Dist IV COPS & JLC Mentoring Youth Enrichment & Mentoring Program Hosts Halloween Event

The District IV Community Oriented Policing Section and JLC Mentoring Youth Enrichment and Mentoring Program partnered up to giveaway Halloween treats to the Oxon Hill community outside of the District IV police station.

 Over 130 bags of Trick-or-Treat candy was given away to numerous happy kids from the community.  The JLC Youth Enrichment and Mentoring Group, which is headed by Mr. Joseph L. Chaney, gives the youth support that many of them need and mentor relationships that connect them with reliable adults who can offer them opportunities to learn about the world of work, earn money, build a sense of worth and make lifelong friendships.  The mentoring group meets at the District IV/Oxon Hill Police Station Community Room each and every Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

JLC Youth Enrichment and Mentoring Program has many success stories.  Young men and women who have turned the corner to become hard working college students, with successful careers and goals, some who have taken jobs that are a stepping stone to something greater.  These youth have become a team of positive young men and women who work together and support each other to be successful.

Pictures Courtesy of the Prince George's County Police Department

PGPD Kicks Off Safe Treat Initiative



Cpl. Ervin giving candy & safety literature 



The Prince George's County Police Department's Safe Treat Initiative began last night with Community Services Division and district-level COPS officers conducting high visibility patrols.  These officers distributed candy and literature throughout the community near malls, schools and residential areas promoting the Safe Treat Initiative.




Cpl. Ervin giving candy & safety literature 

 

One of the goals of the Safe Treat Initiative is to provide parents with a safe place to bring their children for trick-or-treating.  Each district station will provide candy for trick-or-treaters tomorrow night and Sunday night.  Children should arrive in a safe costume; however, all children are welcome.  While parents and children are visiting, COPS officers will be available to answer questions and provide information and literature on personal safety, the Explorer program, and the PAL program.

All Photos courtesy of Capt. Awad (PGPD)



Cpl. D'Haiti distributes candy in District V



Cpl. Ervin giving candy




 





All Photos courtesy of Capt. Awad (PGPD)



PGPD SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT WANTED FOR ROBBERY

PGPD Offers Halloween Safety Tips

Prince George’s County, Maryland… In an effort to prepare for a safe Halloween, the Prince George’s County Police Department will be conducting high visibility patrol throughout the County.

Halloween may be a fun holiday for children, but for parents the holiday can be a little tricky. To help parents and children have a safe and enjoyable Halloween, the Prince George’s County Police Department offers the following safety tips:

For Trick-or-Treaters and Parents

• Wear a costume that makes it easy for you to walk in and to be seen in. An adult should always accompany smaller children.

• Carry a flashlight and make sure that some sort of reflective material is incorporated into the costume.

• Use sidewalks when available and try to stay in well-lit areas. Never dart out between parked cars. Always cross at corners and crosswalks.

• An outside light on in front of a house is usually a sign that trick-or-treaters are welcome. Avoid going to houses that are not lit.

• Allow an adult to inspect all treats prior to eating them. Only give and accept wrapped candy. If it appears to be tampered with, be on the safe side and discard it.

For Traveling Motorists

• Drive slowly! Be aware that young trick-or-treaters may dart out from between parked cars.

• Do not drive a vehicle while wearing a mask of any sort. Your visibility could be obscured.

PGPD Community Services Division Presents Safe Treat Initiative

Prince George’s County, Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Community Services Division will be hosting a Safe Treat Initiative to promote personal safety awareness and education.

The Community Services Division, along with the Robbery Suppression Teams (RST), Special Assignment Teams (SAT), and Community Oriented Police Officers (COPS), will be on hand at their respective districts to assist with this initiative. Each station will decorate their lobby area to allow a safe place for parents to bring their children for trick-or-treating. Parents and children will be able to speak with a COPS officer who will share safety tips and information about the Explorer and Police Athletic League Programs.

