PGPD District I Hosts "Take Back the Park" Barbeque

   Prince George’s County, Maryland…District I Commander, Major Hector Velez, and the District I COPS Office, joined the Templeton Knolls Civic Association Saturday June 11th for the “Take Back the Park” barbeque at the Templeton Knolls Neighborhood Park. The “Take Back the Park” barbeque was designed to maintain open dialogue between the community and the police department, and was an opportunity for District I Command Staff to discuss the community’s concerns around crime and neighborhood safety.


   More than 70 residents of the Templeton Knolls community turned out and were joined by Maryland State Senator Paul G. Pinsky and Council Member Eric Olsen. District I COPS officers shared information with residents about the “Summer Crime Initiative” as well as handing out information and educating the community on crime prevention and safety tips.

   District I COPS officers have held a series of events in the area to support community relations including an “Observational Skills and Crime Reporting” class, conducted in both Spanish and English, in the Langley Park and Templeton Knolls communities; and the Police Athletic League held a “Soccer Fest” for participants from Bladensburg and Langley Park Elementary Schools.

   “District I is a diverse community with rich cultural ties”, said Major Velez. “These community events are an excellent way to help bring everyone together and foster a sense of public safety between the residents and the Police Department. You just can’t put a price on how important it is to talk one on one and really connect with people.”

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