank Robbery

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual wanted in connection with the robbery of an M&T Bank in Largo, Maryland.


On May 21, 2010 at 2:20 p.m. the suspect walked into the M&T Bank located in the 1000 block of Shoppers Way in Largo posing as a customer. Once inside, the suspect passed a note to the victim demanding money. The victim, fearing for her life, complied with the demand. The suspect took the money and fled the scene on foot.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male with a dark complexion, approximately 5’9”- 6’0” tall, weighing approximately 240 pounds, with short hair and a black mustache. He was last seen wearing a black ball cap, a gray shirt with “Washington Redskins” written across the front, black pants, dark bowling style shoes, and a gold or yellow backpack.

Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at 301-772-4905. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online. Surveillance camera photos of the suspects are attached.

Newly Formed PGPD Traffic Enforcement Unit to Focus on Traffic Safety

Prince George’s County, Maryland… In an effort to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries in Prince George’s County, the police department has formed the Traffic Enforcement Unit. Under the command of the Bureau of Patrol, these officers will provide traffic enforcement and truck inspections in areas determined to have high incidents of traffic crashes. Although crime in the county has been reduced to per capita lows not seen in 35 years, the County continues to lead the state of Maryland in fatal crashes. The formation of the Traffic Enforcement Unit, along with increased traffic enforcement efforts by all officers, will allow the departmentcarry the momentum of reduced crime to reduced traffic fatalities as well.

In a related effort, the police department is participating in the national Click It or Ticket campaign. This campaign has been focusing on enforcing the requirement that motor vehicle drivers and front seat passengers wear their seatbelts. Although seat belt usage in Prince George’s County is estimated at 93%, seat belt use among drivers and passengers killed in Prince George’s County crashes have been found to be as low as 50%.

“The Traffic Enforcement Unit will play a crucial role in our overall mission of keeping the residents and motorists within Prince George’s County safe. Our department will remain committed to promoting traffic safety and enforcing the law. By focusing on violations such as red light running, speeding, seat belt use, and others, motorists become more alert and are encouraged to obey traffic laws,” stated Prince George’s County Police Chief Roberto Hylton.

For more information please contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Press Information

Office at (301) 772-4710.

2nd Annual Youth Explosion a Huge Success!

 Prince George’s County, Maryland… Prince George’s County Executive Jack B. Johnson, Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton and Command Staff members participated in the 2nd Annual Youth Explosion.  The event took place earlier today at the Tabernacle Church in Laurel, Maryland.

 The event highlighted youth programs such as the Police Athletic League (PAL), Police Explorers and other anti-gang and anti-crime prevention initiatives.   The Prince George’s County Police Department believes that building partnerships and working cooperatively with our youth, communities and businesses will help us provide services that make a difference.

 This year’s event kicked off with a competitive basketball game with police officers against members of the Police Explorer Program.










The Prince George’s County Police Department’s own Rhythm in Blues Band performed throughout the festivities.  Up and coming recording artist Patryce Jones performed several of her songs from her soon to be released debut album.







Participants and visitors enjoyed the afternoon with food, fun and entertainment.

  “We have good people here doing the right things”, said Chief Roberto Hylton.  “We are so proud of our youth.  We will continue to focus on our young men and women because they are our future leaders”, added Chief Hylton.









The Prince George’s County Police Department would like to thank Bishop Randolph Gurley and the members of the Tabernacle Church for their assistance in this year’s event which proved to be a huge success.

 For more information, contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Press Information Office at (301) 772-4710.











All Pictures Courtesy of the Prince George's County Police Department

Prince George’s County Alcoholic Beverages – Entertainment Permit House Bill 558

The Prince George’s County House Delegation submitted House Bill 558, Alcoholic Beverages – Entertainment Permit (Prince George’s County only), as a tool to curb abuses at establishments that now have a Class B liquor license and sponsor entertainment, dancing and/or a cover charge at their location.  Frequently, these types of arrangements are inadequately designed and managed, with no security plans or flawed plans in consideration of the crowd.  At times, this leads to violence inside the location, on the parking lots, on the streets and in the surrounding communities.

