Prince George’s County to crack down on ‘ghost guns’ in new bill

Tyger Munn
·2 min read
6

FORT WASHINGTON, Md. (DC News Now) — Prince George’s County Council introduced a new bill Tuesday that will ban untraceable weapons, along with other ideas to reduce violence in the community.

This — as well as a proposed juvenile curfew bill — is one of the new ways the county is tackling youth crime.

Councilmembers Calvin Hawkins and Krystal Oriadha sponsored the bill.

“A robust legislation around ghost guns, around gun violence, around youth resources is a priority for myself,” said Oriadha. “We have to do something to start seeing a difference in our community.”

Prince George’s County council introduces juvenile curfew zone bill

Several community members said they felt the same way, but they said they also know that a real change requires boots on the ground.

One such person is Jarriel Jordan, Sr., a former police officer who started Jacob’s Ladder Youth Organization. The organization has been working to keep young teens and children away from the violence that led to this bill in 2016.

Jordan said he likes the idea, but this is a team effort.

“Number one, everybody has to be accountable. Legislation is always good. We can’t arrest our way out of this situation. We have to come together as a community and figure some things out. That’s what we have to do,” he said.

Police: Pharmaceutical delivery worker assaulted, forced into car in Prince George’s County

Jamie Tyler is another retired officer who is giving back to his community. He said that methods have to change with the times.

“These kids are on these phones all day and seeing this lifestyle. … They go out and do… these things that’s getting them jammed up,” he said.

Both men also mentioned the role of law enforcement — they said as former officers, they believe that the police can greatly impact the battle against youth crime.

A vote on this proposal has not been scheduled. It still needs a vote from the Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.