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Resident urges ordinance to curb repetitive police calls at properties
Summary
Elizabeth Wallace, a Ward 1 resident, urged the council to consider an 'excessive use of police services' ordinance that would charge property owners after repeated police responses, citing examples and noting other cities' approaches and exemptions.
During public comment, Elizabeth Wallace (Ward 1) proposed that Takoma Park consider an "excessive use of police services" ordinance to discourage property owners from allowing conditions that prompt repeated police responses. She described models used by other cities that impose fees after a threshold number of calls within a period and include notice and appeal processes while exempting victims of crime.
Wallace cited local examples (retail locations and lodging on New Hampshire Avenue) and said the intent is not to penalize accidental alarm triggers but to motivate property owners and businesses to address recurring problems that drain public-safety resources. She asked the council to weigh concerns about deterring legitimate calls for help against the need for metrics and a clear policy design.
Council did not take action during the meeting; the suggestion was recorded during public comment for council consideration.