Children are encouraged to come in costume and receive candy; however no child will be turned away if they are not in costume. COPS and Community Services Division officers will be conducting high visibility patrol during this initiative. They will provide candy and literature to children in the community.

Event: Safe Treat Initiative

When: October 29th – October 31st

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Where: District I / Hyattsville, 5000 Rhode Island Avenue,
Hyattsville, Maryland

District II / Bowie, 601 S.W. Crain Highway,
Upper Marlboro, Maryland

District III / Palmer Park, 7600 Barlowe Road,
Landover, Maryland

District IV/ Oxon Hill, 5135 Old Indian Head Highway,
Oxon Hill, Maryland

District V/ Clinton, 6707 Groveton Drive,
Clinton, Maryland

District VI/ Beltsville, 4321 Sellman Road,
Beltsville, Maryland

All members of the community and media are invited to attend. For more information, call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Community Services Division at (301)909-7126.

The Hidden Price Of Guns-A Washington Post Investigation

A Three Part Series from the Washington Post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/nation/guns/

Police Investigate Shooting on Lansdales Hope Way

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s District II Investigative Section is investigating a shooting that occurred in Bowie, Maryland.


On October 21, 2010 at approximately 12:20 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 13200 block of Lansdales Hope Way for the report of gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, patrol officers located 42 year-old Charles Smith inside his home with gunshot wounds to the upper body. He was transported to a local hospital where he is currently in critical but stable condition. Detectives are working to identify the suspect who was observed fleeing the scene. He is described as a black male, approximately 5’5” tall, wearing a red hat, brown shirt, and blue jeans.

A search warrant was executed early this morning, around 4:30 a.m., at Lansdales Hope Way. A large quantity of cocaine and evidence of a gambling operation were confiscated from Mr. Smith’s residence.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s District II Investigative Section at (301) 390-2160. 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. The investigation is continuing.

Governor Martin O'Malley Awards PGPD with Traffic Safety Enforcement Grant and Funding for Safety and Community Improvements

Prince George’s County, Maryland…Governor Martin O’Malley announced new safety and community improvement initiatives in Prince George’s County: the approval of $4 million in design funds will be used to work on the Maryland Route 450 Bladensburg Community Safety and Enhancement Project. The $4 million design project will begin immediately on new roadway safety improvements along Maryland Route 450 between Kenilworth Avenue and 54th Street.

Enhancements will include sidewalk improvements, along with roadway resurfacing, and lighting. Safety along the roadways in Prince George’s County was further bolstered with a $200,000 enforcement grant. The grant provides the Prince George’s County Police Department with additional funding for traffic safety enforcement, and the unveiling of 20 new DUI enforcement signs along the Capital Beltway as part of the overall Beltway DUI Enforcement Initiative and the Prince George’s County Fatality Reduction Plan implemented by Maryland State Police (MSP) and the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

Department of Transportation Secretary, Beverley Swaim-Staley, presented the Prince George’s County Police Department with a check in the amount of $200,000 to support the County’s Fatal Accident Reduction Plan. The federal funds awarded will provide for additional speed and alcohol detection equipment, as well as provide enforcement funding for aggressive driving, impaired driving, and pedestrian safety near the Beltway and throughout the county.

“For too long traffic crashes have plagued Prince George’s County, killing more than 1200 of our citizens over the last 10 years,” said Prince George’s County Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton. “Through a new dedicated traffic enforcement unit and other public safety outreach initiatives, we are taking action to prevent these crashes not only around the Capital Beltway, but throughout our great County.”

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

Police Make Quick Arrest in Homicide on Oak Glen Way

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit has made a quick arrest in connection with a homicide that occurred in Forestville, Maryland.


On October 19, 2010 at approximately 8:41 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 2200 block of Oak Glen Way for the report of an unknown trouble. When patrol officers arrived, they found the victim suffering from trauma to his body. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The victim has been identified as 49 year-old Marcel Lamarr Wise of the 1100 block of Waterford Drive in District Heights, Maryland.

