My Record on Crime

I believe no one has a more public and consistent record on crime and public housing than I.  In 2004 I was responsible for the first Public Safety Plan between the Housing Authority and the City that called for better policing for public housing, foot patrols and community policing.  In 2006 I was responsible for the Robinwood Safety Plan. In 2007-2008 the Citizen for Better Annapolis’ published reports on crime and housing, which I co-authored. In addition, I have written guest columns and letters to the editor on these subjects.  I have also made numerous presentations to many neighborhood associations, the City’s Public Safety forum, the Capital Editor and staff, church groups and the Mayor and the past and present Chief of Police.  This is an extensive written and public record, all of which have consistently advocated the following points:

-         Annapolis has a serious crime problem that needs to be dealt with

-         Police should be assigned in relationship to where crime occurs. Because these properties have not been adequately policed, public housing areas have become soft spots where people from around the region come to buy and sell drugs

-         Public housing is not federal property, but is the City’s responsibility to police adequately

-         Proactive community policing with foot patrols is needed in targeted areas

-     Modern technologies, including crime-data mapping and license-plate recognition
       systems, should be used.