This Bill was drafted in order to allow the Police Department and the Board of License Commissioners the ability to help prevent events from being held by establishments which failed to plan and prepare.  This Bill also gives the Police Department and the Board of License Commissioners, tools to use to close locations (temporally or permanently) which fail to adhere to the law, are a nuisance, and are unsafe.

 The Bill will require/provide:

•    Class B Liquor License holders the opportunity to apply for a Special Entertainment Permit to allow their location to have dancing, a cover charge and/or entertainment.
•     All permits require a public hearing and approval by the Board of License Commissioners.
•    The applicant must submit a security plan to the Police Department and the Board of License Commissioners.  This plan requires an evaluation of the location regarding risks to both the inside and the outside (community) of the locations.  If the plan is inadequate and not corrected, a permit will not be issued.
•    Gives the Police Department and the Board of License Commissioners, the authority to close locations for unsafe or emergency conditions and/or failing to adhere to the security plan (Court issues restraining order).
•    Provides fines and revocation of the permit for 2 or more violations in 24 months.
•    No cover charge without a permit.
•    No dancing without a permit.
•    No entertainment without a permit.
•    Off duty police officers employed at the location as security must have jurisdiction to make an arrest.
•    Provides for a judicial review of a temporary or permanent closure of any location.
•    Requires the Board of License Commissioners to submit summary reports on this Bill’s effectiveness to the Prince George’s House and Senate Delegations.

This Bill will help the Police Department and the Board of License Commissioners in handling locations that are a nuisance and dangerous to the community, patrons, and employees.
  
All Pictures Courtesy of the Prince George's County Police Department

PGPD Ambassadors Play at Drew Freeman Middle School

 The Prince George's County Police Basketball Team (The Ambassadors) played faculty and staff from Drew Freeman Middle school on May 19,2010.

 The event is an effort for police to interact with students in an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere.

Pictures Courtesy of the Prince George's County Police Department

BUCKS FOR BUCKLING UP Personal Responsibility Reaps Financial Rewards

Prince George’s County, Maryland…These days, who couldn’t use an extra buck?  Your next chance to earn a buck is Wednesday, May 19th beginning at noon at the Boulevard at the Capital Center in Largo, Maryland (near the four way stop sign and Chick-Fil-A).  The Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union, which has donated the cash, is joining the Maryland State Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Office and the Prince George’s County Police Department in tomorrow’s Buckle Up For A Buck program.  Law enforcement officers and safety advocates will distribute $1 bills to drivers who have all occupants buckled up securely in their vehicles.  Those riding unrestrained will receive educational materials about the effectiveness of seat belts and child safety seats in saving lives and reducing injuries.

Nearly 620 people in Prince George’s County lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes between 2004 and2008.  Preliminary data shows that throughout 2008, someone was killed in Prince George’s County every three days in a crash.  Extensive efforts within the county have improved the overall seat belt use rate from less than 80% in 2004 to a current compliance rate of more than 93%.  However, Prince George’s County continues to lead the State with the highest number of motor vehicle deaths and the continued proper use of seat belts is the best way for motorists to protect themselves on the roadways.

    “The Click It or Ticket campaign is not about writing tickets, it is about preventing traffic injuries that abruptly end lives and shatter the lives of those injured or left behind.  Proper seat belt usage is unequivocally the primary reason why most drivers and passengers avoid serious physical injury when involved in a traffic crash,” said Prince George’s County Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton.

Through May, area law enforcement agencies in Prince George’s County will take a zero tolerance approach when it comes to enforcing Maryland’s seat belt law as part of Click It or Ticket.  Law enforcement officers would rather write a ticket for not using a seat belt rather than showing up at a door to tell a family that their loved one was killed because they were not buckled up.

    Buckle up for a Buck

The Buckle Up For A Buck program promotes seat belt usage and raises awareness of the traumatic results for those who choose not to buckle up.

