(This is the second article in the series on the City of Greenbelt’s Stakeholder Meeting with Franklin Park Representatives.)
On December 19, the Greenbelt City Council sat down with six Franklin Park representatives, Police Chief Richard Bowers and others to discuss matters of public safety and recreation. The meeting was held at Greenbelt Station.
Crime
Bowers was asked to discuss crime issues at Franklin Park as Mayor Pro Tem Judith Davis expressed concern that crime is increasing, particularly in light of a shooting incident that had occurred the day before. Bowers said the changes in numbers of crime incidents occurring is an areawide trend and not just a Greenbelt or Franklin Park issue. Actually, he expected that fewer crimes were committed in 2018 than in 2017. There were a string of 11 burglaries recently that skewed the crime data, making the crime rate seem worse than it really is. These 11 crimes were committed by one person who has been identified and no longer resides in the city.
Franklin Park contributes funds to the city to pay for an officer dedicated to serving that complex. Officer Carlos Torres said that he is doing more foot patrolling in specific areas of concern. He noted very good cooperation from Franklin Park. He said the development has increased lighting and added surveillance cameras. He also commended resident community members for being pro-police and cooperative with the department.
Read more of this story in the January 31 News Review.