APD reports lower crime in Wards 5 and 7 in 2024, outlines summer crime plan and allied-agency deployments
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Summary
The Annapolis Police Department told the Public Safety Committee that Wards 5 and 7 ranked in the lower half for several crime categories in 2024, described a Thursday–Sunday summer crime deployment, recent shootings under investigation, partnerships with county and state law enforcement and internal-affairs activity.
Annapolis Police Department leaders told the Public Safety Standing Committee that Wards 5 and 7 were in the lower half of the city's wards on several 2024 crime measures but described recent shooting incidents and an augmented summer crime plan that focuses patrols and allied-agency support on high-risk corridors.
An unnamed APD chief opened the presentation and said the department had to "mitigate some recent violence" and reported two critical shooting cases over a recent weekend; detectives have investigative leads but the chief cautioned against disclosing specifics that could harm investigations. "One's critical and... could transition very quickly into a homicide investigation," the chief said.
Captains Lamar Howard and Guy Thacker provided ward-level crime breakdowns and described trends. Captain Howard said Ward 5 had no homicides in 2024, and did not record discharges or contact shootings in that ward; property thefts and domestic-related aggravated assaults were among the department's recurring challenges. Captain Thacker described Ward 7 as similarly lower-ranked for many categories but noted a 2024 homicide on Georgetown Road that remains under active investigation.
Summer crime plan and allied support: Captain Thacker described a data-driven summer deployment that concentrates additional patrols Thursday through Sunday and leverages allied resources. "I've put in a request with Anne Arundel County to provide air support... focusing on the Forest Drive Corridor," he said. He also described cooperation with Maryland State Police and the county sheriff's office to bolster coverage and with property managers to address environmental safety measures such as lighting and cameras.
Internal affairs and accountability: Director Lakeisha Blue of APD's internal-affairs unit reported an increase in public complaints compared with 2024; the department is using iPRO/electronic case management and said year‑to‑date complaint counts stood at 27 as of early July. Blue said the majority of complaints to date are minor and that five compliments and one life-saving recognition were also submitted through the public portal.
ICE and federal enforcement: APD leaders addressed local questions about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city, saying APD does not enforce federal immigration law and usually is not pre-notified of ICE operations. Captain Thacker and other leaders cited Maryland Attorney General guidance and said APD does not operate jointly with ICE; when federal warrants exist, the federal authorities execute them.
Why it matters: The report is meant to reassure neighborhoods that APD is deploying additional resources and coordinating with allied agencies after recent shootings, while also providing ward-level crime metrics that can inform resident expectations and partnership actions with property managers.
What was not decided: No new ordinances, funding or formal policy changes were enacted at the meeting. The department said it will continue to adjust deployments and follow up on requested community briefings on the summer crime plan.
Ending: APD leaders said they will continue monthly ward reporting, pursue partnerships with neighboring law-enforcement agencies and meet with property owners to address environmental-security issues; the department also plans public briefings on the summer crime plan.
