On January 27 the Greenbelt City Council met to discuss how best to deal with the increase in crime, most acutely violent crime, throughout the city. Franklin Park was the main focus, where
homicides, particularly from shootings and aggravated assaults that have escalated to firearms, have increased. Greenbelt Police Chief Richard Bowers reported that most other crime trends have remained at a steady level, with an “uptick” in auto thefts.
A recently drafted ordinance was the germ of the debate, which would mandate the installation and maintenance of security cameras “for all apartment complexes over 10 units to include electronic surveillance of the exterior and common-area interior of the apartment site.” Mayor Colin Byrd said that this ordinance was “pushed for” by city residents, yet stipulated that he was “flexible” and “open-minded” as to whether this legislation could be amended or changed, citing that it was not the only solution. He asserted that “some areas are relatively uninhabitable” due to the lack of a sense of safety.
Councilmember Judith Davis said that security cameras, while useful and providing some level of deterrence, are not the end-all solution, are not foolproof in their ability to clearly identify assailants and provide “a false sense of security,” adding that “crime still happens.” She referenced the high cost to install and monitor, leading quite likely to increased rental and condo fees at a time when many are experiencing intense financial challenges. She recommended focusing cameras on proven crime hotspots instead of a mandate for all apartment complexes. She was open to the city subsidizing camera installation in Franklin Park “within reason,” saying that “other things need to be done,” such as more community policing, safety education and a more trusting relationship between residents and police in the prevention and solving of crimes.
Resident Ric Gordon stated that security cameras, especially in the highest crime areas, would “help offset calls” to the police. He felt that Greenbelt police are “doing all they can” in their increased efforts to monitor the area and practice community policing, stressing that an effective solution “to bring down crime” is a more developed partnership of residents, police and the city. He felt that residents are already paying for existing private security and shouldn’t be required to pay more in rent.
Councilmember Silke Pope said she is “a big supporter of cameras” and had “no problem with (management) putting up their own cameras,” as it is private property. The city currently has installed cameras on the four city streets that intersect the community. Yet, she acknowledged that cameras are costly and “are not the answer for everything.” She said that currently, 46 percent of Franklin Park residents cannot pay rent and that council should be “mindful of timing” in making such a request to the ownership of the complex. As Greenbelt is a “small municipality”, the city budget “won’t allow” for any significant subsidy.
Councilmember Rodney Roberts felt that making a percentage of the property privately owned homes would have a positive effect, citing the high level of transience as a spur to crime and the lower rates of crime in mixed housing neighborhoods. He also was skeptical of the financial insolvency of the owners in regards to enhancing security, saying that “they have been making millions on that place for years.” Management would need to be “front and center” in this effort. He also felt that “cameras everywhere is not the solution” and would vote against any city subsidizing of such.
Councilmember Emmett Jordan felt that improving lighting would “make a world of difference,” citing the effectiveness of such an approach in Greenbriar and its lower cost than cameras. He also recommended a “more thoughtful” approach with management, in order to create a more constructive relationship, saying “we are all in this together.”
Councilmember Edward Putens hoped for a fruitful compromise in this effort as the goal was to save lives, saying that he supported whatever was necessary to accomplish this.
Bowers pushed for a “multi-pronged” and “holistic” approach to the problem, saying that “not one single thing is a panacea.” Another idea he offered was altering the environmental design of the complex and asserted that a close relationship between management and the police was critical. He felt that passing the ordinance would be “very costly,” yet supported some use of cameras. A solution would require an in-depth evaluation and some “creative funding.”
Byrd was appreciative of the conversation and “thoughtful and critical feedback,” feeling that a “starting point” had been reached on the issue. He said, after growing up here, he has seen “no strong improvement,” and while he felt the current efforts, like community policing, were commendable, the city would “need to do more.”
A discussion on Improved Medicare for All was tabled until legislation, such as a resolution from the county council, was available to evaluate.