Here are some basic facts to consider:

•     The risk of being involved in a fatal crash is significantly greater at night as compared to the daytime.
•     Nationally, 14,464 passenger vehicle occupants died in crashes in 2007 between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. Of that number, 63 percent were not wearing seat belts, compared to 45 percent of unbelted daytime (6 a.m. and 5:59 p.m.) occupants.
•     Seat belts save lives – they are the best defense against injuries and fatalities.
•     The force of an impact from a 30 mph crash is like falling headfirst from a three-story building.
•    In 2007 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 15,147 lives. An additional 5,024 lives could have been saved if seat belts were worn at the time of the crashes.
•     A seat belt is your best defense against a drunk or aggressive driver.
•    Crashes don’t just happen on long trips.
•     Most crashes occur within 25 miles from home, in good weather.
•     Wear your seat belt - every ride, every time, day and night.
•     Nationally, the number of traffic deaths in the United States is equivalent to a jumbo jet crashing, killing all aboard, every single day of every year.  Over 40,000 people are killed and 3 million are injured each year from traffic crashes.

    Needless deaths and injuries that result from non-use of seat belts cost society an estimated $26 billion annually in medical care, lost productivity and other   compensation related costs.

Seat belt patrols and other stepped-up law enforcement activities will be conducted during the national Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization, which runs May 24 - June 6.   Prince George’s County law enforcement officers will be out in force stopping and ticketing unbelted motorists. Unless you have money to burn and want to risk a ticket or worse – your life -- remember to Click It or Ticket day and night.

 Click It or Ticket is an annual national mobilization campaign sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Maryland State Highway Administration’s Safety Office.  Aimed at increasing seat belt use among all drivers and passengers in the United States, the campaign relies heavily on enforcement and education.

PGPD to Host Second Annual Youth Explosion

Prince George's County, Maryland …The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Community Services Division, along with the Tabernacle Church, will host its 2nd Annual “Youth Explosion.”  The event will highlight youth programs such as the Police Athletic League (PAL), Police Explorers and other anti-gang and anti-crime prevention initiatives.   The Prince George’s County Police Department believes that the only way to provide services that make a difference is to work cooperatively and in partnership with our youth, our communities and local businesses.


Who:    Prince George’s County Police Chief, Roberto L. Hylton
            Commander, Community Services Division, Major Rex Barrett
            Local Community and Civic Leaders

When:        Saturday, May 22, 2010

Time:        11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where:     The Tabernacle Church
11601 South Laurel Drive, Laurel, MD

Members of the public and media are encouraged to attend.  There will be prizes and giveaways for participants.  For more information, contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Community Services Division at (301) 909-7126.




Youth Explosion Flyer 2

Youth Explosion Flyer 2nd Annual Span

PGPD Participates In 14th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Run

 The Prince George's County Police Department participated in the 14th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Run on May, 14, 2010.








Officers have participated in this event since it's existence.  The run was a great opportunity to show our appreciation to the survivors' families for their ultimate sacrifice.  We would like to thank everyone who participated in this event.

Officers and members of Sergeant Richard Findley's family join in the Memorial Run.










During the event, members of the District I police station honor the memory of Corporal Thomas Jensen.










All Pictures courtesy of the Prince George's County Police Department

PGPD and COPS Team up for Families of Fallen Officers

 Prince George’s County, Maryland…. The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) teamed up with the Washington Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) to host a gathering of families of police officers killed in the line of duty from across the country.  On Saturday, May 15th, after President Obama spoke to families at the Capitol for Peace Officer Memorial Day, four metro buses carrying family members of fallen officers rolled into police headquarters in Palmer Park to enjoy a meal of barbequed chicken, hamburgers, chicken salad, fried fish, assorted salads, and a variety of homemade dessert.  As they exited the buses, they were greeted with hugs and handshakes by Chief of Police Roberto Hylton, members of the police department command staff, the Community Services Division, and volunteers from COPS.
 
Oliver Wendell Smith, the event coordinator and himself the father of a slain D.C. police officer, stated, “We hosted this event to give our survivors from across the country the chance to unwind after a very emotional day.  They have the chance to talk to other survivors who are going through the same pain of losing a loved one as they are.”

Chief of Police Roberto Hylton was moved emotionally by the strength of the survivors who visited headquarters.  “We had so many survivors thank us for co-hosting this gathering – the truth is, we are the ones who are blessed to have these brave family members in our presence.  Seeing the survivors arrive with pictures of their loved ones pinned to their shirts and listening to their stories nearly brought several of my commanders and me to tears.”

