The Prince George's County Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to create a Prince George's Correctional Safety Task Force to study safety conditions at the county adult detention center and recommend steps to reduce violence and improve supervision.

The resolution (CR1112025), introduced Oct. 7, 2025 at the county executive's request, tasks the panel with gathering information about safety incidents, reviewing monitoring and supervision practices, and producing a written report no later than one year after adoption, with a possible 180‑day extension determined by a majority of task force members.

The committee added an amendment from the county executive’s office requiring a feasibility study to determine whether improving safety will require construction or creation of additional facilities, including standard detention or specialized mental‑health space. The amendment was moved on the committee floor and passed 5‑0.

"This is an opportunity to just review and work with our current direct[ion] and his team to better advance what is occurring there and to determine really the importance of building a new facility," said Council member Hawkins, the sponsor of the resolution.

David Williams, legislative budget and policy analyst, told the committee the Department of Budget and Policy does not anticipate a significant adverse fiscal impact from the resolution as drafted.

Representatives expected to serve on the task force include members from the Department of Corrections, the Office of the Sheriff, the State's Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, County Council appointees and community advocacy organizations. The council chair will appoint the task force chair and the county executive will appoint the vice chair; both officers must be non‑county employees under the resolution.

The committee discussion included assurances from corrections leadership that they welcome collaboration. "We look forward to working with the task force. We look forward to any opportunity to improve our situation, through collaboration," the corrections director said during the meeting.

The committee recorded its final favorable vote, as amended, with Chair Blige, Vice Chair Fisher, Council member Olson, Council vice chair Oriaga and Council member Watson all voting yes.

Next steps: the task force will be formed under the timeline in the resolution and proceed to gather evidence and prepare recommendations for the council and the county executive. The resolution requires a written report within a year unless the task force votes to extend the deadline by up to 180 days.

Votes at the meeting on CR111 matched the official committee roll call: 5‑0 in favor.