[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6611228,"mediaKeyId","2898667-e11f872945c316185b149d40a785405b","parentId",2898667,"title","Public Safety Committee approves agenda with amendment","audioSeconds",37,"startMs",233000,"endMs",270000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898667-e11f872945c316185b149d40a785405b&start=233&end=270","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898667-e11f872945c316185b149d40a785405b/thumbnail_233000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611228/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Public-Safety-Committee-approves-agenda-with-amendment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611228-69dd1186af67cf3bf1e0143d366be77a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439812&Signature=bzuDCPDDUv4p0Sn2z0Qa-9vO~cz0kU3JAUHf4RRbTV8g-Foi0JngsJBSo52i~YnbNAo3ZlbbipzVAZnH5U~1DWOrP0J~riFi3RzKqiu~dNwGy-JVAQXpGF87qUT8eyjFvlYvHc4pnrwVX0fSp~YDHSixKUD~fg~L6TgBNWyxiYcHRjj-y9qrlOdt41hoWk7~yKjGQBjgCc8vBpPYDqDydtClDO26tApAOdRH6lTsp2hcsFOU2r8zj2xYBUGiDiM~9b6jflTPjQRPIwWqEqY04ZWE1FqjpSm6kn1zaHg3Kdud4B60eEMLu97G6z9b2Q-Q7n7r1UZQPgr1O5DUI2MC1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Annapolis, MD","date","2025-04-08T15:16:28.893Z","article","The Public Safety Committee convened at 6:42 p.m. and approved its meeting agenda with an amendment. During roll call Alderman Karma O’Neil was present and Alderman Gay was momentarily detained; a motion to approve the agenda carried after a second and the chair moved the agenda to substantive business.

Committee members also moved to defer or adjust approval of prior minutes as part of the session’s housekeeping, and then proceeded to the department updates on police, fire and emergency management.

The motion to approve the agenda was recorded as passed; the transcript does not specify a named mover or a detailed vote tally on the record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Public Safety Committee April 7 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The standing Public Safety Committee approved the meeting agenda (with an amendment) and moved to other business; committee also approved carrying forward an item on minutes approval.","taxTitle","Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland","taxId",59348,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611233,"OEM and partners cite reduced overdoses in Ward 6, expand harm‑reduction outreach and seek vending‑machine access",2524,5192000,7716000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898667-e11f872945c316185b149d40a785405b&start=5192&end=7716","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898667-e11f872945c316185b149d40a785405b/thumbnail_5192000.jpg","/articles/6611233/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/OEM-and-partners-cite-reduced-overdoses-in-Ward-6-expand-harmreduction-outreach-and-seek-vendingmachine-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611233-120788dc987d878e3e3c4c05e668193d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439812&Signature=e2EON6CCUPVxUrvHWiIGh1VFKXl~kxfgzv-SA2Rm8pTaotaOvFMIXmdzz3naa3j48dXxIxnNapb9rmcJ6apefU9SQRPwYtj4yvPZSK9o34tfs04Q3SxBEI96GxKuDZq5ppxrEC47AMVd5gthOZr6ZI5klFCNXL4oBSfG5ULT1caTJftyERZ6c5yN4u2zSNV25UGPy4KZkU-XsbwreGdAqw~lPs1AhLoMiRHYMYclkzoMBA4q1XK83tAe5rEqI9FgspNCjG9ndc~fkaMGaoMINR0UZ8NyHB2ll1wEqknfm~lBnJ1h7NvqSciQzImTJFYRREndY~rDXbkJd7--uLFVRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Office of Emergency Management and partner groups told the Public Safety Committee that Ward 6 recorded its lowest number of overdoses since 2015 and that ongoing harm‑reduction efforts—community Narcan vending machines, a weekly Well Mobile clinic and expanded outreach—have contributed to declines.

Kevin Simmons, city emergency manager, and Brandon Gosnell, assistant project coordinator for the overdose‑response program, said the city distributes about 300 food boxes a week through the Food Friday program and that Ward 6 received 81 boxes serving 81 families (310 individuals), including 21 seniors and 149 children. The food program is administered with the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and local volunteers.

On substance use disorder, OEM presented its 2024 end‑of‑year report. Brandon Gosnell said total overdoses citywide were the lowest since the department began keeping records in 2015; Ward 6 had a single fatal overdose in 2024 compared with four in 2023. He said reported naloxone (Narcan) use was recorded in roughly 80% of Ward 6 overdose responses the committee reviewed, and that two‑thirds of overdose incidents citywide cluster within a corridor near President Street.