Chief Hylton thanked all of the volunteers who assisted with this effort including the Peer Support Team from the Montgomery County Police Department, PGPD Police Academy Alumni Association, Charles County Sheriff’s Department, DC Metropolitan Police Department, and Metro Transit Police Department.

For further information about this event, please contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Press Information Office at 301-772-4710.

FOP Lodge 89 Memorial Service

 The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89 held it's annual Police Memorial Service on Thursday, May 13, 2010.  The service honored the twenty-six Prince George's County Police Officers killed in the line of duty.

The service paid a living tribute to the officers that made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties.

  After the ceremony,family members,police colleagues and guests participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the individual officers' grave sites.

National Police Week Events 2010 Update

May 12, 2010 (Wednesday)
Police Unity Tour Arrival Ceremony
2:00 PM
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
400 block E St., NW
Contact: www.policeunitytour.com
________________________________________

May 13, 2010 (Thursday)
FOP 89 Memorial Service
Breakfast: 8:30 AM
Memorial Service: 10:00 AM
2905 Old Largo Road
Contact: Pam.Moore@fop89.org

Blessing of the Badge Service
3rd Annual Interdenominational Christian Service
10:15 AM
National City Christian Church
5 Thomas Circle, NW
Contact: Sergeant Greg Boyle, cop-min-greg@hotmail.com

22nd Annual Candlelight Vigil
8:00 PM
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
400 Block of E Street, NW
Contact: www.lawmemorial.org/policeweek
________________________________________

May 14, 2010 (Friday)

14th  Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Run Ceremony
10:30 AM
District I Station – Prince George’s County Police Department
5000 Rhode Island Avenue, Hyattsville
Contact: Captain Darren Disque, 301-772-4667

11th  Annual National Police Week Challenge 50-Kilometer Relay Race
8:00 AM
U.S. Secret Service Employee Recreation Association
Secret Service Training Center in Laurel, MD
Contact: www.secretservice.gov/npc50

8th Annual Steve Young Honor Guard Competition
8:30 AM
Fraternal Order of Police Grand Lodge
Meet at John Marshall Park, Pennsylvania Avenue/4th St, NW
Contact: www.policeweekhonorguard.com

National Police Survivors’ Conference
9:00 AM
Concerns of Police Survivors
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center (Registration is Mandatory)
Contact: www.nationalcops.org

Shomrim Society Kaddish Service
10:00 AM
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
400 Block of E St, NW
Contact: Major Jay Gruber, jgruber@umpd.umd.edu

15th Annual Emerald Society & Pipe Band March and Service
6:00 PM
National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies, Inc.
Assemble at 4:30 PM at New Jersey Avenue & F Street, NW. Step-off promptly at 6:00 PM. March will proceed to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Contact: Mike Roe: Mjroe@slmpd.org

17th Annual TOP COPS Awards Ceremony
7:00 PM
National Association of Police Organizations
Warner Theatre (tickets required)
513 Thirteenth Street, NW
Contact: www.napo.org
________________________________________

May 15, 2010 (Saturday)

29th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Day Service
12:00 PM
Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police
West Front of the United States Capitol, Washington, DC
Contact: www.policeweek.org

FOP/FOPA Wreath Laying Ceremony
3:30 PM
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
400 Block of E Street, NW
________________________________________

May 16, 2010 (Sunday)

National Police Survivors’ Conference
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Concerns of Police Survivors
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center (Registration is Mandatory)
Contact: www.nationalcops.org

The Prince George's County Response System Open House Event

The Prince George’s County Crisis Response System
in collaboration with the Department of Family Services Mental Health and Disabilities Administration
Invite’s you to join us for an "OPEN HOUSE", at the Crisis Response System in honor of “May is Mental Health Month”

Where:      4372 Lottsford Vista Road
                 Lanham, Maryland 20706

When:        Wednesday, May, 12, 2010
                   1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Contact:    (301) 429-2185
 
Tour the Prince George’s County Facility

WHO YOU’LL MEET:

Crisis Response System Staff, Local Public Safety Officials, and
Prince George’s County Mental Health Providers

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED

An Example of Good Community Policing

 Maryland Crime Hits All-Time Low
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's crime rate has declined to an all-time low since police unified record keeping more than 35 years ago.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Monday that the state recorded fewer violent crimes in 2009 than any point since 1979. The state is also expected to drop out of the nation's 10 most dangerous states for the first time in 20 years.
The improvements come amid a national decline in crime rates. Still, it's good news for O'Malley in an election year.