Patrol officers located 31 year-old Jermain Lydell Mitchell on the scene and homicide detectives identified him as the suspect in the case. Homicide detectives have also established that this murder is the result of a personal dispute between the victim and suspect. Mitchell has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections on a No Bond status.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (301) 772-4925.

Police Make Third Arrest in Citizen Robbery on Baltimore Avenue

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I Investigative Section has made a third arrest in connection to a citizen armed robbery that occurred in College Park, Maryland.

On August 8, 2010 at approximately 12:19 a.m., patrol officers responded to the 7200 block of Baltimore Avenue for the report of a robbery. When patrol officers arrived, they learned that three suspects approached the victims, two of which displayed handguns and demanded their money. The victims complied with the suspects’ demands and gave them money and property. After taking the items, the suspects fled the area on foot.

Detectives were able to identify 20 year-old Hashim Theodore Williams, of the 8800 block of Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring, Maryland as the third suspect in the case and obtain a warrant for his arrest. Williams turned himself into police on October 19, 2010. He has been charged with Armed Robbery and remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections on an $80,000 bond status.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I Investigative Section at (301) 699-2601.

Arrest Made in Commercial Armed Robbery on Old Annapolis Road

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery and the Repeat Offenders Prevention Enforcement Unit (R.O.P.E.)  has arrested 19 year-old Jaimon Turner in connection with a commercial armed robbery that occurred in Bowie, Maryland.

On September 6, 2010 at approximately 6:16 a.m., patrol officers responded the Shell Gas Station located in the 13800 block of Old Annapolis Road for a report of a commercial armed robbery.  Upon arrival, the victim stated the suspect entered posing as a customer.  Once inside, the suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded money.  The victim complied and gave the suspect an undetermined amount of money. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

 Detectives were able to identify Jaimon Turner, of the 21700 block of Aquasco Road in Aquasco, Maryland, as a suspect in the case and obtained a warrant for his arrest.  On October 14, 2010, Turner was arrested and charged with armed robbery.  Jaimon Turner has been remanded to the custody of the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections, where he is being held on a $100,000 bond status.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at (301) 772-4905.

Arrest Made in Commercial Armed Robbery on Annapolis Road

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery and the Repeat Offenders Prevention Enforcement Unit (R.O.P.E.)  has arrested 22 year-old Ernesto Rodriguez in connection with a commercial armed robbery that occurred in Bowie, Maryland.

On October 2, 2010 at approximately 9:04 p.m., patrol officers responded a Shell Gas Station located in the 13800 block of Annapolis Road for a report of a commercial armed robbery.  Upon arrival, the victim stated the suspect entered posing as a customer.  Once inside, the suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded money.  The victim complied and gave the suspect an undetermined amount of money. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

 Detectives were able to identify Ernesto Rodriguez, of the 3800 block of Eldbridge Terrace in Bowie, Maryland, as a suspect in the case and obtained a warrant for his arrest.  On October 5, 2010, Rodriguez was arrested and charged with armed robbery and first-degree assault.  Ernesto Rodriguez has been remanded to the custody of the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections, where he is being held on a $100,000 bond status.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at (301) 772-4905.

Arrest Made in Commercial Armed Robbery on Crain Highway

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery and the Repeat Offenders Prevention Enforcement Unit (R.O.P.E.)  has arrested 17 year-old Daijon Turner in connection with a commercial armed robbery that occurred in Bowie, Maryland.

On October 3, 2010 at approximately 2:19 a.m., patrol officers responded the 7-Eleven located in the 3700 block of Crain Highway for a report of a commercial armed robbery.  Upon arrival, the victim stated the suspect entered posing as a customer.  Once inside, the suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded money.  The victim complied and gave the suspect an undetermined amount of money. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

 Detectives were able to identify Daijon Turner, of the 21700 block of Aquasco Road in Aquasco, Maryland, as a suspect in the case and obtained a warrant for his arrest.  On October 14, 2010, Turner was arrested and charged with armed robbery.  Daijon Turner has been remanded to the custody of the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections, where he is being held on a $45,000 bond status.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at (301) 772-4905.