Officials described three harm‑reduction tools that have been most visible in Ward 6: the community Narcan vending machine installed in Eastport and Anne Arundel County machines, the Well Mobile health van that operates Wednesdays at Harbor House, and targeted outreach teams that distribute naloxone, hygiene kits and referrals. The committee heard that Eastport’s vending‑machine network has dispensed about 1,800 kits countywide since the program launched.

Alderman Gay urged a 24‑hour solution for naloxone access and suggested a climate‑controlled outdoor dispenser. OEM and council members said they are exploring possible locations and legal/operational constraints; OEM noted the vending machine must be in a climate‑controlled, secure location and that community groups and property owners must agree to host devices.

The committee also heard that federal grant awards and some Department of Homeland Security and FEMA programs are under national review; Chief Simmons said several grants and a climate‑related grant application were temporarily paused while federal agencies review applications for policy compliance. The city is monitoring the reviews for their potential effect on local staffing and programs.

OEM officials said a community liaison position intended to bolster outreach across wards remains unfilled owing to delays; the department asked the committee for assistance identifying appropriate candidates and emphasized the priority of keeping outreach staffing in place to sustain reductions in overdoses.","City emergency management and partners reported the lowest Ward 6 overdose total since tracking began in 2015, credited sustained outreach, vending machines and the Well Mobile; officials said federal grant reviews have paused some funding and they are seeking local options for after‑hours naloxone access.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611238,"Annapolis Fire Department reports low fire loss in 2024, previews new engine and strategic plan",1129,4064000,5193000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898667-e11f872945c316185b149d40a785405b&start=4064&end=5193","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898667-e11f872945c316185b149d40a785405b/thumbnail_4064000.jpg","/articles/6611238/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Annapolis-Fire-Department-reports-low-fire-loss-in-2024-previews-new-engine-and-strategic-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611238-12b974c2ba53661c09f256c71c888420/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439812&Signature=b0YQY7n~GMiG2hdkFwDl7nYmpCrgDSrB61d3Jo9aTHXdUIZUKlVyHKuKEnRvCDW~-1ZyB7ldpRj1QXhLB89Jk2~JbW9sonwqsJkPaXVQZqs7KiO-pMLNfdhPi1FRPlU4k5REhRAnqPYIK0CKAUh0yXu7DbW1yB4KjggWu557RiuAZtnwdHKqcUVqbk9-E1l5Rqh17ujXkbV260wVnWmI0dvsaalu7MtJBXdtrcf-U0RABWzKygwObjoBO8Gg-yB~wqBcswRaAjX3xcFVhrLGev4CeNZAQQELU1Sd17PBXcU-JCxHMxevm8gSXh73smxnaGTlNN1ed6SzRzRxuHvX5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Annapolis Fire Department leaders reported to the Public Safety Committee that the city recorded a relatively low fire loss in 2024, that a new pumper truck for Forest Drive is nearing final inspection and that the department is drafting a strategic plan to present to city leadership.

Fire Chief Doug Romali told the committee that March call volumes were in line with seasonal averages and that emergency medical services make up roughly 70% of the department’s workload. Chief Romali said Ward 6 accounted for about 11% of the department’s responses in 2024, with 925 calls for service in that ward last year.

Chief Romali and Deputy Chief Matt Lopez said the new pumper for the Forest Drive station is in production and expected to go through final inspection at the end of the month; the department expects the apparatus in service in June. The department noted that current apparatus costs have risen: the new pumper was procured for about $725,000 under the council‑approved budget two years ago and would cost more if ordered today.

Deputy Chief Lopez outlined the strategic plan timeline and said internal focus groups and an external public survey are under way; the department plans to deliver a draft to the chief by September for presentation to the council later in the year. The plan will cover anticipated staffing, equipment and community‑education needs.

Committee members asked about apparatus maintenance and staffing. Chief Romali said routine mechanical work is handled by the city fleet maintenance shop on Hudson Street and that firefighters perform basic in‑house repairs but rely on fleet mechanics for major work. He also reported four new firefighter‑paramedic trainees currently in county fire school and two members completing paramedic training.