The governor announced the state's 2009 crime numbers in Prince George's County, where 27 fewer killings were reported last year than in 2008.
O'Malley says his administration has made Maryland safer by cracking down on repeat offenders and targeting at-risk youths, among other tactics.

From: WUSA 9 News by Scott Broom

O'Malley Announces 8-percent Drop in Maryland Crime

Gov. Martin O'Malley is crediting technology and increased cooperation between law enforcement for bringing Maryland's violent crime rate to its level since 1975.

From: ABC 7 News

Prince George's County Police will participate in Buckle Up For A Buck campaign

Prince George's County Police will participate in Buckle Up For A Buck campaign 
May 11th, 12pm at Largo MVA!

Could you use an extra buck?  On May 11th at the Largo Maryland Motor Vehicle 
Administration (10251 Central Avenue Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772) beginning 
at noon, hundreds of dollar bills will be given out simply for obeying the law 
and buckling up. 

 The Prince George’s Federal Credit Union who has donated the 
money, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, the Maryland State Highway 
Administration’s Highway Safety Office and the Prince George’s County Police 
Department will participate in the Buckle Up For A Buck campaign.

Law enforcement officers and safety advocates will distribute $1 bills to drivers 
who have all occupants buckled up securely in their vehicles.  Those riding 
unrestrained will receive educational materials about the effectiveness of seat 
belts and child safety seats in saving lives and reducing injuries.

PGPD Ambassador Basketball Team vs. School Teams& Faculties

 The Prince George's County Police Department's Ambassador Basketball Team played  their first basketball game on May 7th at Kenmore Middle School. WPGC-FM radio was there to support the event.

The event was an opportunity  for students to interact with police officers in an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere.

There was a Half court, Free throw and HORSE competition as well as Trivia about Prince George's County during each break.

The game was a huge success with standing room only crowds.









Photos courtesy of the Prince George's County Police Department

The Command Officers' Association Memorial Candlelight Service

The Command Officers' Association Memorial Candlelight Service for fallen officers was held Wednesday, May 5, 2010, in the Council Hearing Room of the County Administration Building.

 Forty -five fallen heroes were honored.  During the ceremony, fallen officer Corporal Thomas Jensen's name was added to the memorial plaque.

 Thanks to everyone that participated or assisted in the Candlelight Memorial Service.











All pictures courtesy of the Prince George's County Police Department

PGPD to Host Suitland Community Day 2010

Prince George's County, Maryland… As a part of the ongoing efforts to foster positive partnerships between the police, citizens and local businesses, the Prince George’s County Police Department’s District III COPS office, working in partnership with the MISR Shrine Temple, and members of the Suitland Civic Association, will host Suitland Day this Saturday at Drew Freeman Middle School.
    
Suitland Day 2010 will consist of various activities and entertainment to include informative sessions on Department sponsored youth programs, appearances by the Department’s Rhythm in Blues jazz band, Motorcycle unit, K-9 unit, and Aviation unit.  Free health care screenings will be provided by the Health Department.  The objective of this event is to create a cohesive and fun day in an effort to promote open dialog amongst the various cultures in Suitland and its Police COPS officers.


Who:     Prince George’s County Executive, Jack B. Johnson
             Prince George’s County Police Chief, Roberto L. Hylton
             Prince George’s County Police, District III COPS
             Suitland Civic Association President, Ms. Elsie Jacobs

When:    Saturday, May 8, 2010

Time:     9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where:  Drew Freeman Middle School (Front grounds area)
             2600 Brooks Drive
             Suitland, Maryland 20746

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.  For more information, contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s District III COPS unit at (301) 772-4920 or the Public Affairs Division at (301) 772-4710.