Prince George's County proposes gun violence prevention office and data transparency portal

Prince George's County is taking significant steps to combat gun violence following a recent virtual meeting of the Gun Violence Workgroup. The meeting resulted in several key recommendations aimed at establishing a comprehensive approach to gun violence prevention in the community.

One of the primary resolutions is the establishment of a dedicated county office focused on gun violence prevention. This office will coordinate cross-agency strategies and develop a long-term plan to address gun violence, with an estimated timeline of six to twelve months for implementation. The proposed budget for this initiative ranges from $250,000 to $500,000 annually, emphasizing the county's commitment to centralizing efforts and enhancing accountability in tackling this pressing issue.

Another critical recommendation is the implementation of a gun violence impact assessment for all new developments and public safety investments. This assessment will evaluate the potential effects of development on gun violence and community safety, ensuring that future projects consider their impact on public safety.

The workgroup also discussed the creation of a gun violence data transparency portal. This online dashboard would provide real-time data on gun-related incidents, allowing residents and policymakers to track trends and allocate resources more effectively. While there is currently a public safety dashboard available, further investigation is needed to determine its comprehensiveness regarding gun violence data.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for enhanced prosecution of illegal firearm possession, particularly focusing on repeat offenders. The collaboration between law enforcement and the state's attorney's office is crucial in prioritizing these cases, ensuring that gun violence offenses receive the attention they require.

Regional collaboration was also highlighted as a vital component in addressing gun trafficking. Establishing a task force to work with neighboring jurisdictions will help identify and dismantle illegal gun trafficking networks affecting Prince George's County. Law enforcement officials confirmed that they already coordinate with agencies in Washington D.C. and Virginia to track trends and share information on gun violence.

These recommendations reflect a proactive approach to gun violence prevention in Prince George's County, aiming to create a safer community through strategic planning, data transparency, and regional cooperation. As these initiatives move forward, the county is poised to make meaningful strides in reducing gun violence and enhancing public safety.