Fire leaders told the committee they will increase public education and outreach—programs range from smoke‑alarm distribution and hands‑only CPR to overdose response education—and that the fire and police public information officers will coordinate messaging more closely. The department said it is monitoring federal changes that have paused some grant programs and National Fire Academy activity and is assessing possible impacts on training and grant‑funded projects, including a city fireboat procurement that relies on U.S. and Canadian suppliers.","Fire officials told the public safety committee that 2024 had a low fire‑loss year, the new Forest Drive engine should enter service in June and the department is drafting a strategic plan for council review later this year.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611243,"Annapolis police report CALEA reinstatement and arrest in Clay Street homicide; outline Ward 6 crime trends and foot-patrol push",3690,351000,4041000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898667-e11f872945c316185b149d40a785405b&start=351&end=4041","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898667-e11f872945c316185b149d40a785405b/thumbnail_351000.jpg","/articles/6611243/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Annapolis-police-report-CALEA-reinstatement-and-arrest-in-Clay-Street-homicide-outline-Ward-6-crime-trends-and-foot-patrol-push","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611243-760e8c646e39713c037eab778f673566/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439812&Signature=PWaF4WiwS-C2ikCoX7BNcnm~DRulBatQz8DkAwuHm3Tax5r5C-VgqpGAacVz2OvENHFQJ8yvqMr~K-h0gmwDY5~JTibzMO5-4c~n4kNXYnOLcEYjPD~VcdddSzUH-2OhHzEaCbTOArl1U4WX-175YVkicLuRq2m0HjOhBs~WWUZxKImhfyLHdE9Pv42UbpoYh4njYU4QNxviB9~pdRcp0nCdrNsNWUmFdUSQRT2TjK0J0AFU4vgJNJr2NIFYeUoywdDLzzkJTUDVgx2uXGYuahLw6Cr9p1o-cIeCXTSNFCEn1BOb9-FJ0AqLqhqzwNPWGNLB1-ovJ6T5EnVGM4fG3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Annapolis Police Department told the Public Safety Committee on April 2025 that it was reinstated by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in March with no conditions and that detectives, working with federal partners, arrested a suspect in a Clay Street homicide.

Chief Keith, the city’s police chief, said the department was reinstated by CALEA “with no conditions,” and thanked command staff and civilian partners who worked on policy revisions and the accreditation submission. He identified Kayla Ziegler as a newly hired community advocate and singled out officers and staff who received department awards for the accreditation work.

The department also announced the arrest of Roscoe Jerome Jones in the morning hours of the same week. Chief Keith said U.S. Marshals, assisted by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, apprehended Jones “in the front of an apartment complex without incident” and that investigators believe he is implicated in the homicide on Clay Street and in incidents in neighboring jurisdictions. The chief said detectives will now refocus on unsolved cases.

Captain Scott Thacker and Operations Commander Lamar Howard presented crime statistics for Ward 6. They reported that Ward 6 accounted for about 11% of the city’s emergency responses in 2024 and that part‑1 violent crimes in the ward showed a pattern: a large share of aggravated assaults, rapes and some robberies involved domestic or partner-on-partner incidents, and a number of burglaries involved people forcing entry into vacant apartments. The slides shown to the committee listed specific counts (for example, 925 calls for service in Ward 6 in 2024) and identified a corridor near President Street where roughly two-thirds of overdoses and a concentration of other incidents occurred.

Committee members pressed the department on patrol tactics. Chief Keith and Deputy Chief Stan Brantford said they plan to increase visible foot patrols as part of a data‑driven deployment model. “Give me 15, 20 minutes a day to actually walk,” Chief Keith said, describing the operational goal of routinely including short foot‑patrol assignments in officers’ tours of duty and capturing those patrols through body‑worn camera activation and radio check‑ins for accountability.

Alderman Karma O’Neil and Alderman Gay praised recent foot‑patrol activity on Clay Street and elsewhere and urged the department to sustain public communication about patrols. The chief said the department is developing ward‑specific crime plans—tailored responses based on local data—and that the full citywide crime plan will be shared with council leadership when ready.

Committee members also raised domestic violence as a recurring driver of several statistics for Ward 6. Lakisha Blue, who will assume duties for professional standards and internal investigations, said outreach and tailored materials (such as newsletters and safety pamphlets) can help neighbors support at‑risk individuals. The department said it intends to revive community education and targeted outreach around domestic violence and other recurrent problems.

The department briefly discussed technology and interagency partnerships, including drone and AI tools, but said community engagement and traditional problem‑solving remain central. Chief Keith asked the committee for time to review a University of Maryland workload study and to return with recommendations after command staff analysis.

The committee did not take a formal policy vote tied to the department’s crime plan during the meeting; members asked for follow‑up briefings and more detailed materials for public release.","City police said the department was reinstated by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and reported the arrest of a suspect in a Clay Street homicide. Command staff presented 2024 crime data for Ward 6 and emphasized expanded foot patrols and a tailored crime plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public Safety Committee approves agenda with amendment

OEM and partners cite reduced overdoses in Ward 6, expand harm‑reduction outreach and seek vending‑machine access

Annapolis Fire Department reports low fire loss in 2024, previews new engine and strategic plan

Annapolis police report CALEA reinstatement and arrest in Clay Street homicide; outline Ward 6 crime trends and foot-patrol push