Arrest Made in Commercial Armed Robbery on Central Avenue

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery and the Repeat Offenders Prevention Enforcement Unit (R.O.P.E.)  has arrested 27 year-old Carlos Dewayne Harley in connection with a commercial armed robbery that occurred in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

On October 8, 2010 at approximately 7:40 p.m., patrol officers responded the 7-Summers Liquor store located in the 18800 block of Central Avenue for a report of a commercial armed robbery.  Upon arrival, the victim stated the suspect entered posing as a customer.  Once inside, the suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded money.  The victim complied and gave the suspect an undetermined amount of money. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

Detectives were able to identify Carlos Dewayne Harley, of the 40 block of Queens Anne Bridge Road in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, as a suspect in the case and obtained a warrant for his arrest.  On October 9, 2010, Harley was arrested and charged with armed robbery and first-degree assault.  Carlos Dewayne Harley has been remanded to the custody of the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections, where he is being held on a $250,000 bond status.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at (301) 772-4905.

Arrest Made in Commercial Armed Robbery on Allentown Road

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery and the Repeat Offenders Prevention Enforcement Unit (R.O.P.E.)  has arrested 21 year-old Anthony Jerome Smith in connection with a commercial armed robbery that occurred in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

On October 6, 2010 at approximately 8:00 p.m., patrol officers responded the Maxey Liquor store located in the 7500 block of Allentown Road for a report of a commercial armed robbery.  Upon arrival, the victim stated the suspect entered posing as a customer.  Once inside, the suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded money.  The victim complied and gave the suspect an undetermined amount of money. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

 Detectives were able to identify Anthony Jerome Smith, of the 7200 block of Allentown Road in Fort Washington, Maryland, as a suspect in the case and obtained a warrant for his arrest.  On October 7, 2010, Smith was arrested and charged with armed robbery and first degree assault.  Anthony Jerome Smith has been remanded to the custody of the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections, where he is being held on a $250,000 bond status.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at (301) 772-4905.

Identities of Suspects Sought in Citizen Armed Robbery

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I Robbery Suppression Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying individuals wanted in connection with a citizen armed robbery in Adelphi, Maryland.

On October 9, 2010 at approximately 9:31 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 9200 block of New Hampshire Avenue for a report of a citizen armed robbery. When they arrived, the victim stated that he was approached by the suspects who displayed a taser and demanded money. The victim complied and gave the suspects an undetermined amount of money and debit cards. The suspects fled on foot.

A short time after committing the armed robbery, the suspects were caught on surveillance video at various locations using the victim’s debit card. The suspects are described as black males between the ages of 18-20 years-old. One of the suspects was described as having a pony tail hairstyle and the other had dreadlocks. One of the suspects was armed with a taser.

Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I Robbery Suppression Unit at 301-699-2601. 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. 

Police Make Arrest in Sexual Assault in Hyattsville

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I Investigative Section is investigating a sexual assault that occurred in Hyattsville, Maryland.

On October 17, 2010 at approximately 1:08 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 3200 block of Toledo Place for the report of a sexual assault.  Once on scene officers were advised by two juvenile victims that they were pulled into an apartment and sexually assaulted. The arrested, 36 year old Nche Evenatius Che, of the 3600 block of Toledo Place, was identified on scene and taken into custody.  The arrested was questioned and later transported to the Department of Corrections. Che is currently being held on a $450,000 bond and being charged with 3rd degree sex offence, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment and 2nd degree assault.

Police are seeking any additional information or victims in this case. Anyone with information about this case should call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I Investigative Section at (301) 699-2601.  

