People voice public safety concerns to Prince George’s County leaders

Ya-Marie Sesay
·2 min read
1

HYATTSVILLE, Md. (DC News Now) — Dozens of people filled the room at Hyattsville Library to share their concerns with county leaders when it comes to public safety.

It’s all a part of the “Countywide Public Safety Listening Tour” with councilmember Wanika Fisher, Vice Chair Sydney Harrisson and councilmember At-Large Calvin Hawkins.

Students, fraternities file temporary restraining order against UMD for halting Greek life activity

Violent crime in Prince George’s County is already up by 15% compared to this time last year, and that’s why many people came out to a public safety townhall to express their concerns.

“It is so vital because our constituents are the ones that are literally either seeing crimes occur or have been, sadly, victims of crimes,” Fisher said. “I think it’s important to get people’s feedback so we can also see the priorities.”

Wednesday’s meeting is the second of three stops leaders are making this week.

Residents raised concerns about crime, traffic safety and the need for more resources. They also took the time to discuss solutions in hopes to bring change to the county.

Prince George’s County native shares positive messages with kids through entertainment

“I caught a guy breaking into my neighbor across the street’s car, so they break in a lot,” said Marissa Carter. “[Also] the cars just fly through, they fly through at the stop signs at 8th Ave. I’m really scared of the children getting hit.”

During the townhall, many people wrote out their top two concerns, shared them with other residents and they filled out a problem tree to help identify the root causes of these problems and ways it can be resolved.

Youth crime was amongst the top concerns. This event comes hours after PGPD announced a 6th arrest that had been made in the murder of 2-year-old in Langley Park. That suspect in the case was 17 years old. Carter says more resources are needed for juveniles.

Man arrested for fatal shooting in Prince George’s County

“They need mental help,” Carter said. “They need the parents to be held accountable, not just throw them in jail. They need help.”

According to data from the Prince George’s County Police Department, so far this year there’s has been 17 murders.. Traffic fatalities have also been on the rise.

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