Crime & Safety in Annapolis
Whenever a senseless act of gun violence and loss of life occurs, there is understandable shock and grief in the community and concern about crime generally. I understand those concerns, not just as Mayor, but as a resident and parent who cares about the kind of community my children are growing up in.
This month I want to let you know about our work, on many fronts, to tackle these important issues. I’m also aware that fear can lead to misperceptions and so it’s important that residents have the facts and an accurate picture of how the City is fighting crime and working for community safety.
1. Crime in Annapolis has declined significantly from levels seen 10-15 years ago.
While there are small fluctuations from year to year, the trendline has continued downward over recent years. The incidence of violent crime in 2020 was one of the lowest ever: 21 percent lower than 2010 and 10 percent lower than 2015. So far this year, incidents and crime are tracking at a similar level to last year.
2. Annapolis has a strong and professional police force.
Our police force may be small but our officers are dedicated and capable. Under the leadership of Chief Jackson and our new Deputy Chief they are doing a great job. Annapolis Police have solved each of the three homicides that have occurred this year.
3. As Mayor I am committed to supporting and funding our police and have done so in all of my budgets.
We have upgraded police resources such as computers and cruisers and funded personnel and employee obligations. This includes sourcing grants to cover administrative responsibilities so our officers are freed up to focus on policing.
4. If funding, resourcing and enforcement alone were the answers, no city would suffer from violent crime.
Over the past year, there has been a significant rise in gun violence across the United States. Nationwide, 150 people were killed in 400 shootings just over the July 4th weekend.
5. Crime and gun violence across the country reflect a difficult and complicated reality.
Most violent crime correlates with poverty, unemployment, lack of opportunity and alienation from the broader community. Combined with easy access to guns, not to mention a pandemic, it’s a long-term recipe for problems. This is true in Annapolis as it is elsewhere.
6. Any truly effective crime prevention program must tackle the complex social and economic issues that drive crime.
That’s why as Mayor, I am also working with our Police Chief, our officers, and many others across the City to address these ongoing, complex problems. The approaches we are taking include:
- Police officers working on the ground to build relationships and closer communication with the community.
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Better community liaison with additional positions and teams to work with residents – particularly under-served residents and those experiencing hardship.
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New social worker positions to assist residents in need, which in turn allows police resources to be directed appropriately.
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New initiatives such as our 150 Percent Group to bring all these resources together to harness expertise and find proactive and creative solutions to community safety problems.
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New programs to help educate and rehabilitate offenders to break the cycle of crime.
These approaches are working. Residents are engaging with our new services. Our police are building strong lines of communication within the community and demonstrating their professionalism daily by solving and preventing crimes. That’s why I will continue to support both our police and our community with resources and programs that build cooperation, opportunity and safety for all – regardless of economics, race or gender.
I believe this multi-pronged approach to public safety is the only practical answer to these complex issues. I also believe positive community engagement and dialogue is crucial. If I’ve learned one thing out of the pandemic, it’s that we need each other and we need to find constructive ways of talking and working together to solve our problems. We all have a part to play to build the safe and secure community we want to live in.