Police Make Quick Arrest in Cutting Incident in College Park

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I Investigative Section has arrested Leonardo Alonso Ramos in the quadruple cutting that occurred early yesterday morning in College Park, Maryland.

Ramos, 21, of the 10800 block of Madison Street in Kensington, was arrested early this morning at his home without incident. He was charged with 1st degree assault and remanded to the custody of the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections.

On October 12, 2010, at approximately 1:29 a.m., patrol officers responded to Baltimore Avenue and Knox Road for the report of a cutting. Once on scene, officers discovered four victims suffering from stab wounds to the upper body. The responding officers were advised that an altercation began at the Thirsty Turtle, where the victims and suspect were told to leave. The altercation continued and escalated to a physical altercation at the intersection of Knox Road and Baltimore Avenue. During this altercation, the suspect produced a folding knife and injured the four victims. The victims were transported to local hospitals, where they were treated and released for non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s District I Investigative Section at (301) 699-2601. 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.

Photos Courtesy of the Prince George's County Police Department 

PGPD Press Conference in Reference to Training Academy Testing

Chief Roberto Hylton's Letter to The Community-Training Academy Response

Dear Prince George’s County Residents:

                On October 6, 2010, the Washington Post published an article regarding an internal audit of the records of the Prince George’s County Police Training Academy, Session 115.   I feel it is important to provide you with accurate information regarding this matter.  First, I want you to know that I support the men and women of the Prince George’s County Police Department.  As long as I am the Chief of Police, I will not allow the integrity of this police department or the professionalism of its members to be maligned.  The motive for this article was obvious and unnecessary, with the potential for long-term repercussions for us all. 

                Last month, I ordered an audit of the records of Session 115, 116, and 117.  This audit is being conducted by the Professional Standards Division under the direct supervision of Captain Irene Huskens.  So far, the audit has indicated that members of Session 115 did not cheat.  An instructor, however, was disciplined for improperly administering a test to Session 115.  It is not anticipated that the records of Sessions 116 and 117 will reveal any abnormalities; those are being audited solely out of an abundance of caution.

                All members of Session 115 have successfully completed the Department’s field training program (FTO Program), during which they are required to demonstrate proficiency in all Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission (MPCTC) objectives.  Members of Session 115 are certified Maryland police officers, and statements that question the validity of any arrests made by these officers are incorrect and irresponsible.   We will work with the State’s Attorney’s Office to ensure that all arrests made by our officers are prosecuted fully.

                Certification of police officers is issued by the MPCTC and the Department has consulted them regarding this audit.  The Department will continue to work with the MPCTC and follow their direction at the conclusion of the audit.  All findings of the audit will be shared with MPCTC.  As has happened in similar allegations involving other agencies, the MPCTC will wait until the internal audit is complete before beginning their review.  Thus far, the audit has revealed that there are deficiencies in the record keeping practices at the Training Academy.  The Department is developing a plan to improve documentation and record retention practices, which will be implemented immediately. 

                At the present time, no officers will be removed from duty.  I expect the members of the department to meet the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.  Our commitment to the community has been, and, continues to be, to conduct appropriate, transparent investigations, extracting all the facts.  I ask for your patience while this audit is conducted.   We know that you are depending upon us to keep you safe.

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                Roberto L. Hylton

                                                                                                                Chief of Police

PGPD Special Operations Division Hosts First Annual "IRON TEAM" Endurance Competition

The Prince George's County Police Departments Special Operations Division held their first annual "IRON TEAM' Endurance Competition at Supplee Park in Laurel, on September 28, 2010.

The event comprised of both police and military teams. Each four person team competed in various exercises such as the 2.5 mile trail run, 25-yard equipment carry, 25-yard pole carry, 35-yard water crossing and the 50-yard officer rescue.

The final results of the competition are as follows:
1. Montgomery County Police
2. 289th Military Police Company (Army)
3. United States Park Police
4. Prince George's County Police
5. Anne Arundel County Police


Congratulations to all the participants.




                                                    

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